My Hangover Cure

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...the completely unofficial, and only once tested remedy.

Disclaimer: This is not a normal practice and I don't advocate being in the situation to even NEED a hangover remedy. But, we're all human, and sometimes we wake up with a banging headache that is screaming at us for having one too many drinks.

I woke on on Saturday morning feeling like I took a freight train to the face. Between drinking strong drinks, dancing at a concert, and eating octopus at midnight (why?!?!), my body was pretty angry.

Step One: Go to Brunch. 

If you can handle it, and it's relatively close, WALK THERE. As painful as it is, the fresh air and sunlight will help you a lot. When you're there, order something delicious and filling. I encourage eggs, meat, and bread. I ordered Naan with chicken chorizo and two sunny side up eggs. ALSO, DRINK WATER WHILE YOU'RE THERE!

Step Two: Add Nutrients. Another thing to do at brunch, if possible. We decided to hit up Meli Cafe, where they have freshly juiced beverages. I had a delicious beverage with a ton of freshly juiced ingredients, like oranges, carrots, apples, and beets. If you can't get it at brunch, at least add some fruit or take a multi vitamin. ALSO, WATER!

Step Three: Take A Nap

Now that you've stuffed your face, it's time to fall into a fitful coma for 3 hours. Or as long as you need to sleep. I napped while my fiance watched sports (what sport? no idea. didn't care). I am a strong advocate of napping to golf, because it is by far the most boring sport to me, and I can always nap. Other good options are: Friends Season DVDs, Avatar, any movies that are long.

Step Four: Sweat

This is the hardest one for me. Now that you've eaten and rested, you may feel just a little bit better. No, you're not ready to conquer the world. But, you are ready to sweat a little. Get the rest of that booze out of your system. You will probably want to sleep instead, but trust me, it's worth it. DO NOT FORGET TO BRING A WATER BOTTLE!

If you're worried about balance, stick with a bike or elliptical (don't want you hurting yourself!). I, for one, was brave and hit the treadmill. I ran 4 miles, but it took me a full hour. I alternated between walking (4mph), walking on an incline (3,8mph, 5-9 incline), and a light jog (6mph). 

I know what you're thinking... how on earth will I get myself to work out when I feel like death? Well, the answer, my friends, is water and entertainment. I brought my iPad and started catching up on Revenge (awful show, still have to watch it for some reason) and drank a LOT of water.

Step Five: Get Pretty

Now that you've eaten, napped, and sweated (and PLEASE tell me you've been drinking water), it's time to put yourself back together. I had plans for a friend's birthday party that night, and we were meeting at Blow by Blow to get our hair done, so I showered (had to) and did my makeup, then got dressed. I donned a good old arm party and headed over to Blow by Blow. Before and After pics below... it obviously helped.

Step Six: Have A Drink

Notice I did not say "Get drunk" or "Drink a bottle of wine." Having one drink is fine, but over-doing it will put you in the same predicament you are finally easing out of. So, chill out, have one glass of wine, and don't get too excited about the alcohol. I'm a big fan of red wine when I'm not feeling so hot, because it keeps me warm and feels somehow nourishing (again, this only counts if you're only drinking a little bit!).

Step Seven: Eat Again

Eat again, and eat a lot. You're finally in the clear, for the most part. I was at Pump Room and ordered a Kale Salad (read: nourishment, vitamins), a salmon over rice pseudo-sushi (read: healthy fats, light carbs), and some fried polenta (read: carbs and cheese in my belly). 

Step Eight: Learn From Your Mistakes and Just Go To Bed
Don't go out. Don't go drink more. Just go to bed. I cannot even describe how amazing it felt to crawl into a nicely made bed and curl up, knowing that I could drift off into sleep.

Question:

• What's your hangover cure?

Working It Out, Eating It Up

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My workouts this week were awesome. My meals were not. 

Like, why did I buy a box of Banana Nut Cheerios to eat at my desk? (Cuz they're awesome. That's why.) I proceeded to shove the entire box into my mouth within two work days. #winning or #losing? #hardtotell

Also, Special K's Cracker Chips are not a joke. Self control, on the other hand, is a joke. That's why I've been living in Carb City this week. Naughty Naughty, Yummy Yummy.

Wednesday: 5.7 mile run, Abs
Thursday: Bodypump
Friday: TRX Class
Saturday: None (I cleaned my awfully messy room at my parents' house -- does that count?)
Sunday: 6 mile Walk/Run with fiance and the dog
Monday: 30 Minute Cardio Class, 20 Minute Stairmaster Sprint, Body By Science
Tuesday: Pilates
Wednesday: (Planned) 4 Mile Run, Abs

After I quite literally demolished a box of cheerios, I had some redeeming to do. Generally, I find that when I load up on carbs, I have some issues. I get super super extremely tired (read: CRANKY) and bloated. I'm also pretty sure that cheerios turn my brain into the brain of an insane person. No scientific proof on that, though. Either way, I needed to get some legitimate nutrients into my belly.

Redemption included a few things. I focused on veggies and lean protein, keeping things low in salt and sugar to avoid making my body any angrier than it was. For dinner, I did a chicken breast and some broccoli (That picture was taken once I was at least 2/3 done. Don't worry. There was more goodness). For breakfast, a fried egg with an entire pan full of broccoli and cauliflower sauteed in olive oil. And for lunch, a DELICIOUS salad of spinach, chicken, pecans, strawberries, and feta, with a homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic, honey, and minced garlic.

De-freakin-licious-yum. You know what? At the end of the day, those redemption meals were more satisfying than five million handfulls of cheerios. I promise.

P.S. We're going to New York tomorrow!

Questions:

• Do you have any carby weaknesses? What's your naughty bread and butter, so to speak? Mine is obviously banana nut cheerios and special k cracker chips. So freaking good.
• New York People... WHERE SHOULD WE GO WHEN WE ARE THERE? We're spending a little bit of time in Brooklyn but will mostly be in Manhattan. IDEAS?