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Coffee is a morning staple. However, if you aren’t careful, your daily Starbucks order could cause some serious problems for your diet–especially if it’s high in sugar and calories. Starting your day with a sugar high is never a good idea, but it can be an even bigger problem for those trying to lose weight. However, it can be difficult to find a coffee order that works for your taste buds and your diet.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to start ordering black coffee. Instead, keep reading for 4 simple hacks for a more diet-friendly Starbucks order!
Avoid syrups
One of the most effective ways to keep your Starbucks order healthy is to avoid any syrups, which are in most flavored menu items.
According to Redbook, "Syrups, both real and artificial, skyrocket your drink to meal-like proportions. And with that many chemicals in one sitting, it triggers sweets craving for the rest of the day."
Stay away from specialty orders
Another good rule of thumb for ordering Starbucks (or any other coffee chain) is to avoid their specialty drinks, which usually contain extra sweeteners or syrups. By steering clear of these menu items, you can limit the amount of added sugar you're consuming.
More basic orders like coffee, cappuccinos, or even tea are healthier options. Plus, even if you do add a bit of sugar or cream to one of these orders, you're able to control how much is added.
Add cinnamon
With that being said, avoiding sugar altogether is definitely a healthier choice. If you do have a sweet tooth, consider adding cinnamon to your coffee instead. It can add a nice boost of flavor without the downsides of sugar.
Brittany Modell, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and founder of Brittany Modell Nutrition and Wellness, told Eat This, Not That!, "Not only do you save on the sugar, but you get a boost of nutrients and additional health benefits from the cinnamon."
Order a Tall
Modell also recommends sticking to a smaller cup size: "Go for the smaller cup size (Tall), which will save you money and calories!"
Even though it might be tempting to get a larger cup, it's really a good idea to stick to a smaller portion size. Plus, with a smaller size, you won't need to add as much sugar or cream to make it less bitter.
