If we’re being completely honest, I go to Starbucks about two times a day. Not everyday, but regularly enough that it can easily affect my health. I admit to this because I know I am far from alone - many of us suffer from Starbucks addiction.
But are we considering the extra 500 calories that your Grande Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino contributes to your diets? I've started and not a second too soon! I’ll never give up lattes, but I have learned to live without the syrups, whipped cream and blended drinks.
Since we’re being honest here, whipped cream adds 30 percent more calories to your drinks (about 100 extra calories) and syrups can have 80 calories per pump (there are four pumps in a Grande vanilla latte).
Of course, I’m sure most of you are already adding “skinny” to your order, but that’s just like ordering diet coke instead of regular coke. The calories might not "exist," but it’s just as bad for you - or worse. Sugar-free syrup contains a sweetener which is found in tar…yes, it doesn’t necessarily have “calories” but it still releases glucose in your body all the same.
The five stages of addiction claim that the first step is admitting you have one. If you visit a Starbucks every day - and even if you don't - here are the top five “healthiest” Starbucks drinks and the five worst.
Best, based on a Tall (12oz) serving size:
1. Tea (0 calories): The absolute healthiest drink at Starbucks, it amounts to ZERO calories without sugar or honey. Tea might not be everyone’s favorite drink - it’s more of an acquired taste - but it can do wonders for your health. I would recommend the Zen Green Tea with a packet of honey, or the Awake Black Tea, with nonfat milk and honey.
2. Brewed Coffee (5 calories): A simple classic. Add nonfat milk and a Splenda or raw sugar and you're good to go.
3. Nonfat Caramel Macchiato (140 calories): Without whipped cream, this drink doesn’t add too many extra calories to your day, and when you’re craving something sweet or need a delicious pick-me-up, a caramel macchiato is a perfect option.
4. Shaken Iced Tea-Lemonade (0-100 calories): The shaken iced teas are incredibly refreshing and won’t ruin your diet. Plus, the tea is actually brewed tea, not just tea flavoring, unlike the chai tea latte, which is just flavored syrup.
5. Nonfat Café Latte (100 calories): My favorite of all the “healthy” drinks. With one sugar in the raw, it’s still only 150 calories!
Worst, based on same serving size:
1. Flavored Lattes (250 calories)
2. Café Mocha (260 calories)
3. Pumpkin Spice Latte (300 calories)
4. White Chocolate Mocha (400 calories)
5. Double Chocolate-Chip Frappuccino (500 calories)
