•   A high dose of vitamin C can guard against hangovers. Normally the body needs 60mg of vitamin C a day but you can temporarily up this dose by 1 gram a day.
   
• Eat roll mops for breakfast! The salty herrings bring the electrolytes back in balance and replenishe our bodies with lost minerals.

• Avoid dairy products – with the exception of yoghurt. Try a banana shake (bananas are great for hangovers) made with yoghurt. Reach for foods that don’t upset the stomach, such as toast, vegetables and salads.

• Drink ginger or peppermint tea which will help soothe your stomach.

• And last but not least – get plenty of rest!

With the hangover now at bay, it’s time to start living healthier and what better time to start than at the beginning of a new year.  Get your health back on track with these healthy tips:

Cut the coffee. As previously mentioned coffee is dehydrating so if you can’t go without limit yourself to one cup a day.

Take a break from the booze. After all that partying over Christmas and the New Year your body will need a break from alcohol. Allow your liver to recuperate and stick to soft drinks for at least a couple of weeks.

Say no to sugar and sweet things. Sugar is not only bad for us it also suppress the immune system (bad news in winter with so many germs flying around), so cut out sweets, cakes and biscuits and watch out for hidden sugar found in many breakfast cereals, pasta sauces, and ready made meals.

Hold back on the salt. As with sugar, too much salt is not good for us, try seasoning your food with herbs and spices instead.

Stay away from “bad” fats. Not all fats are bad for you. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those from olive oil, fish and nuts are good fats and are needed for body function and they also help starve off illnesses. Try to cut down on saturated fats which come from animal products.

Buy organic fruits and veggies when you can, as this will dramatically decrease your exposure to pesticides.

Look beyond your diet. Emotional stress is damaging; regular workouts, including those with a mind-body component, like yoga, can help. Walk to the shops and carry your shopping home, do a few hours of gardening, or go for a brisk country walk – you’ll be amazed how good you feel afterwards. Just remember to try and keep your body moving whenever you can. Whatever form of exercise you chose it will keep your body flexible and support your vitality, leaving you feeling a lot lighter and more positive during these dark, winter months!