What’s better than hitting up your favorite brunch spot with friends on the weekend? Good company, good food, no work… it’s the perfect weekend activity.
However, for those trying to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle, brunch can be a pitfall of unhealthy food options. With carb and fat-loaded baked goods and bottomless mimosas, weekend brunch splurges can be a nasty habit to fall into if you’re trying to reach your health and fitness goals.
But brunch can be healthy, just watch out for these dos and don’ts.
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Work Out Before Brunch
If you’re going to indulge in a carb-heavy brunch, a great time to do it is post-workout when your body needs the nutrients.
Hit the gym with some intense intervals or weightlifting an hour or two before your brunch. Your body will thank you!Â
Before heading to a big brunch with friends, drink a light protein shake with at least 20 grams of protein. Since protein takes longer to digest, you’ll have less trouble with self-control once the baked goods and sweats start making their way around the table.
Consider your protein shake as insurance against overeating.Â
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Limit The Alcohol
If you’re going to indulge and drink alcohol at brunch, remember that alcohol can inhibit your willpower to eat healthy. This can spell danger once you see those sugar filled pancakes and waffles on the menu. Try nursing one beverage for the entire meal.Â
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Avoid The Mimosas And Drink Champagne
Since when does a health article tell you to drink champagne? If you’re friends are all going for the bottomless mimosas and you want to join, skip the orange juice and drink champagne.
Orange juice can be packed with sugar, and most restaurants use store bought OJ.Â
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Eat A Veggie Omelette
As mentioned before, protein will help you feel full faster and longer, so opt for a protein packed omelette or scramble loaded with vegetables.
And stick with egg yolks because they are filled with nutrients like B vitamins, choline, vitamin A and vitamin D.
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Avoid The Potatoes
Most restaurant brunch options include white potatoes smothered in butter/oil and salt, like home fries or hash browns. If it’s an option, go for sweet potatoes. Otherwise try to stick to the proteins, greens and fruits.Â
