What’s synonymous with this famous Mexican celebration? Drinking & eating! Ok, so how to you have burro sized fun while beating the battle of the bulge (as well as a muy grande hangover?) Try some of these tips this Cinco de Mayo and you’ll be a-ok on el Seis de Mayo!
- Opt for baked instead of fried tortilla chips
- If you’re looking for crunch but not the calories, chop cold, fresh cucumbers into chip sized bites and use them for dipping into guac, salsa and more! You can also use celery as the stalks are great for scooping!
- Skip the refried beans and go for super flavorful, herb and spice laced boiled or baked beans.
- Stock up on Food For Lovers Vegan Queso!!
- Drink water before drinking as well as in between drinks to keep hydrated and coherent!
- Nix the gross, processed, sugary margarita mix and opt for Stirrings all natural margarita mix! Or make your own:
1.5 oz Organic Tequila
2 teaspoons Agave Nectar
1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
Mix contents, swirl or stir to dissolve Agave nectar, add enough ice to fill your preferred margarita glass, shake and serve. Garnish with lime wheel or wedge, salt glass rim.
- Make home made guacamole, salsa and other Mexican goodies from fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients. Try my South of the Border Vegan 7 Layer Dip!
- If you are more of a beer drinker than a margarita person, be sure to drink organic, locally sourced beers. They are much healthier, eco friendly and a lot of times, taste way better!
- If you’re going to beat up a poor pinata, make one out of recycled mateirals at home and make sure to recycle it after he’s been beat to a papery pulp! Also, fill him with healthy, eco, vegan and /or organic candies and goodies!
No matter how you celebrate, make it eco, make it healthy and make it fun and always party responsibly!
What to do before your tequila binge:
- Cinco de Mayo morning, start off with a healthy glass of fresh presses green juice or at least a glass by Odwalla, Naked, Trader Joe’s or Bolthouse Farms. You will get a few of your daily servings of hearty veggies in one glass as well as boost your immune system for later, not so healthy action ; )
- Walk or ride your bike to your local Irish pub to save up some calories, gas and the environment as well as to help save lives after to much Mexican fun ; )
- Drinking plenty of water before going out to drink as well as drinking an occasional glass of plain water during the time that you are consuming alcohol. Be sure drink a full glass of water just before going to sleep that night.
- Have a dinner of starchy foods such as corn tortillas, pasta or potatoes. Starchy foods slow down the alcohol absorption.
- Drink slowly (nurse your drinks). Less alcohol consumption equals less chance for a hangover.
Things that can help you if you do overdo it are:
- Taking vitamin c as it will help to breakdown the alcohol faster in your body.
- As soon as you wake in the morning drink another full glass of water.
- Also, taking vitamin B complex capsules you will lessen the time that your hangover will last.
- You can make a hangover tea by crushing 5 to 6 thyme leaves and place them in a cup. Fill the cup with water and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and drink the remaining liquid.
- Placing a cold pack to the forehead will give immediate relief from a headache.
- Consuming alcohol puts toxins into your body. You can help to drain these toxins from your body by taking a hot bath in the morning. When you drain the toxins you will experience less symptoms.
- Eat a banana for breakfast the morning after you have been drinking.
- Have a nice cup of Milk Thistle Tea with your meal as it will aid in your liver’s ability to process alcohol better ; )
For the morning after, to replace electrolytes & rehydrate, make this homemade gatorade:
- 2 quarts filtered water
- 1/2 cup Orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
