Healthy Brunch Options for a Nutritious Start at Brunch Cafe

When you think of brunch, what comes to mind? Chances are good it’s a thick stack of pancakes drenched in syrup, maybe with a side of greasy fried eggs. Maybe it’s a stacked Bloody Mary? Those are great choices, but they’re not the healthiest options out there. Thankfully, there’s a way to enjoy a delicious bruch and still get the nutrition that you need.

Start with Something Green

It sounds counterintuitive at a brunch table, but starting with a salad or a vegetable-forward dish slows you down and gives your appetite a chance to calibrate before the heavier options arrive. Brunch Cafe’s menu includes salads that work as a first course, so use them that way.

Add in Some Soup

Homemade soup is one of the most underrated options in a healthy brunch strategy. It’s warm, filling, and tends to be lower in the things you’re trying to limit (think calories, fat, and refined sugar) while still giving you real satisfaction. A cup of soup alongside a lighter entrée is a great option.

Think about Protein First

Eggs are almost omnipresent in brunch for a good reason. They’re high in protein, rich in B vitamins, and satisfying enough that you’re not reaching for something else an hour later.

Be Choosy with Your Sides

This is where most brunch plates go off the rails in terms of nutrition. The entrée is reasonable, but the sides add up. You don’t have to skip them, but it’s worth being deliberate. Fresh fruit over fried potatoes, for instance, is an easy swap.

Watch the Drink Column

Brunch drinks are festive, and there’s nothing wrong with a mimosa or a Bloody Mary when that’s what the morning calls for. However, if you’re genuinely trying to keep things on the lighter side, water or a fresh juice is the smarter choice. The Bloody Mary at Brunch Cafe is a meal in itself, which is either an argument for it or against it, depending on what you’re after.

Don’t Confuse Healthy with Small

Eating well at brunch doesn’t mean eating less. It means eating healthy things rather than things that just fill you up. A plate with good protein, fresh vegetables, and a reasonable pour of something you enjoy isn’t a compromise.

Order with the Afternoon in Mind

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself before ordering is how you want to feel in three hours. Energized? Relaxed? Either answer is fine. The point is to order with some awareness of what you actually want from the meal.

Brunch Cafe’s menu has the range to support whatever version of brunch you’re after. Find your nearest location and come ready to eat well.