Every Tuesday, KidGlue presents “Healthy Pick/Makes Me Sick” where Sarah Matheny takes a popular restaurant’s menu and uncovers the most healthy and least healthy items on the menu. This week: Starbucks.
I had a crazy notion as a stay-at-home mom a few months ago: I gave up coffee entirely. I told you it was crazy. Slowly the brown nectar of the gods made it’s way back into my life, and thankfully my blood stream. I need to get things DONE! Every once in awhile I treat myself to a drink at Starbucks, but I go with the knowledge that my treat could outweigh an entire dinner in terms of fat and calories, if I don’t make an educated order. This one’s for all you tired parents, not your kids.
Makes Me Sick:
Grande Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha w/Whipped Cream
Oh, sweet festive deliciousness, why do you have to be so bad for me? This drink, which my husband and I lovingly call a “Candy Cane in a Cup” tops out at 700 calories, 27 g fat, and 17 g saturated fat! No wonder Santa is so fat.
Healthy Pick:
Tall Pumpkin Spice Soy Latte, No Whip
If you must get a seasonal latte of some sort at Starbucks, this is your best choice at 230 calories, 3.5 g fat, and 8 g protein. If you want to be even more calorie conscious (it is a BEVERAGE, after all), order a Tall Coffee of the Day (5 calories) with 2 pumps or Pumpkin Spice Syrup (40 calories) and splash of soy or nonfat milk (~20 calories).
All in all, brewing coffee at home is going to be a better choice for your wallet and your waistline, but as a sleep deficient parent with a Starbucks on every corner and in every Target, it’s okay: I understand.
