Starbucks’ New Espresso Could Aid Your Weight-Loss Goals

Losing weight is pain, especially when it comes to choosing between enjoying your morning latte and staying within your daily calorie goal. That’s particularly true if you’re one of those coffee drinkers who likes to load up on cream, sugar, and flavored syrup (don’t worry, we’re guilty too!). What if there was a way to sneak in an afternoon pick-me-up without the guilt?

Luckily, we’ve found a way for you to have your “cake” — aka your coffee — and drink it too, without breaking your healthy New Year’s resolutions.

Best Coffee Creamer for Weight Loss

On Tuesday, January 9, Starbucks released its all-new Starbucks Blonde Espresso to its permanent menu, giving customers the chance to opt for a lighter roast. The best thing about the blonde roast is that it doesn’t need a lot of creamer, but if you are going to use one, we recommend one that we think is heads and tails above the rest: Almond milk.

(Photo Credit: Starbucks)

Let’s back up for a minute. If you’re a flavored-creamer kind of gal, we’ve got some depressing news for you: It’s not doing your waistline any favors. Most grocery store brands offer zero health benefits; flavored coffee creamers are not only devoid of dairy, but contain trans fats that have been linked to metabolic syndrome and coronary disease.

That’s why we’re happy that Starbucks offers customers a variety of milks to choose from to dress up your coffee in a healthier way. These include whole milk, soy milk, 2 percent milk, nonfat milk, coconut milk, and our recommended favorite, almond milk.

Health Benefits of Almond Milk

Luckily, Starbucks’ almond milk is among the healthiest types of almond milk you can buy, with three percent almonds and three grams of sugar per eight-ounce serving. (Most almond milk brands have anywhere from seven to eight grams of sugar per cup!) In addition to being one of the best low-calorie milk options, almond milk has a sweet, slightly nutty taste, so it enhances the flavor of your coffee without overpowering it. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D, E, and A, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, according to David Friedman, clinical nutritionist and author of Food Sanity.

(Photo Credit: Starbucks)

Is espresso good for weight loss?

Now, we’re getting to the even better news — espresso is actually good for weight loss. Drinking espresso has been proven to increase energy levels and (temporarily) reduce hunger. But like with everything else, moderation is key. If you fill up on espresso, you’ll be bouncing off the walls — or (even worse!) spending an afternoon hunched over in a bathroom stall.

The takeaway? Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso is the closest you’re going to get to a tasty coffee drink without the calories. If you do it right (i.e. opting for almond milk instead of fancy sweeteners), you could potentially lose weight without missing out on your morning Starbucks fix.

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