What most naturally follows?

How to lessen the effects of alcohol
Eat first.
When you consume alcohol it sits in your stomach while it waits to be processed. If you don't have food in there, the alcohol will process faster and at one time.
If you have food in your belly, the alcohol will enter your system more slowly and at a varied pace thus lessening the effects of alcohol immediately. This is especially important if you know you will be drinking for a sustained period, like a bar crawl.