Is Your Daily Cup Of Joe Packing On The Pounds?

With the cold weather approaching fast, many die-hard coffee lovers are dodging into local cafés more often than usual to get cozy with their favorite quick fixes. While these extra trips may seem harmless, in actuality certain beverages could be causing mayhem on our bodies. Since coffee is a drink and not part of a food group, many people lose sight of how unhealthy it actually is. With all the added flavors, whipped cream toppings, extra sugar and exceptionally large sizes these days, coffee is starting to closely resemble a rich dessert. This may add to its yum factor, but there are many ways we can cut back on calories and still get a delicious beverage.

1. Ask for nonfat milk. This will save you up to 90 calories and you’ll hardly taste the difference.

2. Just say NO to whipped cream! While the heavenly white cloud does add a certain homey feel when floating whimsically atop our drink, whipped cream is only adding more calories and fat.

3. Avoid mocha. Any drink with this word simply means that it contains chocolate and can be the equivalent of adding a whole candy bar to your drink.

4. Order a smaller size. You still get the same great taste but with a lot less fat!

5. Create your own drink by choosing healthier alternatives. When ordering, be one of those confident customers whose drink sounds like a never-ending run-on sentence! Not so sure how to stray away from the traditional menu? Ask the barista how to make your drink more nutritious. Starbucks offers sugar-free syrups that are tasty but won’t overload you on calories. Many other cafés are coming up with similar ideas to benefit their customers, so don’t be afraid to ask!

- Jennifer Marvel

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January 20th, 2012 | Mara | Comments Off |