Stopping in at Starbucks in the morning or after a long day at work can be a nice little treat. But sometimes you want the reward without suffering the guilt of undoing the effects of yesterday’s hour-long gym session. Here are five drink options that will satisfy both your taste buds and your conscience.
The Custom Tea Latte
You’ve probably heard of the Chai tea latte, but did you know that, because it’s made from a concentrate, a Grande weighs in at 240 calories? So, next time you’re having a tea craving, try getting any one of the tea bag options instead with steamed non-fat milk and either sugar-free vanilla syrup or a packet of Splenda. Need a prompt? “A Grande, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, Earl Grey tea latte, please.”
The Sugar-Free Latte
Starbucks has several sugar-free syrups that will fix whatever sweet craving you might be having. Whether you are in the mood for vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, peppermint or cinnamon dolce — there is no doubt something will hit the spot. Milk-wise, opting for non-fat or soy will save you a good amount of calories in comparison with the usual 2%. And, if you like the taste of coffee, you can further reduce the calories in your drink by adding an extra shot of espresso, or asking for the shots to be pulled “long” (meaning more water is put through the beans, leaving less room for milk in your cup). Ask for: “A triple long, Grande, sugar-free hazelnut, non-fat latte.”
The Skinny Peppermint Hot Chocolate
If you are in the mood for something soothing to calm you down after a long day at work, this drink definitely has your name on it. With Starbucks’ new Skinny Mocha sauce and sugar-free peppermint syrup you can hack off a ton of calories. And if you opt for soy milk, you’ll get a creamier taste that makes it closer in flavour to the regular peppermint hot chocolate. But hurry — the sugar-free peppermint syrup is a seasonal item so you only have until the winter shipment runs out to give it a try! For example: “A Tall, soy, skinny peppermint hot chocolate.”
The Light Frappuccino
Sometimes you really need that ice-cream-like pick me up. Need it without the guilt? Then a light Frappuccino is definitely your friend. They range anywhere from 110 calories in a Grande Coffee Frap to 200 calories in a Pumpkin Spice of the same size. The substitutions are simple: non-fat milk instead of whole milk, a lighter coffee base that has 50 percent fewer calories than the regular, and they throw in sugar-free syrup whenever possible. Try: “A Tall caramel Frappuccino light.”
The Skinny Mocha
We saved the best for last! It’s chocolatey, it’s caffeinated and there are just 110 calories in a Tall — you can’t go wrong! Ask for: “A Venti Skinny Mocha.”
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