When the weather is cold and you need your caffeine fix, what do you order? Do you get a simple black coffee? Or are you tempted by the sweeter and larger options? Those fancy coffees may sound tempting and may actually be quite delicious, but are they worth the calories?
Ordering a Starbucks Venti Caffe Mocha (the 20 oz. size) with whole milk and whipped cream is more than a mere cup of coffee. With its 450 calories and 23 grams of fat, the coffee is more like a meal. Think of it as a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in a cup; there’s not much difference. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories and 26 grams of fat plus more protein and less sugar.
But you really, really like the mocha you say? And you can’t get by without it? Try having a smaller size. Cutting the Caffe Mocha with whole milk and whipped cream down in size to a Tall (12 oz.) will reduce the calories to 290 calories and the fat to 16 grams. Without the whipped cream, the same size drink will be 230 calories and 9 grams of fat. Better yet, get the mocha with nonfat milk for only 170 calories and only 2 grams of fat.
If you’re not a Starbucks fan and usually make your way to Dunkin’ Donuts, don’t think you’re off the hook. The Dunkin’ Donuts Large Mocha Latte (20 oz. size) is 460 calories and contains 13 grams of fat, less in fat but similar in calories to its Starbucks competition. But if you get a Small Mocha Latte (10 oz.), you will be drinking only 220 calories and only 6 grams of fat.
Of course, if you skip the fancy drinks and drink a regular cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee (10 oz.) with just skim milk and sugar, you will only be drinking 70 calories and 0 grams of fat.
Beware of what you are drinking especially if you are drinking more than one cup of coffee per day. The calories add up. The next time you run in for a cup of coffee, ask yourself, “How many calories are in my coffee?”
Holly Kouvo is a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist who specializes in helping people lose hundreds of pounds. Learn more at www.FittingFitnessIn.com