ENDORPINE JUNKIE - EXERCISE THREAD !

Fall is in full swing, and the holiday season is here! Seasonal treats abound this time of year, and your local Starbucks is no exception. The warm and inviting look (and aroma) of their Pumpkin Spice Latte proves why it's such a popular drink this time of year. Whether you enjoy a daily trip to Starbucks or an occasional one, think before you bite drink. How much damage could one Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte really do? Find out how long you'd have to spend raking leaves to undo this hot beverage.

The Starbucks website says this "delicious blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors combined with our signature espresso" also contains steamed 2% milk, whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. A grande (16 oz) beverage contains 380 calories and 13 grams of fat. While that doesn't sound as horrible as expected, keep in mind that this drink isn't exactly a meal or a snack, and that plain old coffee is virtually calorie-free.

According to a fitness tracker, a 150-pound woman who rakes leaves in her yard will burn 5 calories per minute. To burn off the pumpkin-infused coffee, you'd have to rake non-stop for 76 minutes! As much as most people hate raking leaves, that's downright torturous.

While a single Starbucks drink isn't going to make or break your diet, I think it helps to consider the "damage" of these little extras before you dive in and regret it later—especially if you're a regular at Starbucks (or similar outlets). Now, the holidays wouldn't be as much fun without the treats that go along with them. So if I was going to indulge in this treat, I'd order a "short" (8 oz), swap skim milk for 2%, and keep the whipped cream (hey, it's tasty!) to save 200 calories. Luckily, the Starbucks.com nutrition section allows you to play with size, toppings and more to determine the caloric damage of your order. I suggest checking it out in advance!  

Ummmm.....it seems like someone could be talking about me here!    My name is Kirsten, and I am a Starbucks addict.  A peppermint mocha twist addict!  But...this week I've made a serious effort and have switched to skinny vanilla latte's and passion fruit iced tea.  The vanilla is nowhere as yummy as the peppermint, but the calories were sure adding up and causing damage. 

 

Isn't it just crazy how much "crap" is in those drinks?!?!?! Kinda scary!

But they taste soooooooooooooooooo yummy! 

I plan on working with resistance bands and stability ball.  Oh, and a walk at work in a few minutes.

I was planning on running and doing weights....but something really weird is going on here today.  I actually WANT to swim....I think I'm starting to like it!  Yikes!!!!  LOL

I suppose I should have posted my exersize plan while I was here...lol.

I walked a mile this morning (as I do most mornings, from the house to the train, from the train to the office) and I am thinking either resistance bands or wii fit tonight. =)