Unfortunately, one of the most common after effects of New Year’s eve (often times overshadowing that optimistic, post-resolution glow) is a hangover of epic proportions. No matter how religiously we adhere to the water to alcohol ratio at the start of the night, by drink 4, it’s all out the window, and we inevitably wake up on the 1st with a pounding headache and a craving for just about anything fried. But fear not, my beautiful revelers! There are several tried and true methods to avoid this wretched fate, and start the new year bright eyed and bushy tailed. Read on!

• Kombucha: Drink a bottle before going to bed (and another if you’re still feeling a little queasy in the morning). Both the fermentation and all the amazing probiotics cure any stomach upset, and perhaps due to the minuscule amount of alcohol in kombucha, there is a also a great hair-of-the-dog effect!

• Pickle juice: Chasing drinks with something pickled is an eastern European tradition that is not only yummy, but also super effective at preventing hangovers (just ask anyone in my Russian family!). The fermentation, high electrolyte content and salt act together to rehydrate you.  If you can, down a few big gulps of liquid from any good quality pickle after you’ve had your last drink.

• Coconut water: This is a great trick for both the night of alcohol-drenched revelry and the morning after. The electrolytes and potassium in coconut water replenish what the alcohol leached from your system wayyyy better than plain water, and without the harmful additives and chemicals found in drinks like Gatorade.

• Banana Hangover Smoothie: I know it’s tempting to coat your tender hangover tummy with cheesy bacon fries, but considering the beating your body went through from all that alcohol, going the traditional hangover food route is like adding insult to injury. Instead, make yourself a smoothie from a banana, a handful of blueberries, a few leaves of kale, about a cup of almond milk, and some agave to taste. This concoction replenishes lost electrolytes, potassium, vitamins, sugars, and digestive enzymes, and definitely does more for your body than a fried egg and cheese sandwich!

• Omega-3’s: A super potent anti-inflammatory, omega-3’s combat some hangover symptoms that appear externally as well as internally.  Red, dry, blotchy skin, puffy eyes… all those “what did you do last night” signs that you’re better off avoiding.  Take some before bed as well as in the morning!