Hidden Sin: The truth about specialty coffees

HIDDEN SIN: The truth about specialty coffees

Originally submitted to SUBSTANCE Magazine, Oct. 14.2007

A girlfriend and I stopped for a hot coffee after a cool summer evening’s rowing workout on the lake. She ordered a large latté (low fat milk) with a flavour shot, then sprinkled cinnamon on top. I ordered a small coffee and a reduced fat zucchini nut square. I splashed extra non-fat milk in my coffee and split the treat in half – half for then, half for the next day’s lunch. As we lounged at the outdoor café my girlfriend browsed the famous coffee chain’s “Calories in ….” pamphlet. At the time we were both trying to drop 10 lbs. All of a sudden her eyebrows knit sharply together followed by a gasp at her math, “I could have had what YOU had!” Indeed, not only was my “pause café” less expensive, more filling, and obviously more satisfying, it was fewer calories! She mockingly cried, “Default to skim!”

Her tally?

Flavour shot? 70 (or more!) calories.

2% milk in the entire large latté cup? 240 calories.

Total? 310 calories.

My tally?

Low fat milk to dress a small cup of coffee (including an extra splash)? 20 calories.

Half a reduced fat zucchini nut square? 190 calories.

Total? 210 calories.

My girlfriend had 100 extra calories!

The average person would have to walk one mile to burn 100 calories!

Or do 15 minutes of low-impact aerobics…..

Or ice skate for 30 minutes…..

Or swim at a moderate pace for 30 minutes…..

Or cycle for an hour…..

Was the extra 100 calories (with nothing to nibble on!) worth it? I don’t think so. My girlfriend didn’t either!

When choosing a coffee and/or treat at a shop, beware of the hidden calories. They’re in the extras, too: the flavour shots, the whipped cream, the chocolate sprinkles. Don’t forget to calculate the fat in the type of milk you choose. Does the milk make up just a splash or the entire beverage? If you equate the extra calories in your treat to activity needed to burn off those extra calories, you may consider your choices more carefully. Most shops have a calorie pamphlet. Get one, where available, at each coffee shop you visit. Different coffees and treats vary amongst shops, including the chains. Knowledge is power. You’ll have a better handle on your calorie intake and enjoy yourself better!

Live Fit – Live Beautifully!

REFS/Sources:

Dietbites.com

Healthstatus.com