I’ll admit it – I love a nice cup of Starbucks! Lately though, I’ve had to opt for sugar free and soy milk replacements if I want something sweet. I generally tend towards decaf these days as well. For many people, having a cup of coffee to start their day, and then again some more during the course of the day is just part of any normal day. Over 60% of Americans claim to start their day with a cup of coffee.
And while coffee does contain some antioxidants and can even reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, dieticians say that many people have no idea as to the negative impacts drinking a lot of coffee can have on people. As the saying goes, everything in moderation!
This is particularly when that plain cup of Joe gets converted into the sugary lattés or the blended drinks.
Many of the fancy Starbucks drinks are soaked in extra sugar and calories which can cause major hormone imbalances in the body, let alone contributing to the obesity epidemic which we know to be at record highs.
We all know that the Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino which was made for Instagram fame and fanfare, followed by others such as The Mermaid Frappuccino was the real rage.
But have a closer look at the Starbucks ‘Unicorn’ drink.
Did you know that it contains around 410 calories with 59 grams of sugar in a Grande of 16 ounces?
If you need to make a comparison, a 16 ounce Coca–Cola contains 190 calories with 52 grams of sugar thrown in. The Unicorn way exceeds what nutritionists would consider acceptable levels of calories and sugars in a beverage. And the Unicorn isn’t the ‘worst’ one either. Look at the S’mores Frappuccino – it consists of 490 calories and 67 grams of sugar in the 16-ounce Grande serving!
A study completed in 2016 and published in the JAMA Internal Medicine publication states if a person’s calorie intake on a daily basis consists of 25% more sugar, their risk of perishing from heart disease actually doubles compared to diets that consist of less than 10% sugar. Other diseases that sugar detrimentally affects are insulin resistance, pancreatic cancer, liver failure, and of course obesity.
Registered nutritionists/dieticians say that by drinking the high-calorie Starbucks beverages, you cause the blood glucose to spike up which can increase problems like insulin resistance, associated with diseases like type 2 diabetes. Check out this post for some ideas for healthy drink options, including a make your own soda!
And, look at these five drinks you can enjoy though, with less sugar. Here are more to check out later if you want to stay slim.
Teavana Shaken Ice Passion Tango Tea
This delightful drink combines the refreshing taste of tea with the tangy flavors of passion fruit, creating a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing. And the best part? It’s a healthier option compared to those sugar-loaded beverages that leave you feeling guilty and bloated.
Teavana, known for their quality tea blends, has partnered with Starbucks to bring you a drink that not only tastes amazing but also provides you with the goodness of antioxidants and natural ingredients.
Indulge in the Teavana Shaken Ice Passion Tango Tea at Starbucks and give yourself a guilt-free treat! Be sure to ask for the non-sweetened version of this delightful fruity drink. As it already contains plenty of zest, you will not need sugar or syrup.
Starbucks Iced coffee
This Starbuck’s summer staple drink comes in an unsweetened version with no sugar and no calories. The sweetened version is 60 calories with 15 g of sugar. Just adding some whole milk to your unsweetened ice coffee is just a mere 30 calories with 2 g sugar.
Starbucks takes pride in sourcing high-quality Arabica beans, which means you’re getting a smoother and less bitter taste. And who wants a bitter relationship with their morning cup of joe? Not me, that’s for sure.
But what really sets Starbucks Iced Coffee apart is their commitment to customization. You can choose your milk, and even add a dash of flavor if you’re feeling fancy. This means you have full control over what goes into your cup, giving you the power to make healthier choices.
Starbucks Americano
If you love the steamed milk you get in a latte but love the pick–me–up of the espresso and want to cut back on calories, the Americano with steamed milk can be a real favorite at Starbucks.
This delightful concoction combines the bold flavors of an espresso shot with hot water, resulting in a satisfying beverage that won’t weigh you down. And let’s face it, we all need a little extra pep in our step sometimes, especially during those long workdays or early mornings.
Mint Majesty Hot Tea
Any of the herbal teas contain 0 calories and have plenty of antioxidants. The Starbucks mint tea has a really refreshing taste, not only delicious but proving health benefits for the GI system and gut. Not only do you cut back on sugar, but if you are trying to cut down on caffeine as well, this is the ideal drink.
What sets this tea apart is its health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and natural ingredients, this hot tea is a true delight in the world of beverages.
Brewed Chai Tea with a Splash of Steamed Milk
A tall Chai Tea Latté would have 42 g sugar and contain 240 calories and 45 g carbs; more sugar than what is needed in a day plus the carbs. But if you rather opt for your brewed hot chai tea, asking for steamed skim milk instead, you cut right down to only 30 calories!
It is possible if you want to slim down and cut your sugar intake, that you can still find what you are looking for at your favorite Starbucks – that’s good news! Can we drink to that?
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