Melbourne Cup day is the traditional kick off to the party season.

It’s also the day where most people attending a Cup Day celebration, either on the track or off, tend to binge drink.

How to best navigate the dangers of partying on this most famous of days:

Point 1: HOW MUCH ALCOHOL SHOULD WE DRINK?

10 units per week

1 unit = 100ml wine/champagne or 1 middy of beer or a 30ml nip of sprit.

On a day like Melbourne Cup, it’s not unusual to drink an entire bottle of wine or champagne over the course of a day. There are 10 UNITS of alcohol in a bottle of wine. Many people drink MORE than a bottle of wine.

Point 2: WHAT CAN WE DO TO GIVE THE BEST CHANCE OF KEEPING OURSELVES IN CHECK?

Well the first step is to EAT BEFORE going out to your Melbourne Cup  lunch.

Eat a snack high in protein as it slows the release of alcohol and satisfies the hunger (nuts, tin of tuna, hummus and crackers, yoghurt, protein shake)

Be hydrated as it helps to alkalise the body and alcohol you will consume.

(QUESTION – what is ALKALISING THE BODY AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?)

Point 3: EATING DURING THE FUNCTION.

Slow releasing low GI carbohydrates will help to keep you full but will also keep your blood sugar levels balanced will stop the sugar cravings (rice balls, crackers and dips, sushi)

Tip – for every alcoholic drink have a water or side line bitters or juice. A wine spritzer, a champagne with orange juice, a nip of spirits in a very tall glass with soda water – are all ways that will help keep your alcohol consumption in check.

Point 4: WHAT TO DO AFTER THE MELBOURNE CUP?

Eat foods high in good fats as they will give back what the body has lost. When alcohol is in the system your body will absorbs fats less efficiently.

A great idea is to have cheese on toast with avocado and tomato.

Or a boiled egg on toast.

DO NOT GO HOME VIA THE KEBAB SHOP – DO NOT STOP AT YOUR LOCAL FAST FOOD SHOP!