The SBUX Drink Habit

Although, I know a few of you are nervous to discover the true calorie amounts of your favorite daily drink ritual at the SBUX, I think it's time for the truth. No more hiding behind the beautiful, season-changing cups, it's time to face the facts. Yikes, that sounds so harsh. And yet, ignorance is not always bliss when it comes to your waistline.
In line, awaiting my cup of caffeine addiction, I over hear what others order. Often, I hear patrons ordering Mochas. This time of year, they are ordering Peppermint White Chocolate Mochas and similar drinks. Yummy, the chocolately, minty, frothy milk spiked espresso with indulgent whipped cream and sprinkles that glimmer and dance in the perfect lighting is almost too good to be true. But do you know what it costs you? A Grande Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha comes in at 520 calories, 18 grams of fat, 77 carbs, and 74 grams of sugar! That is not my idea of a mini-meal! I am so sorry to have to break it to you. I really am.
But the story hasn't ended. You can still enjoy your Christmas and holiday beverages without the guilt, or at least not as much guilt. Instead, one could order a Tall (yes, a tall, you don't really need a Grande...and it's less expensive) Peppermint Mocha (you won't really miss the white-chocolate part) with non-fat milk and no whip. Yes, it doesn't sound as sexy, BUT it does come in at 220 calories, 2 grams of fat, 46 carbs, and 40 grams of sugar. Just a few changes and it saves you 300 calories! 300 calories; I had to repeat myself in case you didn't catch my enthusiasm.
If you just made that one change and say you ordered that drink 3 times a week, you would save yourself 46,800 calories a year. That is over 13 pounds of fat!
For those of you who think that is still too many calories to waist on a drink, you could order a drink more modest in calories, for example, a tall-skinny latte. (There's a reason why the people who order it are usually skinny! kidding...) A tall skinny vanilla latte equates to just 90 calories, 0 fat, 14 carbs, 12 grams of sugars. You can order the skinny in vanilla, caramel and a few other choice flavors.
But if the skinny doesn't cut it for you, there are ways to make your favorite drink lower in calories.
~Order a smaller size...try a tall versus a grande. It's cheaper too!
~Order your drink with non-fat milk.
~Substitute sugar filled syrups with sugar free versions.
~Order your drink without whipped cream.
~If you really miss the idea of having whipped cream, try ordering your drink extra foamy. Not quite the same, but still frothy and yummy.
~And if you're really there for the caffeine, (and I am not advocating extra caffeine to your diet) you can order an extra shot to your drink. It takes some of the space of the milk which in turn, lowers the calorie amount.
~And if you are really there for just the caffeine (I won't tell...) ordering a Grande coffee is just 5 calories and contains 330 mgs. of caffeine. Most "foofy" (I love that made-up word) drinks have a lot less caffeine. (The tall skinny latte only has 75 mgs.)
~Spice up plain coffee by adding a splash (a splash, not half the cup) of non-fat milk, some splenda and cinnamon. This is by far, the cheapest way to go too...added bonus!
And remember, it's all about...wait for it.... moderation. Try ordering your drink with a few of the above tips. Give it a try a few times. Making healthier choices sometimes requires a little extra time for change and adjustment. But if you can stick it out, your wallet and waistline just might thank you.