Pumpkin Spice Latte: Seasonal Favorite or Foe?

We all look forward to this time of year for the cool crisp air, the beautiful leaves, the Halloween spooks, and of course, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte is back. :)

Who doesn't love to sip this delicious treat while going for a stroll in the chilly weather, or while cozying up in your favorite bookstore on a lazy weekend morning? However, as with many drinks, some of us don't realize the incredible amount of calories this little treat contains. With the season of goodies from Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas fast approaching, it's good to be mindful of what you indulge in.

Nutrition Facts per serving:

Grande (16oz) made with 2% milk and topped with whipped cream

Espresso, pumpkin, spices, steamed milk and sweetened whipped cream.

Calories 380

Calories from Fat 120

Total Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 220mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 51g 18%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 49g
Protein 14g
Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 50% Iron 0%
Caffeine 150mg
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.


Now, I'm not trying to be a downer on this fall favorite, because trust me, I'm a fan as well. There's nothing wrong with indulging a special treat that is only here once a year. :) But check out the facts if you swap a Grande for a Tall, 2% milk for nonfat, and skip the whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving:

Tall (12oz) made with nonfat milk and no whip

Calories 200

Calories from Fat 5
Total Fat 0g 0%

Saturated Fat 0g 0%

Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol <5mg 2%
Sodium 170mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 13%

Dietary Fiber 0g 0%

Sugars 37g
Protein 11g
Vitamin A 1000% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 4000% Iron 0%
Caffeine 75mg

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Wow! Just by ordering the smaller size (by 4oz, reallllllly not that much) you can save 180 calories, 13 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 11 grams of sugar. & if you just can't imagine this treat without the whipped cream, it'll only cost you 60 calories, 6 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, and 1 gram of sugar more.



END FAT TALK week

I got an invite on my Facebook page to join in on END FAT TALK week. So I clicked and found a page dedicated to trying to change the conversation women are having about their body image. Too often when we look in the mirror or see someone else & what do we say?

"Ugh this looks awful."
"I need to lose weight."
"Ew, look how fat I look."
"What is that girl thinking? She's way too fat to wear that."

On a recent trip to Polaris mall with my best friend, I was standing in the dressing room at Forever 21 and saw a girl, probably about 13 or 14 years old come out of one of the rooms in a cute summer dress. She stepped in front of the mirror with a look of disgust, sucked in, and turned to the side. Now this girl was by no means overweight. She was tall and slender, but not a stick figure. She had long beautiful hair and a pretty face. She looked perfectly healthy.
"Oh my god, ew, look!"
& she pinched her sides and sucked in some more before rushing back into her room to change.

On the way out of the store, Rach and I talked about all the negativity in the dressing rooms. Girls judging themselves and their bodies, not feeling good enough or skinny enough or maybe their butts too big or their boobs are too small. It's ridiculous. We've all fallen victim to it at one time or another.

So this is what END FAT TALK week is about. Stop putting yourself down. Don't put others down to be mean or petty. Or maybe you're not even realizing that you're doing it. Stop and think before you open your mouth. Before you glare down at your belly or glare at your frame, remember that it's with you everyday. Be thankful for your health. Be thankful for a healthy body that works and supports you and functions properly. Be thankful for your strong legs that carry you throughout your day. Your arms that hug the people you love. Your face that lights up someone else's day.
When you look in the mirror, name 5 things about the way you look that you like. Leave a post it note in a public bathroom that simply says "You look BEAUTIFUL" <3 We must spread the word.

Let's change the conversation about body image ladies. END FAT TALK week is October 18th - October 22nd, 2010.