The 5 Worst Drinks From Starbucks and 5 Healthier Options

Coffee has many great benefits that I rarely tell people to stay away from it.  Not only does is have nutrients that our bodies can use, but it can also aid in burning fat AND reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.  If you’d like to see more benefits of coffee, check out this article by authority nutrition. When it comes to coffee, most people’s go-to place is Starbucks.

Now I’m sorry if I’m about to ruin your day, but truth is truth people.  I’ve seen too many hard-working people lose their fitness edge to a venti caramel macchiato, [ugh] so here’s some truth nuggets. Are you ready for this?

These are the 5 Worst Drinks You Can Order at Starbucks

Tall Peppermint Mocha

Nothing says Happy Merry Holiday time like a Peppermint Mocha right?  Well at 320 calories for a tall (small for you non-SBUX goers) it’s a hefty price to pay for a small piece of winter wonderland.

Tall White Chocolate Mocha

Grande Mocha Frappuccino

Tall Vanilla Frappuccino

 

Grande Green Tea Soy Latte

I asked the baristas what size they normally sell in this drink, and all 4 of them immediately responded “VENTI!”  I decided to be nice and give you the stats on the grande.  This bad boy that sounds really healthy actually weighs in at 310 calories.  Yup, just because it sounds healthy doesn’t mean it is…

 

SO, WHAT ARE SOME BETTER OPTIONS?!?

 

Tall Skinny Nonfat Vanilla Latte 

80 calories

This is a classic go-to option for calorie-cutting.  By taking away the calories from the milk fat and dropping the sugar in the syrup, you knock off over half the calories.  You may have to risk being labeled a hipster due to the length of the drink name….but you’ll end up being the best looking hipster at your local Starbucks, so it’s worth it.

Skinny Caramel Macchiato

105 calories

Noticing a trend?  By pulling the fat calories from the milk and calories from sugar,you drastically reduce your caloric intake, thus making it easier for you to look and feel more awesome!

Iced Black Tea Lemonade

100 calories

This Starbucks rendition of the old school Arnold Palmer is delicious, refreshing, and coming in at only 100 calories.  It’s also a much less expensive option if you’re old school like me and don’t want to drop $5 on coffee (insert old man joke here).

Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee 

167 calories

If you must have the coveted ice-cold Frap on a hot afternoon, here’s a good option.  Their light blended coffee Frappuccino is a little safer than the full fledge alternative.

Black Coffee

0-5 Calories

Seriously though, with all the health benefits that we’ve found in coffee (when consumed like a normal person, not 1,000 oz per day), there’s no reason not to slam a cup or two to get you going or keep you going throughout the day.  And if you just CAN’T get away with good old black coffee, as for some sugar-free vanilla syrup in that bad boy….keep the calories down but the delicious up!

If you are in the San Antonio, Texas area come by the gym and say hello.You can also check out our website ChadHumphreyFitness.com for great deals, our location, and available classes. Remember, power through!