You plan to have a night out with friends. You'd love to a have a few cocktails* but don't want to get drunk and lose control. How can you avoid this? Have a bite to eat before leaving home:

A full stomach helps delay the body's absorption of alcohol, dampening its mood-altering effects. Plus, because there is nothing like a cocktail (or two) to loosen your diet resolve, eating beforehand may make it easier to pass up greasy, salty, high-calorie bar munchies, too. Fat slows alcohol absorption the most, so aim for a balanced serving of healthy fat, good carbohydrates and lean protein, such as turkey or chicken on whole-wheat bread with a slice of avocado and reduced-fat mayo; a half cup of lowfat cottage cheese topped with fruit and a handful of almond slivers; 3 or 4 tablespoons of hummus and crudités; or an apple with 2 tbsp peanut or almond butter. And be sure to drink plenty of water in addition to your cocktails because dehydration intensifies alcohol's effects.

Source: Self Magazine

*Kurama Magazine does not encourage underage drinking.