By Kandra Zaw

The first cardinal rule of going out is to never drink on an empty stomach, unless you want to wake up regretting your life. “Carbs before a night out are a must”  is a series content creator Maddi (@cripanddip on TikTok) has started. As college students, the last thing we want to do is whip up a fancy five-course meal before going out. However, there are some quick and easy meals you can make so that you’re not passing out during the pregame. The following foods have been shown to support the immune system too and can reduce the effects of alcohol. Plus, the best part is there will be plenty of leftovers for the next morning or, if you’re anything like us, for when you come back home.

1. Buttered Noodles

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make our nights.  

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) package of pasta (any shape will do but a fun one and our personal favorite is campanelle) 
• 6 tablespoons of butter or margarine 
• Parmesan cheese as much as your heart desires 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions or until al dente
2. Strain and pour the pasta back into the pot and combine with the butter
3. Add as much Parmesan cheese as you want and salt and pepper to taste

2. Savory Oatmeal

Oatmeal has been considered to be a breakfast item but it makes for a good going out meal as it is loaded with vitamins and minerals. With this recipe it easily customizable and all up to you to add whatever toppings you would like

Ingredients: 

• Steel cut oatmeals
• Any toppings, below are some of our favorites: 
• Chili crunch oil
• Pesto
• Hard or soft boiled eggs
• Cheese
• Bacon bits
• Sliced avocado 
• Soy sauce
• Green onions

Directions: 

1. Cook oatmeal according to instructions
2. Add whatever toppings you would like

3. Salmon Rice Bowl

A well balanced meal loaded with protein and omega-3 fats so that you can drink away your night without worrying about the morning. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound salmon fillets
• 3 tablespoons of fresh dill
• 5 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons of Butter
• 3 tablespoons of minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of rice
• Cucumbers (optional) 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Place the salmon in a baking dish. Mix the butter with lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper and rub over the salmon. 
3. Bake the salmon for about 25 minutes or until the salmon easily flakes. 
4. Cook the rice according to instructions. 
5. Add any additional toppings you would like. 

4. Egg sandwich

A good sandwich can honestly cure almost anything and this one is sure to prevent a hangover. Eggs contain an acid that breaks down the chemicals that cause a hangover. 

Ingredients: 

• Three eggs
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo if available) 
• ¼ cup chopped apples
• ¼ cup green onions
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• Milk bread or any two slices of bread 
• Butter or baby gem lettuce

Directions: 

1. Hard-Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes. After that, transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to cool and make them easier to peel.
2. Once the eggs are cool, peel and chop them into small pieces. You can use an egg slicer for even-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl combine the eggs, mayonnaise, apples, green onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and sesame oil. Mix until well combined and everything is coated. 
4. Spread the egg mixture onto two slices of bread with lettuce. 

5. Chicken Rice Bowl

Like the salmon bowl this is also packed with protein and it is easily customizable! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup rice
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• Any toppings of your choice, some of our preferred toppings
  • Salsa 
  • Guacamole 
  • Garlic Aioli 
  • Some sort of roasted vegetable side (asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms) 
  • Chili crunch oil
  • Chimichurri 

Directions: 

1. Cook the rice according to instructions
2. In a small bowl combine the oil and spices
3. Rub the mixture onto the chicken
4. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
6. Assemble the bowl with the chicken and rice as your base and add any toppings you like 

Beat that hangover before it even starts by eating a proper meal the night before!