Trim Healthy Mama: Stay on Plan at Starbucks

I love Starbucks. I love the comfy chairs, the soft music, the smell of hot coffee wafting as you enter. The gorgeous mugs stacked up by the checkout...so tempting. I have definitely succumbed more than once to a cute mug I had to have.  I love meeting a friend, coworker, or customer there. I even love the decor.

I would move into a Starbucks if they would let me.

Before Trim Healthy Mama I developed a love for Frappucinos. Who doesn't love the creamy cold deliciousness that is a Starbucks Frappucino? I loved all the flavors too -- caramel, coffee, java chip...need I go on?

One thing I didn't love was the huge number of calories packed into such a cute little domed container. Even before THM. And especially when I was on one of those diets where you had to add up all the points.

But I still love to take my devotions there occasionally and just spread out all my stuff on a table with a delicious drink.

Starbucks is still a beloved gathering place for my team and friends, so what's a THM'er to do?

Order on plan.

You heard me ladies. It can be done!

Here are some quick coffee and tea ideas for all of us Starbucks fans when we're out on a date with our husbands, out with friends, or just need a coffee on the run at Starbucks or anywhere.

When I am out and about I like to carry one of those little plastic containers of liquid stevia (homemade or storebought) with me so I can just add it to a tea or coffee if need be.

Coffee

Hot or Iced Americano -- If you are new to the term, an Americano is espresso and water. It was a term coined in Europe during World War Two because the GI's missed their drip coffee from home. Order it "with room" and add half and half at the self-serve bar to make it S. Steer clear of artificial sweeteners at the self serve bar and choose to bring your own Stevia in your purse. You'll get your coffee fix and stay on plan.

Espresso -- Ask for as many shots of espresso as you desire (in a tall or grande cup), then add half and half at the self serve bar if you wish. Although personally I prefer not to drink so much half and half...that's borderline calorie abuse!

Breve with no sweetener -- A Breve (Breh-vay) is an American version of a latte made with milk foam and half and half. Order a breve in the size of your choice and specify half and half instead of milk. Not the most calorie conscious choice, but an S option nonetheless.

Rock the Self-Serve Bar -- The self serve 'condiment' bar is there for you, paying THM customer! While we don't want to use any of the sugar or sugar substitutes, the half and half, nutmeg, and cinnamon are there for you! Create your own cinnamon delight by adding cinnamon to your Americano with room, or go for the Pumpkin Spice effect by combining cinnamon and nutmeg. Your drink will look like a PSL without all the sweeteners or calories, and taste darn good too!

Hot Tea

Most of the teas at Starbucks do not come with a sweetener. Most of the time it is hot water + tea bag. If you're unsure, ask. Tea lattes are off the menu, though you can sip some off the top (or ask for room) and add half and half or heavy cream at the self-serve bar for S.

Iced Tea

Here in the North much of our iced tea is unsweetened. Bring your own stevia and you're set. Even the delicious Passion Iced Tea is not off limits this way and is just another delicious way to hydrate yourself.

What about that coconut milk Starbucks has? Starbucks added coconut milk to give customers a dairy free option in their lattes, and at first glance it sounds great. All over the store you can see signs that say "coconut milk from delicious Sumatra coconuts." And of course you think of the coconut milk you would buy -- the "good kind" in a can, as a discerning THM'er. However, the ingredients are mostly sugar and water with a little bit of coconut. I would steer clear.

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I hope this helps you walk more confidently in your THM journey at Starbucks or anywhere else you might be. :) Happy eating friends!