Ordering Smart at Starbucks
You’re standing in the long line, patiently waiting your turn, watching the green-aproned employees efficiently take orders and create caffeinated masterpieces.
You spot the sugary treats behind the glass and turn away, knowing you don’t need any of that today. You already had a treat earlier in the day, and all the extras just aren't going to help you reach your goals.
It’s finally your turn. You step up to the counter and confidently order your Venti Caramel Macchiato without batting an eye.
Does that scenario sound familiar?
It seems obvious to skip the pastries, but do you know what’s in that tasty coffee?
Let’s talk about it.
Maybe you have your favorite coffee drink in the morning or as a 3pm treat at work. Or both? Unfortunately, some of the yummiest ones have 300+ calories and a boatload of sugar and fat, (like these cold brew coffee floats).
There’s nothing wrong with having this from time to time but these treats do add up.
I always encourage my clients to think about it this way:
If you are working so hard to meet a goal, why would you negate it in 3 minutes with some drink?!
Working towards a health goal isn’t easy! You wake up early to hit the gym or push yourself after work. You stick to your routine on the weekends. Some people hate working out, so it requires a lot of effort! You don’t want to squash all of that with a twice-a-day coffee drink.
Liquid calories count!
You need a healthier alternative the next time you want to pick up an Iced White Chocolate Mocha from Starbucks. It can be done!
Here are some ways to enjoy your coffee without sacrificing your goals:
Get the smallest size
Choose skim milk instead of whole milk, or even two percent.
Ask them how many flavor pumps comes in your normal drink and cut it in half. If they say 6 pumps - ask for 2 or 3.
Choose the sugar free pumps.
Add protein to your coffee! Either blend it in or froth it in with a frother - my fave!
Add spices to your coffee, like cinnamon, for a ton of flavor.
Add extracts to your coffee, like vanilla, pumpkin or almond more flavor.
Use almond or coconut milk - my favorite is the unsweetened coconut-flavor almond milk.
Use cream. Yes, you heard me… USE THE CREAM! But measure it out yourself so you are actually just using one serving! I truly enjoy the flavor of cream in my coffee and sometimes will use the 2 tbsp. This absolutely can be worked into macros!
The same goes for sugar - measure it and make it a portion!
Add some unsweetened cocoa.
Try stevia. I personally do not like the flavor, but many people do.
Dare I say use sweet n low? Many people advise against this but I believe it’s just fine to use in moderation. I will share that story with you all another time. ;)
For the Starbucks lover in you, keep on reading for some healthier options!
You CAN enjoy your favorite coffee drinks without sacrificing your health goals.
You just need to refine your ordering strategy.
Here are some amazing, delicious options to keep your diet on track while still enjoying a tasty treat:
8 Healthy Drinks on the Starbucks Menu:
Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher - C25 F0 P0
Iced Skinny Mocha - C25 F2.5 P14
Iced Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte - C11 F0 P11
Sugar Free Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew - C23 F11 P2
Blonde Vanilla Bean Coconut Milk Latte - C28 F8 P2
Pumpkin Cold Foam Cold Brew - C13 F1.5 P2 (To ensure macros are correct, ask for one pump of pumpkin in the cold foam and make sure they don't add vanilla to the non fat milk. Ask for 3 pumps of Sugar Free Vanilla syrup in the cold brew, then ask for a splash of cream.
Passion Tango Tea - C16 F0 P0
Iced Sugar Free Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato (hold the drizzle). - C24 F5 P2