March 2, 2023Tyler Collins
It’s St. Patrick’s Day, which means it’s time to get together with friends, dress in green and, most importantly, celebrate Irish heritage. But while drinking beer and alcohol on
St. Patrick’s Day is a popular tradition, it can be easy to overindulge, especially if you don’t have the right strategy.
Luckily, there’s one trick that can help: eating food! Rather than only relying on your willpower, filling up your stomach will ensure you don’t accidentally drink more than you intended.
Here are some more details about why this strategy works and how you can put it into practice on your next St. Paddy’s Day celebration.
Why Eating Food Can Help You Drink Less
When you drink alcohol without eating enough food, your body absorbs it much faster and more intensely than when you pair drinks with food. This means consuming several alcoholic beverages in rapid succession can lead to feeling “drunk” much quicker since the alcohol isn’t being processed as quickly as it would normally be if you had eaten something first (or during) your drinking session.
Plus, having a full stomach tamps down cravings for more booze after your initial few drinks since you already feel satiated from the meal! That way, you won’t find yourself tempted to keep going just because an opportunity presents itself. You’ll likely feel satisfied with less alcohol overall compared to skipping out on snacks entirely while drinking.
Pairing the Right Foods With Your Drinks
Since not all foods are created equal when it comes to accompanying cocktails or beers, here are some suggestions for what type of treats should accompany your drinks.
Salt-heavy appetizers like chips and dip, pretzels and crackers help replace fluids lost due to diuretic effects of alcohol like dehydration.
Protein-rich foods such as nuts, hard cheeses and meats will make sure your body has enough energy throughout the night. They also help keep your blood sugar levels balanced so that buzz doesn’t hit too hard or too fast.
Heavy bread items like sandwiches or pizzas are great for soaking up any extra liquid still left in your stomach after drinking. If possible, opt for whole grain versions as these contain complex carbohydrates that can slow absorption even further!
Making the Most Out Of Snacks While Celebrating On St. Paddy’s Day
Snacks aren’t just necessary for keeping intoxication levels low, they’re also a great way to stay energized and enjoy the festivities even longer!
If you plan ahead, you can buy non-perishable foods like chips and salsa before heading out for a night of drinking. Or, make them at home beforehand. This will give you an automatic buffer between rounds of shots without having to hunt around for something edible once everyone’s already starting their second pint or fourth shot.
Snacking throughout an evening keeps energy levels high so that conversations don’t dwindle away just because one person had too much beer before dinner was served!
Lastly, don’t forget that not all snacks need to come from the store. Homemade options like guacamole made fresh at home can serve just as well. And who doesn’t love freshly made guac? Plus, nibbling away at such yummy treats will add an element of fun and fuel conversation well into the wee hours of morning while distilling off those unwanted hangovers too!
Bonus Tips
In addition to eating food while you drink on St. Patrick’s Day, there are a few other golden rules that come with drinking:
- Don’t mix different types of alcohol. This will make it hard to keep track of how much you’ve had and can lead to increased intoxication levels.
- Don’t drive after having even a few drinks. Always play it safe and get a ride or take public transportation instead.
- If you’re in recovery, opt for non-alcoholic beers or cocktails with your friends so that everyone can still have fun together without overindulging in the booze.
Drink Responsibly on St. Patrick’s Day
Drinking responsibly isn’t always easy but by combining food with beverages wisely. With both homemade snacks and store bought ones, avoiding drunkenness on Saint Patrick’s Day becomes significantly easier. Keep these tips in mind next time you raise a glass in honor of Ireland’s patron saint.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Lighthouse Treatment Center. Our alcohol addiction treatment programs can give you the support and resources you need to get back on track.
