Once the weather turns remotely cold, it is super hard for me to skip past $tarBuck$ when they are on every corner downtown in the morning.  I am always cold anyhow so a hot drink makes me happy, period.  However, once I add up the cost of $tarBuck$, plus the liquid calories, it really just isn’t smart a good idea for my body or my wallet.  Ironically, I am NOT a coffee drinker.  I don’t like the stuff, don’t like how it tastes going down or the after taste so I didn’t immediately jump on the $tarBuck$ train like a lot of people but instead it was a long slow progression to……

Unfortunately, I eventually realized that most $tarBuck$ products taste more like dessert than coffee and they hooked and reeled me in won me over.  I’m embarrassed not proud.  On the days that I am weak and stupid want a treat, I stop in for something in the “SKINNY” line.  The Starbucks Skinny products are much lower in calories and fat than the regular drinks.  My favorite is the Skinny Peppermint Mocha.

Espresso Beverages – Grande 16oz – Non-Fat Milk – No Whipped Cream

This is a treat for me and I really try to limit myself.  In my opinion, the best non-$tarBuck$ option is WATER.  I’m normally a water drinker, because I like it.  The added health benefits are just a bonus.  However, if I want a hot drink and am home or feeling cheap or broke  want to make a better choice, then I choose one of the following AdvoCare options.  I really like AdvoCare’s Spark both cold and warm.  It has several nice fruit flavors and actually taste good warm, plus I get some added nutrients and vitamins.  It’s convenient and comes in packets which I can carry in my purse or easily keep in my desk drawer at work.  I just add the contents to a water bottle and have a tasty, portable, nutrient rich beverage which is easy, low cal and affordable.

My go to product for a hot mocha coffee type drink or a great additive to smoothies and protein shakes is the Coffeccino.

Then they developed a Mocha Mint Coffeccino for the holiday season.

So if you are cheap like me watching your budget or just want a good product that won’t contribute to a big ass gives you some nutrition+warm+comfort, you might want to try one of these.  If you need the $tarBuck$, try to stay SKINNY and then you won’t have to skip a meal because of the extra calories. 

Stay Warm & Smart,                                                                                                        Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                              amanda@tootallfritz.com