Nightlife: Snack right, snack healthy

If you are going to snack late at night, you might as well do it right. After being out and about, possibly drinking some alcohol, socializing with friends and walking around, you may work up an appetite.

Although you may be tempted to indulge in some Jeff’s Pizza or a Super Dog, you could spare yourself a little money and go for a few healthier options that will prevent that hangover before it even happens.

First and foremost, water is the best option after a night out. It really is the most important thing for your body.

Before tending to those hunger pains, drink some water or a noncarbonated, non-caffeinated sports drink to rehydrate your body.

The sports drinks will give you electrolytes and replenish your sodium levels. Since alcohol is a diuretic, you will end up depleting your body’s potassium and magnesium levels. Sports drinks, along with bananas, work great to bring these levels back up in order to fight the negative effects of alcohol.

Fruits and fiber-filled foods are great options for an end-of-the-night snack.

The fruits will provide your body with vitamins B and C, helping to combat any nutrient loss.

When drinking and burning off those calories on the dance floor, it’s important to repair your worn out body with amino acids to keep up your stamina.

You will find amino acids in proteins such as nuts, cheese and eggs. Since yeast doesn’t mix well with alcohol, it’s a good idea to not overindulge in the carbohydrates as a late night treat.

Some healthy and satisfying combinations are trail mix, an apple or banana with peanut butter, a few crackers and cheese or — if you’re able to run a stove — scrambled eggs.

Going out on the weekends is a privilege and something a lot of people do on a regular basis, but it’s important to not lose track of your health.

Just by keeping in mind what your body needs after a night of alcohol, you will wake up feeling great and ready to start a new day.