New research was recently released which showed that Oreos are as addictive as crack. I think they need to add Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte to this list. Seriously. And now, we have all those yummy, seasonal holiday goodies to be excited about all over again. Yesterday was my first time having the Caramel Brulee latte since last Christmas. I forgot how much I love that sweet, sweet dessert!
For the most part, Starbucks falls on my naughty list of foods, but there are some little tips and tricks that I have used which make that delicious coffee nectar a bit better for us.
100 Calorie Drinks
Starbucks has quite a few drinks that are 100 calories all on their own. Granted, these are all talls, but do we really need the vente? If you are looking for 100 calories or less, go for amlost anything in the "Light Coffee" category. These include the Caramel Frap and Coffe Frap. The Non-fat Caramel Machiatto and the Skinny Vanilla Latte are also less than 100-calories.
Still wanting something seasonsal? Try the new Skinny Peppermint Mocha for just over 100 calories!
Less Syrup
One of the greatest ways to enjoy your Starbucks specialty drinks without all the calores and sugar that usually tag along is to get less syrup. All of the specialy coffees come with 4 pumps of syrup, get 3 pumps instead. With 3 pumps there will be absoletely no difference in taste (trust me) and you will loose 32.5 calories and over 7 grams from carbs! Take away the whipped cream and get it with non-fat milk and you have a latte for about 230 calories! That is almost 200 calories less than the original!
Healthier Foods
Starbucks has a new line of foods they have named "Bistro Boxes". These boxes have good-for-you things like organic peanut butter, hummus, fruit, eggs, ad chicken. COnsidering that these are one of the only things on the menu that have proteins, they are a pretty great option. Calories range from 270-480 per bristo box. The healthiest option is the chicken and hummus box with 270 calories, 7 grams fat and 20 grams protein! The least healthy would be the cheese box, hands down. This box has 480 calories, 28 grams fat, and 18 grams protein. The power box fall right in the middle.
Both oatmeal option have 150 calores, 2.5 grams fat, and 5 grams protein. For sandwiches and wraps, the Spinach an Feta Breakfast Wrap is the healthiest, hands down. This wrap will set you back 290 calories, 10 grams fat, and 18 grams protein.