Big Macs, french fries, supersizing meals and drive-thru windows are typically thought of as some of the issues which have contributed to obesity. However, it isn't the typical fast food meal that is the only type of food that has contributed to obesity in America. Even meals from T.G.I Fridays, Dominos and Olive Garden are full of saturated fat, sodium and more calories than any person should have in a day.
However, it's not just food that has contributed to obesity. Drinks can especially be a problem.
Starbucks lattes are specifically an issue for many Americans searching for their daily caffeine fix. Many drinks hit 500 calories or more! The holiday specialty drinks, Pumpkin Spice, Eggnog and Gingerbread lattes are some of the worst on the menu. Few customers who stop by their favorite Starbucks location to get a "tall" latte. I can be found ordering up a grande or venti, daily, desperate for as much caffeine as I can consume to keep me going throughout the day. My favorite for the holidays, a grande peppermint mocha comes in at a whopping 280 calories, and that's with nonfat milk. Want whole milk? 350 calories. Check out starbucks.com to see the calorie content in your own favorite drinks.
Although I think about what food I'm consuming if I ever go to McDonalds or Burger King, I rarely consider how many calories are in my coffee. To keep the calorie content down in your morning cup, get nonfat milk and try a tall latte to avoid consuming enough calories for a meal. Starbucks also offers healthier options "skinny lattes," which cut down calories and fat. Plain coffee from Starbucks is healthier. Additionally, their coffees are only approximately 5 or 10 calories.
In comparison, Dunkin Donuts is slightly better. A large pumpkin coffee rings in at 210 calories, but a small french vanilla coffee is 10 calories!
It's all about choices - and although lattes taste wonderful at any time of the day, the calorie content isn't worth it when you break it down. By not topping it off with whipped cream and loading sugar and whole milk, it is possible to make better choices. So next time you order up, don't opt for a venti - I know I won't!
For a 0-calorie alternative, buy some caffeine pills from the drug store, and drink them down with water. A month's supply should cost about $10.
ReplyDeleteOr you can save the money, and improve your health, by recognizing that you are an addict, and weaning yourself off the drug entirely.