Feast, fun & the morning after.

The festive season is finally here, bringing celebration, unforgettable memories, and maybe, more bubbles than usual. Late nights, indulgent feasts, and celebratory drinks can sometimes leave us feeling less than our usual selves the morning after. But guess what? We are not here to rain on the parade.

While you have likely heard the usual suspects like 'stay hydrated' and 'load up on antioxidants', this post aims to divulge some more unique, post-celebration champions.

Artichokes for Liver Support

The liver plays a pivotal role in detoxifying the body, breaking down the alcohol and other toxins from your festivities. Artichokes contain a compound called cynarin, which not only supports liver function but also promotes bile production, aiding in digestion and detoxification.

Beets for Blood Cleansing

Beets are a nutritional powerhouse and offer remarkable benefits when it comes to detoxification. Their rich red colour is a sign of their high antioxidant content, particularly betaines and nitrates. These help to detoxify the blood, which is essential when the body is dealing with the aftermath of alcohol consumption. In addition, beets are a good source of fibre, which supports digestive health.

Turmeric for Anti-Inflammatory Aid

Turmeric, with its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can be a game-changer in your battle against hangovers. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, helps reduce inflammation in your gut and throughout your body. This can ease the discomfort associated with hangovers and promote quicker recovery. Pair turmeric with a sprinkle of black pepper to boost its absorption and effectiveness.

Avocado for Potassium Replenishment

Avocado is a fantastic source of potassium, a mineral often depleted after drinking alcohol. Potassium helps to balance the body's electrolytes, making it an essential nutrient for overall well-being and muscle function. Consuming avocados can help rehydrate and recover more efficiently.

Watercress to Activate your Body’s Natural Detox Enzyme 

Watercress is an under-appreciated heroic ingredient that can activate digestive enzymes, which play a crucial role in breaking down and eliminating toxins. Adding watercress to your salads or sandwiches can give your body's detox processes a significant boost.

Citrus Fruits for Vitamin C

While vitamin C is not a novel idea, its importance should not be underestimated. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, which aids the body in processing and eliminating toxins more efficiently. Don’t stop with citrus fruit and get your broccoli and bell peppers in to get your vitamin C fix.

Eggs & Lean Protein

After a night of drinking, your body may be craving protein. Eggs and lean proteins like chicken or turkey are excellent choices, or you can opt for plant protein options and choose tempeh, tofu, peas and pulses. They contain amino acids that support the liver's detoxification processes, aiding in the breakdown and elimination of toxins, including those generated from alcohol metabolism. Additionally, lean protein can help stabilise blood sugar levels, which tend to fluctuate during a hangover. 

Some example recovery meals:

• Recovery juice with beetroot, orange, turmeric and flaxseeds
• Egg and avocado toast with a base of watercress and toasted pumpkin seeds as garnish (or swap eggs for smashed peas and chickpeas for a plant-based version)
• Artichoke and beetroot salad with watercress, mixed toasted nuts, avocado and grilled chicken or grilled tofu

With these gut-healing foods in your fridge, conquering the post-festive hangover can be a more manageable and enjoyable journey. And, if you're still after some more support post-festive season, explore our meal path options.