Starbucks Calorie Counting

These past 2 weeks, I have spent 80% of my time in Starbucks. I rarely went there this semester, owing to the fact that I don't drink much coffee now (I got sick of it ever since it conditioned me to think of estate and donor's tax circa Tax2 mid terms), but in times like these when you just need the caffeine, isolation and, umm, aircon (haha), Starbucks becomes very very handy. I have never appreciated our neighborhood Starbucks branch until now.

But then again, as I am getting to my point, Starbucks Coffee translates to calories. Too much calories, actually.

With the encouragement of Jing, I did a little research to have an idea on how much calories I consume there. It was a little funny that I look at that flyer they have there, about what a cup constitutes, almost everyday. I think you would find that interesting too. I likewise checked the nutritional facts Starbucks had in their website.

Ok, let's do a little health and nutrition workshop here. Get a piece of paper and write down the drinks you usually order. Later on, you can check how much of a tub of lard you are. (No cheating ha).

Here's my list: (click on the links to see the results)

Venti Mint Tea - on most days
Venti Passion Iced Tea - on cold drink mood
Grande Mocha Frapp - on indulgent days
Grande or Venti White Chocolate Mocha - on caffeine overload days (and the winner is...)

After that discovery, I couldn't wait to go get my trainers and running shorts. That was just after i downed a very big glass of white mocha. No wonder my ass is getting heavier. Actually, the first two were not too bad. So thumbs up for that.

Now that I am aware of the true facts, it's time for a little change of routine. The real lesson really is not to go back to that place anymore. Ever. But isn't Starbucks squatting so cool? The least I could do was to buy something to at least make it seem little less degrading. Now the challenge is a choice that is caffeine packed, would last the whole duration, but not as guilt laden as that 500 calorie devil of a drink. The solution was none other than Iced Cafe Americano. At 15 calories per Grande glass and with all that espresso goodness, we're in business.

Cafe Americano is actually espresso with water. Add ice for the iced version. Duh. That's 15 calories when there are no sweeteners or customized flavors. White chocolate mocha sauce is really good with it but that's another 60 calories per 1 pump (Starbucks serves 4 pumps usually. I asked.), so might as well leave that out, or else, what's the point.

Here are a few things I recommend for future study sessions (not that I have become such an expert now):

- Drink tea if you have to buy something. Drink drip/pressed if must it be coffee (5 cal.). Americano if you prefer espresso (15 cal.).
- Limit drinks to grande size. Venti is just gluttony.
- Don't be too shy to ask for water. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger. That way, snacks would not be necessary.
- Bring your own tumbler/mug for less trips to the counter to ask for water. Also, to save the trees. :P You can also use it for the coffee for a small discount (P5 i think).
- No sweeteners. Everything you add to the drink will add to the pounds.
- Opt for nonfat milk if it's a latte.
- Hold the whip.
- Light blended frappucinos are not so bad. Try the Coffee Frappucino Light Blended. That's just 130 calories for a Grande.

(Disclaimer: not a paid advertisement. Maybe they should pay me.)