Is That Muffin Worth The Muffin Top?
Muffin Top (noun): the overhanging fat on a person’s waist resembling the top of a muffin or a cupcake; result of pants being too tight, stomach being too big or all of the above.
pictured above: Starbucks Classic Blueberry Muffin (470 calories/32 grams of sugar)
New York City requires by law that any restaurant with 15 or more chains must display the calorie count on boards, menus and food tags. For those of you not living in the city, congratulations – you’re left to live in complete and ignorant bliss, able to enjoy a Grande Pumpkin Spice Frappucino (470 calories/60 grams sugar/13 grams fat) and a Cinnamon Chip Scone (540 calories/32 grams sugar/29 grams fat) on your way to work…thinking its just a little Friday morning treat.
WAKE UP CALL. I always assumed that the crumble top muffins at Starbucks were packed with calories. However, until NYC started posting their nutritional info in plain black and white I never knew just how horrible they were (back in the day, I couldn’t say no to their ultra dense coffee cakes). One of their seasonal drinks, the Venti Banana Coconut Frappucino, has 730 calories (170 more calories than a McDonald’s Big Mac). What is even more shocking is that The Center for Science in the Public Interest equates drinking one large Frappucino with consuming two McDonalds Quarter Pounders.
I don’t mean to pick on Starbucks (although, they’re an easy target) because they also offer great morning pick me ups like the Tall Caffe Americano (10 calories/0 grams fat). My point is, is that the glass case of bakery items may look appealing but can potentially carry triple the amount of calories than you would normally expect. Read labels and consider the actual “cost” – is the muffin worth having a muffin top?
i have a question i use the fruit parfait from starbucks as a nighttime snack to which i add granola from a bag at my desk, when i work overnight shifts. it used to be donughts so it an improvement but whats the skinny on these.
and one related question how about pinkberry fruit and granola parfait, to die for good tasting i am assuming that means not so healthy
chris said this on October 27, 2009 at 9:46 AM |
The fruit/yogurt parfait from Starbucks is definitely a better choice than donuts! However, be careful with pre-packaged parfaits as they often pack extra calories and sugar that you normally wouldn’t get if you built your own. For example, they use “low-fat vanilla yogurt and crunchy granola.” This translates into 320 calories and 37 grams of sugar (although still low in fat and high in protein). Have more control over the ingredients and pick a NO-fat PLAIN yogurt (or Fage Greek 0% Yogurt) and PLAIN granola to mix together with blueberries – mix in a travel coffee mug and take to work for easy travel.
I here you on the Pinkberry Parfaits – SO good and oddly filling. They’re only slightly better in nutritional value than the Starbucks ones (260 calories and 32 grams of sugar) but still a better option. Next time, have them skip the yogurt on the bottom – you’re left with the fruit and granola and second hit of yogurt on top. That will help reduce your sugar intake but still make a good snack (plus, by the time you reach the end, the bottom layer of yogurt is melted anyhow).
fitpost said this on October 27, 2009 at 10:28 AM |