What was mostly obscure a couple of decades ago has now become part of our every day experience. Starbucks, a company that start out as a tiny independent shop in Seattle, has grown into an international brand that is easily identifiable pretty much everywhere. It is rare to find someone who has not had at least one Starbucks drink in his or her life. It is rare to find someone who does not frequent the coffee shop on a regular basis. One of the first things people groan about when they decide that it is time to get healthy is “no more Starbucks!” Is that true? Are the beverages and snacks served by this company really that terrible for you? Is it possible to enjoy your Starbucks and still eat a healthy diet?
Believe it or not, it is still possible to enjoy your daily Starbucks and still manage a balanced diet. Most Starbucks drinks are not going to throw your current diet plan totally out of whack. In fact, the Starbucks online menu boasts of having drinks that are less than 200 calories—a perfect amount for people trying to watch their weight and get in shape. So how do you stay healthy while keeping up your Starbucks habit?
1. Change your drink.
What makes those lattes and mochas unhealthy is all of the extra stuff that you dump into it after the drink has been made. Adding whipped cream, extra sugar and flavored syrup will skyrocket your drink straight into the realm of “really really bad for you.” This does not mean that you have to limit yourself only to black coffee—though there are plenty of wonderful flavored coffees at this coffee shop that do not require a bunch of extra flavorings or toppings. Cut out the whipped cream on your mocha. Opt for decaffeinated coffee or espresso in your drink.
2. Consider drinking tea.
Tea is a perfectly healthy alternative to coffee. Be careful, though, because there are some teas that have more caffeine than coffee! If eliminating caffeine from your diet is part of your plan, choose herbal teas and stay away from the Chai beverages. Some of the teas sold in Starbucks are actually good for you. Peppermint tea, for example, can help you combat a cold or the flu!
3. Go for the cider.
Starbucks makes a drink called a “caramel apple spice” that is quite tasty. It is made from apple cider and other flavorings. Ask if you can skip the caramel flavoring and whipped cream and just have the cider. Apple cider has vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. The drink is hot and incredibly tasty so you can still have a treat while knowing that you are sticking to your diet!
Like most things, Starbucks is best enjoyed in moderation. Going to the coffee shop every day (or a few times a day if you’re a true addict) is what hurts your diet. The occasional treat, however, won’t detract from your diet at all. In fact, if you choose the right beverage, you could actually help your immune system and make yourself healthier!