By Caroline Jacobson

You should never skip breakfast—unless of course it’s for brunch—then you should definitely skip it. Come Saturday morning, brunch takes over breakfast by stealing the “break” and dropping the “fast.” Brunch has bountiful benefits, but these are our favorites:

• Satisfy the hangry side.

As your first meal of the day, brunch is the weekend version of breakfast. That starting meal gives you brainpower, energy and can help you maintain a healthy weight. Though brunch can be a calorie fest, there are plenty of ways to pack on nutrition instead of pounds. 71% of adults are trying to eat healthier at restaurants , compared to 2 years ago. Restaurants are pleasing patrons by offering a wide variety of nutritious menu options. Seek out selections containing lean proteins, low-fat dairy and fiber-rich fruits and veggies. Use this guide to help you choose tooth and tummy pleasing plates, or host your own healthy brunch.

• Sleep now, eat later.

If you (and hopefully your kids) sleep-in on weekends, you may miss the stereotypical “most important meal of the day.” Keep calm and snooze on, because your mind, body and smile need it. Next to smoking, “lack of sleep” is the leading lifestyle factor contributing to periodontal disease. And after a good night’s sleep, you’re more likely to make healthy food choices.

• Sun’s out, workout.

Why drive when you can walk to and from your midday meal? Walking before and after meals stimulates your metabolism and promotes weight loss. And the sun’s rays can make your smile shine, thanks to vitamin D. Vitamin D is a hormone that helps absorb calcium and phosphorus— 2 minerals crucial for bone and teeth health.

• Take time to socialize.

Eating Greek yogurt on the couch doesn’t get us as giddy as meeting our best friends for brunch. Social interaction keeps your brain active (especially when you discuss the latest Scandal episode). Bonus: People who expand their social circle as they age have higher IQs and live longer than those with minimal social interactions.

Brunch the right way and make each outing a treat for teeth, body and mind.