Starbucks Breakfast: Are You Making Healthy Choices? Avoid These Items to Support Your Weight Loss
ABSTRACT
Discover why certain Starbucks breakfast items could hinder weight loss and overall health goals. Learn about the nutritional breakdown of popular menu choices and why it's crucial to prioritize balance in your diet. Make informed decisions to support your wellness journey with this insightful analysis from a personal trainer.
Keywords
Starbucks breakfast
healthy choices
weight loss
nutritional analysis
fast food options
balanced diet
calorie intake
healthy breakfasts
Chicken Sausage & Bacon Biscuit Starbucks / Photo: Starbucks
INTRODUCTION
Not surprisingly, most of my personal training clients are incredibly busy and must resort to whatever’s most available for breakfast. Unfortunately, many of the breakfast choices at Starbucks may reverse their (and your) weight loss efforts. Stay away from these choices if you’re trying to tighten, not stretch the waistline of your pants.
LIST OF STARBUCKS BREAKFAST ITEMS
CHICKEN SAUSAGE & BACON BISCUIT
Calories 380, Fat (g) 19, Fiber (g) 1, Protein 18, Sodium 930 (mg)
DOUBLE-SMOKED BACON, CHEDDAR & EGG SANDWICH
Calories 500, Fat (g) 27, Fiber (g) 2, Protein 21, Sodium 960 (mg)
SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR & EGG BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Calories 480, Fat (g) 29, Fiber (g) 1, Protein 18, Sodium 890 (mg)
SEARED STEAK, EGG & TOMATILLO WRAP
Calories 410, Fat (g) 18, Fiber (g) 2, Protein 21, Sodium 780 (mg)
SLOW-ROASTED HAM, SWISS & EGG BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Calories 450, Fat (g) 21, Fiber (g) 1, Protein 22, Sodium 880 (mg)
SPICY CHORIZO, MONTEREY JACK & EGG BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Calories 470, Fat (g) 24, Fiber (g) 0, Protein 24, Sodium 950 (mg)
ANALYSIS
Personal Trainer Wisdom: We see a glowing trend among these Starbucks breakfast items: high calories, fat, and sodium; adequate protein; and very little fiber. Perhaps we’re being unfair to Starbucks….especially in comparison to other fast food competitors (i.e., the 1000-calorie options). There are always worse options.
Surprisingly, though, these choices are deceptively more dangerous than you think. Each sandwich is just a little “more and above” than recommended for a healthy lifestyle (not just weight loss). If your healthy goal is only 350-450 calories and 20-25 grams of protein per meal, maybe you’re not doing too bad. What happens when you add 50 extra calories, twice the amount of sodium, and 12-24 grams of extra fat per meal (instead of 3-6 grams of fat), though? You might not realize that this subtle flexibility could be why you’ve gained 1 lb of weight per year….for the last 20 years.
As the book Compound Effect explains, 50 extra calories and 12 extra grams of fat become troublesome when the pattern continues for every meal (not just breakfast) over the course of time. Consequently, you won’t have any wiggle room for those days you indulge (like holidays and special occasions).
While I understand the need to grab something quick in the morning, don’t fool yourself into thinking that the amount of calories and protein make up the total equation. Ultimately, your health (and weight) depends on a balance of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, phytonutrients, and more. Do your homework and choose the best items ahead of time instead of choosing when in a rush.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you! Learn more about Michael Moody Fitness here, too!
