Let’s be honest—drinking on an empty stomach is like trying to ride a scooter with no brakes. You’ll get somewhere fast, but the crash will be memorable (and not in a good way). If you want to enjoy your evening, stay social, and avoid the dreaded hangover, the first step is simple: eat before you drink.

Why It’s a Big Deal

When you consume alcohol on an empty stomach, it bypasses your digestive system’s speed limits and zooms straight into your bloodstream. The result? A faster, stronger buzz that can leave you dizzy, nauseous, and dangerously intoxicated within a short time.

Food acts as a buffer, slowing alcohol absorption. Your liver—hardworking and underappreciated—gets more time to process the booze, which helps keep your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at manageable levels.

Best Foods to Eat Before Drinking

• Paneer tikka or grilled chicken: Protein-rich and filling
• Egg sandwiches: Quick and effective
• Dal-chawal or rajma-rice: A full meal that gives your stomach something solid
• Nuts and cheese: Healthy fats slow down alcohol absorption

Pair your pre-game meal with a tall glass of water—it hydrates you and prepares your body better than a dry throat and a prayer.

What NOT to Eat

• Spicy or greasy food: Can irritate your stomach when combined with alcohol
• Sugary items: Can cause sugar spikes and crashes
• Empty carbs: Chips might fill your hand, not your belly

Bonus Tip: Snack Through the Night

Eating before you drink is important, but munching mid-party is the real MVP. Fries, sliders, even popcorn—whatever you fancy—will help you pace your drinking and reduce the hangover impact.

Final Word

The next time you think about skipping dinner before a party, think again. Be the smart one in the group—the one who had a paneer wrap and still made it to breakfast the next day. Because drinking responsibly starts with chewing responsibly.