We’ve all been there. You meet some friends for a cocktail after work with the intention to have one drink and than go home to cook a healthy dinner. But one turns into a few, and because alcohol stimulates the appetite; you end up giving into temptation and ordering some not-so-healthy pub grub off the menu. You wake up the next morning feeling sluggish & foggy. Sound familiar? If you’re feeling a little hungover make sure you get some Vitamin B1!
B1 is best known for aiding in alcohol metabolism & digestion, and it also helps to relieve constipation & tones the intestinal muscles. So if you can relate to the happy hour scenario make sure you compensate with some extra B1. Also, alcohol actually decreases vitamin absorption so it’s even more important that you get enough B1.
Where can you get some extra B1? Good food sources of B1 are whole, unprocessed foods such as: wheat germ, spinach, cauliflower, nuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, beans, pecans and pine nuts. Avocado and pork are especially high in B1.
If you don’t feel like munching on cauliflower the next morning, try incorporating some B1 rich avocado into your breakfast smoothie. I know, it sounds a little suspect, but give this recipe a try and you’ll see what I mean! It’s creamy, delicious and full of vitamins & minerals.
Vitamin-Rich (Hangover Cure) Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients:
2 tbsp of wheat germ (loaded with lots of B vitamins!)
1 ripe banana (good source of potassium)
1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter (another good source of B1)
1/2 an avocado
1-2 cups unsweetened almond milk
2-3 dates (optional)
Method:
Blend all together, put in the freezer for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Note: even though avocado is really good for you, it is considered a healthy fat, and ½ of a small avocado is about 80 calories.
Total calories in smoothie: approximately 300
Avocado is one of my favourite foods and is more versatile than you think. Guacamole is delicious, but there are other healthier ways to eat avocado that don’t require chips. The other day I had a piece of whole grain toast with a ¼ of a chopped avocado and S & P – simple, but so good. You can also use it as a topper for chili or tomato-based pasta – just chop a ¼ of an avocado, put it on top of hot chilli, and add some salt & pepper…delish. Stayed tuned for vitamin B2 or Riboflavin!
Do you also love avocado? Do you have any unique, delicious ways to incorporate avocado into your diet?
[…] a great accompaniment to eggs & salmon, a yummy topping for chilli & stew, an ingredient in smoothies, salads & desserts, and when seasoned with a bit of salt and pepper; a simple side-dish for any […]