Calorie-Slashing Coffee Talk: 5 Simple Tweaks and Swaps!
Save hundreds of calories at your favorite coffee shops, courtesy of Hungry Girl...
STARBUCKS
Tweak It! Caramel Macchiato
If you have your heart set on a Caramel Macchiato, go for the "Skinny" version. A regular 16-oz. Grande with standard 2% milk has 240 calories and 7g fat. The "Skinny" version tastes just as good (really!), and you'll save 100 calories and 6g fat. If you'd rather go with something simple (and virtually calorie-free!), we HIGHLY recommend the Veranda Blonde coffee -- the lighter roast hit stores earlier this year. It's so good, it really doesn't need more than a sweetener packet and a splash of your guilt-free milk of choice. THE BEST!
Swap It! Bacon & Gouda Artisan Breakfast Sandwich
The fancy-schmancy name doesn't impress us -- especially considering it comes along with 18 grams of fat (and 350 calories)! The Spinach & Feta Breakfast Wrap is just as fancy and filling, but it's definitely the smarter pick with 290 calories and 10g fat (plus 6g fiber and 19g protein). It's definitely our favorite quick 'n savory b-fast out there. Take that, Mr. Fatty Artisan Breakfast Sandwich!
More from Hungry Girl:Oh-So-Mocha-Coco Swappuccino!
DUNKIN' DONUTS
Tweak It! Coffee Coolatta
How bad could a small blended coffee drink be? Try 400 calories and 23 grams of fat. Yikes! That cream is bad news. Luckily, there's an easy fix. Just order this made with skim milk, and you'll cut those numbers down to 210 calories and 0 grams of fat. That's right -- ZERO! If you're just jonesing for a cold drink and it doesn't have to be blended, a small unsweetened iced coffee with skim milk and Splenda has 30 calories. Use the calories you save for something fun later in the day...
Swap It! Sausage, Egg & Cheese on Croissant
There's nothing spectacular about this breakfast sandwich -- a measly egg patty, a slice of cheese, and a sausage patty on a croissant. But the stats are staggering -- 710 calories and 49 grams of fat! So what's a hungry human supposed to do? Order an Egg White Turkey Sausage Wake-Up Wrap, of course! It even comes with reduced-fat cheese. And with just 150 calories and 5g fat, you could even have TWO and you'd still come out way ahead. P.S. There's also a meat-free Egg White Veggie Wake-Up Wrap (150 calories and 6g fat).
More from Hungry Girl:Smokin' Good Sausage B-fast Sandwich!
CARIBOU COFFEE
Tweak It! Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte
Tea can be kind of sneaky. It's a great calorie-free option when it's by itself. But when you add the word "latte," you're likely to get flavored syrup, steamed milk, and (sometimes) whipped cream. A small cup of this particular latte (made with 2% milk and topped with whipped cream) has 300 calories and 17 grams of fat! Spare yourself the sugary calories, and order the Northern Lite version without whip -- 100 calories and 0.5g fat. It's still sweet and delicious, and you might actually be able to taste the tea...
More from Hungry Girl:Mr. Tea Iced Chai Latte!
Some General Coffee-Shop Tips:
Skip the whip. You save about 100 calories and a dozen grams of fat. Plus, it typically disappears into your drink way too quickly. Who needs it?!
"Sugar-free, please!" Sugar-free syrups are basically calorie-free (hooray!), and many coffee shops have several flavors to choose from. They're a great way to add fun flavor to your coffee drinks without the guilt.
Steer clear of baked goods. Even those reduced-fat muffins aren't worth it. (Case in point: Dunkin' Donuts Reduced Fat Blueberry Muffin has 410 calories and 10 grams of fat!) Plus, it won't really keep you feeling full. You're much better off grabbing a piece of fresh fruit and/or a snack bar.
Stick with skim milk. There are too many high-calorie, high-fat milk and cream options at coffee shops. Be safe!
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