Fast Lose Weight

If you’re serious about weight loss, you can’t drop by Starbucks every morning before work for a Frappuccino. The caffeine may get you going, but the calories involved will plain get you depressed! It’s hard to stick to a 1500 calorie day when you drink 400 calories before breakfast. So what can you order at a coffee shop that won’t send your calorie count into the stratosphere?

Recently I went into a Starbucks to buy a gift certificate for a friend. I probably go into Starbucks every few months, not because I have such self-control, but because I’m too cheap to pay $3.50 for coffee. I asked the server what he would order if he was trying to lose weight.

“A skinny drink,” he answered.

“A what?” I asked, being inexperienced with Starbucks lingo.

“A skinny drink is made with nonfat milk and sugar-free syrup. I would suggest the skinny iced vanilla latte.”

So, I ordered the tall (which is of course the small) skinny iced vanilla latte which was 120 calories and delicious!

Other good choices 150 calories or under:

Nonfat Caffe Latte, 100 calories

Caramel Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee, 130 calories

Nonfat Caramel Macchiato, 140 calories

Nonfat Tazo Green Tea Latte, 150 calories

Nonfat Vanilla Cr�me (no whip), 150 calories

Even better choices are:

Brewed Tazo Tea, 0 calories

Shaken Tazo Iced Passion Tea (unsweetened), 0 calories

Brewed Coffee, 5 calories

Caffe Americano, 10 calories

When you think Starbucks, think “treat.” Going to Starbucks should not be a regular habit. You can enjoy a drink with a friend once or maybe twice a month with minimal damage to your health. But if you go once or twice a week, your growing waistline will show your affection for Starbucks, unless you’re always drinking tea or black coffee.

Next time you’re at Starbucks, pick up a “Nutrition by the Cup” guide so you can order smart. The brochure has great tips for substitutions and other customizable choices to make a weight loss friendly drink. Keep your drinks skinny and you’ll be able to enjoy occasional coffee dates and still lose weight in the process!