Workout Wednesday: 3 Ways to Cut Calories at Starbucks

I must admit I’m a Starbucks addict. I never really was interested in coffee until I went to Starbucks not to mention the whole experience is so habit-forming. My love for Starbucks started when I was finishing up my marketing degree at Ole Miss. Starbucks was a popular on-campus destination for me all times of the day, not to mention give or take there was maybe 4 on campus back then.

I was surprised to know that even black coffee has calories. The good is it only has about 1 calorie per 8 ounces, but drinking black coffee is not for everyone. Especially not me, but everything counts when you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle. So here are some tips to help you cut calories on some of your favorite drinks at Starbucks.

• Eliminate the sugar and go sugar free. I know that we all love flavored syrups to go into our teas, lattes, an coffee but one pump of flavored syrup is 20-30 calories and have at least 5-10 grams of sugar, if you order a venti you’ll get 4 pumps for a total of 80-120 calories with 20-40 grams of sugar. That’s a lot of sugar in a drink. Starbucks have sugar-free options. Some of the sugar-free flavored syrups are vanilla, caramel, cinnamon dolce, hazelnut, peppermint, and mocha. These sugar-free syrups have 0 calories.

 

• Go Smaller. We all know the easiest way to save calories and money is to cut back. For example, if you always order a venti every morning, simply get a grande, or a tall. You will be really surprised at the difference in cost and calories. Many lattes have about 150 calories if you order a small, but if you always go large that same latte is 250 calories. So going small can save you 100 calories. That’s a big difference.

 

• When it comes to dairy, opt out for low-fat or skim milk. I know that we are always in a hurry but slow down and remember you do have options. Starbucks offer low-fat, skim, organic, soy, and coconut milk. Switch out what does not add nutritional value. This simple switch could save you 120 calories and 15 grams of fat. Slow down and think about it.

 

If you are new to all of this and need a list or an idea of drinks to order. Here are a few drinks at Starbucks that are 100 calories and under.

Hopefully a little caffeine can help you get through your hump-day! Today I ordered an Americano from Starbucks which is only 25 calories. What’s your favorite drink?

 

Chasi