Starbucks has been revamping their line of food over the past few years. Some of it is actually a pretty good bet if you need to grab breakfast on the go. Sodium is almost always going to be a concern when eating out (no matter where you go), as most foods will be processed need to be preserved, so be sure to take this into consideration if you have issues with your blood pressure. We have compiled some of your best choices when you are grabbing breakfast at Starbucks. For more information, check out the nutrition section on their website and keep their smart phone app handy for nutrition information on the go.
Their oatmeal option is a fantastic way to start your day with some heart healthy soluble fiber. Just be mindful with your choice of toppings. Your best bet is the Classic Whole-Grain Oatmeal with the Nut Medley.
“Classic Whole-Grain Oatmeal” without toppings
160 Calories, 2.5g Fat, 28g Carbs, 4g Fiber, 0g Sugar, 5g Protein, 0mg Sodium
For the Hearty Blueberry Version add 60 calories, 0g Fat, 1g of Fiber, 12g of Sugar, 0g Protein and 125mg Sodium to the Classic.
Additional Oatmeal Toppings:
Brown Sugar: 50 Calories, 0g Fat, 12g Carbs, 0g Fiber, 12g Sugar, 0g Protein, 5mg Sodium
Dried Fruit: 100 Calories, 24g Carbs, 0g Fat 1g Fiber, 22g Sugar, 1g Protein, 0mg Sodium
Nut Medley: 100 Calories, 10g Fat, 2g Carbs,1g Fiber,1g Sugar, 2g Protein, 0mg Sodium
Their breakfast sandwiches will be high in sodium, but some of them are packed with protein. The addition of protein at breakfast will help to keep you satisfied throughout the morning.
Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon Sandwich
220 Calories, 6g Fat, 28g Carbs, 3g Sugar, 2g Fiber, 13g Protein, 560mg Sodium
Spinach & Feta Wrap
290 Calories, 10g Fat, 33g Carbs, 4g Sugar, 6g Fiber, 19g Protein, 830mg Sodium
Egg Cheddar English Muffin
280 Calories, 13g Fat, 27g Carbs, 2g Fiber, 2g Sugars, 12g Protein, 460mg Sodium
If you need something to grab when on the run, a nut bar or yogurt parfait would be a good choice. Both of these choices will provide some fiber and a good amount of protein to hold you over until lunch.
Evolution Harvest Roasted Soybean Almond Pepita Bar
200 Calories, 14g Fat, 13g Carbs, 4g Fiber, 5g Sugar, 10g Protein, 120mg Sodium
Greek Yogurt with Berries Parfait (with granola topping)
220 Calories, 3g Fat, 36g Carbs, 3g Fiber, 19g Sugar, 14g Protein, 115mg Sodium
Be mindful of what you have in your coffee as well. Most plain black coffee will only provide about 5 Calories per serving, but the added milk, cream and sugars will tack on addition Calories. Stick to skim milk for added protein without any fat or add 1-2 Tbsp of your own added half and half or milk to monitor your own portions. Skip the added sugar (which will include about 4g of sugar per packet) if you can, use stevia for a natural calorie free sweetener or include spices such as cinnamon for an antioxidant packed calorie free flavor booster. Your best bet is to always get your coffee black and make it up yourself so you can control what goes in it.
