For many of us, coffee is the beloved morning ritual that kicks starts our day. But did you know that your coffee habits could impact your fitness goals? With a little mindfulness and some smart choices, you can continue to savor your morning brew without derailing your health. Here are some tips and tricks to help you enjoy your daily cup of joe while staying on track.
Choose Your Milk Wisely: When it comes to keeping your coffee low in calories, your choice of milk matters. Opt for skim milk if you prefer dairy-based options; it’s low in fat and calories. If you’re into dairy-free alternatives, almond milk is also an excellent choice. Below, are some of the most common milk choices.
Watch Sweeteners: Adding too much artificial sugar and sweeteners to your coffee can set you back. Popular coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts often load their specialty drinks and lattes with hundreds of calories in sugary syrups. To make smarter choices, be mindful of the number of pumps of flavoring you’re getting. Many drinks come with 3-4 pumps, but you can instantly cut the calories in half by reducing it to 1-2 pumps. If you have a strong sweet tooth, explore sugar-free syrups as an option to indulge without guilt. Below, you can find a breakdown of some of the most popular sweeteners at Starbucks.
If you’re a dedicated Starbucks fan, you can still savor your favorite drinks while keeping your health and fitness goals on track. Here are some popular Starbucks beverages and their healthier alternatives:
- Iced White Chocolate Mocha:
Grande: 420 Calories
Better Option: Choose this latte with skim milk, two pumps of white mocha, and two pumps of sugar-free vanilla. Skip the whipped cream. Relish the richness without the calorie overload.
- Hot Vanilla Latte:
Grande: 276 Calories
Healthier Swap: The Vanilla Latte is a classic, but opt for sugar-free syrup and switch to almond milk for a delightful treat that’s approximately 100 calories.
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew:
Grande: 250 Calories
Be Wary of Holiday Flavors: As the holidays approach, tempting pumpkin-flavored drinks emerge. However, they often come packed with hidden calories. Cut back on the syrup pumps, or try to resist the allure of seasonal and holiday beverages in general.
When navigating the Starbucks menu for fitness-friendly options, remember to watch your sugar intake and make smart milk choices. Here are some satisfying and wholesome selections at Starbucks:
- Caffe Misto
- Nonfat Latte
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Nonfat Cappuccino
Don’t forget, coffee isn’t your only caffeine fix! Hot and iced teas offer great alternatives for a refreshing and low-calorie indulgence. Starbucks provides iced Black and Green Tea options, both at a mere 0 calories. If you’re craving something sweeter, add a splash of lemonade for just 50 extra calories, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
There’s no need to sacrifice your morning coffee run or your afternoon tea with a friend to maintain your health and fitness goals. Just be mindful of your sugar intake and remember that balance is the key to fitness. Enjoy!
