Why Brunch May Be the Healthiest After-Church Meal

There’s nothing quite like a weekend brunch to unwind after church. A late-morning feast nourishes your body and soul. Discover the benefits of eating brunch after church and tips to help unlock your best brunch experience.

What is Brunch?

It’s a portmanteau referring to the combination of breakfast and lunch. British writer Guy Beringer coined this term in the late 1800s before it made its way to big American cities like New York and Chicago. The meal gives more leniency for people to stay up late on Friday and Saturday nights. According to a report from Square, Saturday brunch is the most lucrative period in restaurants, replacing Friday lunchtimes.

What makes brunch unique is the breadth of options to choose from. The meal centers around a full American or English breakfast, with meats like bacon, ham, sausage and salmon paired with pancakes, bagels, waffles or French toast. Every plate usually has an egg, whether poached or scrambled. Healthy brunch options also incorporate fruits and vegetables to provide proper nutrients.

Typical morning drinks like coffee, hot chocolate and juice are brunch staples. What makes it different from traditional breakfast is the variety of cocktails you can enjoy to treat yourself. Brunch favorites include mimosa, Bloody Mary, sangria and bellini.

The Benefits of Eating Brunch

While breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, there is something about brunch that will make you want to celebrate it during weekends. Here are some reasons you should schedule brunch alone or with your friends on the weekend.

It Can Be Healthier

Around 32% of people indulge in fast food because it is cheap. Spend your weekends nourishing your body with essential nutrients. Compared to breakfast, brunch offers more menu options. When you visit a restaurant, you’ll be surprised to see various egg and vegetable-based options, which are more nutritious than common breakfast foods like sugary cereals and processed meats. 

For instance, healthy brunch options quinoa bowls offer a significant source of fiber, which aids digestion and energy production throughout the day. Protein options like lean meats or plant-based alternatives can support muscle growth and promote satiation. 

It’s the perfect time for people who don’t have enough time to prepare a nutritious meal in the early morning. Equipped with more preparation time, you can mix and match healthy brunch choices to create your plate. 

It Provides More “Me-Time” in The Morning

Brunch provides a great excuse to carve out time for extra hours of sleep. Only one-third of Americans get by on less than six hours of sleep every night, risking their health. Adults require seven to eight hours of sleep daily for optimal health and performance. The weekends are ideal for catching up on sleep deprivation by skipping the early morning alarm.

You can also reserve your early mornings for the gym or go for a meditation walk. While weekends are the perfect time to relax, you don’t have to spend the entire day on your couch or bed. Make time for what matters most, and reward yourself with a lovely brunch. Restaurants usually start their brunch anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., leaving you plenty of time in the morning for your me-time activities.

It’s a Form of Relaxation

Working for at least 40 hours weekly can be draining. One of the perks of brunch is that it helps you recharge and treat your body right after giving your best at work. Sleeping and staying in bed helps, but going outdoors to enjoy a different environment is invigorating. This is especially true for remote workers who spend most of their time at home. Go out and dine in at your favorite restaurant—maybe bring a book and catch up on some reading, too.

It Promotes Socialization 

If you spend most of your weekdays at work and home, you can dedicate your weekends to family and friends. One of the advantages of eating brunch is you get time to catch up with your loved ones over healthy meals. The late-morning period allows you to spend quality time, enjoy a few mimosas and discuss life without getting distracted by loud music usually present during dinnertime.

Tips for a Perfect Brunch

Discover the strategies to make the most out of your weekend brunch.

Consider a Brunch Party After Church

Host a late-morning party at home after church to make your weekend more enjoyable. Invite your family or friends over healthy brunch options, such as salads, rice bowls, porridge and pastries. 

Avoid Leaving on an Empty Stomach

When heading out, remember to eat snacks like granola bars to help curb hunger while waiting for your meal, especially when you’re drinking cocktails.

Do It Frequently

Remember to still make time for healthy breakfast meals on weekends. When you skip breakfast frequently, you may miss out on essential nutrients, such as folate, calcium, iron and vitamins A, B, C and D. Limit your brunch feasts to a few times a month so you can still enjoy the beauty of preparing a breakfast meal.

Unwind and Dine

Celebrate a happy, healthy weekend with your favorite brunch meal. Reserve a table today and choose a restaurant that provides ultimate relaxation. Remember to invite some of your friends and family for a more enjoyable experience.