Guest Post by Dena Davis: She enjoys inspiring people and challenging them to get the most out of their life through healthy living and recently started “Get There Boot Camp” classes at Lake Eola. You can follow her facebook @ www.facebook.com/GetThereBootCamp.

The Skinny On Seasonal Beverages

If you’re a latte lover like me, Starbucks has a very merry magnetic pull on you this time of year. It’s hard to resist those yummy seasonal flavors they bring out of the vault for a limited time only. As the temperatures begin to drop (yes, even in Central Florida) what’s more cozy and delectable than a hot pumpkin spice latte, salted caramel mocha, gingerbread latte or peppermint mocha latte? The problem is these tasty treats for our mouth are unwanted gifts of extra fat and calories for our waistlines. They’re chock full of sugary goodness, but all that sweetness only makes you hungrier sooner and gets you in a vicious cycle of craving and overeating. Merry Christmas, saddlebags!?

As if we don’t already have enough temptations during this time of the year with candy and baked goods everywhere we turn at the office and holiday parties, we have to somehow navigate our way around our favorite coffee shops without falling prey eggnog lattes that appear so innocent in those majestic red holiday cups, yet furtively hide 460 calories,  21 grams of fat, and 48 grams of sugar.

Again, it’s easy to forget about the dangerous effects of all that addictive sugar when it’s the most wonderful time of the year and you’re constantly surrounded by comfort foods and drinks. But a sip here, a nibble there, and it can quickly put the pounds on! More pounds that you’ll need to add to that 2012 New Year’s resolution list you’ll be making in a few weeks.

Well, don’t fret. You DO have a few options when ordering those festive beverages. And they are not only at Starbucks. Don’t forget our local chains in Central Florida, too! (See the bottom for a few of my favorite Orlando coffee shops.)

YOU WERE MINT FOR THIS. This year, Starbucks is offering their most popular holiday beverage, the Peppermint Mocha latte, in a skinny version. It’s made with sugar-free syrup and non-fat milk. The 16 oz. Grande is only 130 glorious liquid calories! Compare that to the regular Grande Peppermint Mocha which packs a 470-calorie punch (along with 22 grams of fat, 43 grams of carbs and 40 grams of sugar!), and the skinny is a Christmas coffee miracle!

SKIP THE WHIP, GO NON-FAT, LESS PUMPS. If a coffee shop doesn’t have a skinny version, order it yourself.  Ask for non-fat milk and omit the sugary creamy topping. Also, if the drink calls for 3 pumps of flavoring syrup, order 1 or 2 pumps instead. Five pumps? Order 3 instead. Every little bit helps! Save the calories. It’ll still be a sweet treat.

GO NUTS. Almond milk, that is. If you’re at a local Orlando establishment like Drunken Monkey Coffee Bar or Dandelion Communitea Cafe that offers it, order your latte with this delicious and healthy alternative. Almond milk only contains about 3g of fat per 8 oz. serving. By comparison whole milk contains 8g of fat, with 5g being saturated! Almond milk has very little saturated fat, and no cholesterol!

SIZE MATTERS. Forgo the Vente and order a Tall. Then sip it slowly, really savoring it. That’s what the holidays are about anyway! Enjoy your coffee with friends and family and take time to be thankful. You’ll save calories and money. And save room for a healthy meal later.

Remember, while you’re keeping yourself beautiful and healthy, keep the local businesses in the City Beautiful, healthy too! Check out these coffee shops which offer numerous healthy vegan, vegetarian drink and food menu options: Drunken Monkey, Dandelion Communitea Cafe, Austin’s Coffee, Downtown Credo, and yes, STARDUST!

That’s the skinny! Join me at Boot Camp, Dena