14/01/2026
Let us talk about ‘brunch’…
Healthy does not mean low calorie and low calorie does not mean unhealthy. It is all subjective to the goal.
Avocado toast, fancy oils and ‘clean’ add ons can be just as calorie dense as what we class as ‘fast junk food’.
It is easy to think because food is freshly cooked and has ‘healthy’ ingredients such as avocado, eggs and sourdough that the calories would not be high. BUT this is not always the case and if your goal is weight loss then this is something to definitely be aware of.
As you can see, a lot of the take away options that would typically be classed as ‘unhealthy’ are lower in calories overall with not much difference in protein levels. It is usually fats that add more calories to brunches.
If you were going out for brunch, here are some easy wins/ swaps that can help with overall calories without restriction.
- Ask for hollandaise (or sauce) on the side - then you can choose how much you put on and you will probably find you don’t have as much.
- Ask for 1 hash brown instead of 2 and ask for an additional poached egg (less cals, more protein)
- Don’t feel obliged to eat ALL of the avocado if it is stacked up and piled on, this adds a lot of calories…
- Ask for no butter on bread, it’s an easy 100 cals gone that you don’t actually taste.
- Ask for no oil to be added as dressing - this again can often add another 100 cals.
- Another way to help balance your overall calorie intake the day is prioritise protein more before or after this meal, that way you add volume and increase your protein intake. Avoid more fats in the day, this again will add calories without you even realising.
There is no good food and bad food, there is more calorie dense food without good quality and then there is less processed food.
It sometimes depends on your goals as to which you pick and when and where. If weight loss if your goal, overall calorie intake has always got to be the main factor. You are always trying to get more value for what you eat and your nutrition.
#1:1coaching