Surviving the Christmas Night Out

This Saturday is the CORE Kids staff night out. Belfast is calling us for a night of watching the Giants, food and the odd mulled wine of course.

We are really looking forward to this as a group, just meeting up and enjoying ourselves. Some people may throw caution to the wind on a night out, with the ‘go hard or go home’ mentality. But throughout the years I’ve taken a different approach. Yes, enjoy a few drinks but I also know when my body is happy enough and have the discipline to stop and also say no to shots!

By the way who even enjoys a shot?

PRECHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT

Green tea: Before you hit the town take a cup of green tea. Alcohol intake results in the production of damaging free radicals that can overwhelm the liver’s supply of antioxidants, resulting in liver injury.

Green tea is filled with antioxidants and it has been shown to combat oxidative stress and lower chronic inflammation, which is one of the main side effects of alcohol. Keep well hydrated: As well as the green tea having a positive effect on your liver it also helps hydrate you.

If you know you are going out make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Alcohol will dehydrate the body and if you start drinking while you are not fully hydrated then you are putting your body under massive pressure to function.

Fast but relax on the feast: I fast on daily basis, and one thing I have learnt is not to reward my fast with a big feed. If you are having some food and drinks remember to leave room for the drinks which are also full of calories that need to be processed and broken-down.

Pre-drink or not to pre-drink? Before you head out you might want to have a few beers or a glass of wine. Try to hold back because I’m sure you will get more than your fair share when you meet up with your work colleagues and friends. If you do, then make sure you have a pint of water just before you leave as this helps the body rehydrate, if only for a few minutes.

DURING THE CELEBRATIONS

Starter: I do enjoy a starter but you can be smart in what you pick and still really enjoy it! Soup is always a safe option. When you see deep fried, crispy or marinated on the menu alarm bells should be ringing. Also ask around if anyone is willing to share the starter.

Main: Turkey and ham is always a classic and can be a healthier choice until we add everything with it. At this stage it’s also the amount of food we consume. We think because we have paid for it -or even better when someone else has – we need to go crazy and eat everything in sight. One or two small spoonfuls of potatoes are more than enough, chips are always going to be an extra and not a necessity.

Dessert: At this stage of the night I bet many of us say ‘I couldn’t eat another bite’ followed by ‘give us a look at that dessert menu’! If this is the case don’t be afraid to break the mould and be happy with the food you have already consumed. If you do want something from the dessert menu ask for two spoons and share with someone.

Drinks: We all know that alcohol has a negative effect on how our body functions, that’s both during and after consumption. Added calories is not the only problem, alcohol affects metabolism, which is the body’s ability to burn energy (carbs, protein & fat) to help maintain it. Your body can’t convert the calories from alcohol to fat, meaning it needs to use them up, and will delay all other fat burning and energy use until the alcohol has been processed.

I’m not saying don’t drink but just read over that section again just to help you realise what the alcohol does to your body.

POST DINNER

The Chippy: Even just having a portion of chips will rack up 950 calories and if you have a kebab as well add on another 1,000 calories! Oh well, ‘we’ll worry about it in the morning’ I hear you say.

HYDRATE THAT NIGHT AND NEXT DAY

After the fun is over it’s all about the recovery!

Make sure you start straight after you stop drinking and partying. Take a hydration tablet or simply water with a pinch of salt. Hydration tablets are full of essential electrolytes that the body will be craving.

Make sure you continue to drink water the next day and try to stay clear of the fizzy drinks, they might help you short term but after the sugar rush wears off you might be in an even worse place!!!

GET ACTIVE

This might be the last thing on people’s minds but research suggests that the benefits of exercising after a night out can have a positive effect on your body and mind. My advice would be to do some form of activity that is fun and simple, don’t complicate things. All movement is good.

These are only suggestions and not meant to dampen your night out. Just take it on board and if it becomes too forceful just step back and enjoy your night. Laugh, joke, dance and connect with people. Sure that’s what it’s all about.