Cup of love

I worked at a coffee shop this summer (no, not Starbucks) and my love for the caffeinated beverage not only grew, it intensified. There's something about a cool coffee concoction on a hot day or a smooth, steamy something on a cold morning that puts me at ease and fills me with splendor. Plus, who doesn't like the sweet additions like syrups and sugar? But the calories can certainly add up (see previous post on Starbucks treats), and I was witness to many blunders: whole milk, extra whipped cream, white chocolate drizzle, AND a pastry, please! I couldn't believe my ears as I rang up $5 and 500-plus calories for these unsuspecting patrons. My theory was: if they don't see the nutrition information on the menu, maybe it doesn't exist. Our pastry case was chock full of blueberry muffins, chocolate croissants, tea cakes, and the devilish "Apple Fritter", which I vowed never to try because of its enormous size (nearly both of my palms) and its doughnut-like consistency. However, I did fall victim to the peanut butter cookies upon closing time because we threw away those evil delights every night.

I ended up leaving this job because with the advantageous free coffee every morning before my full-time job came the disgust of downing two to three cookies each night after I closed up shop at job number 2. Regardless, I left the store with much more knowledge about how to make coffee drinks just as delectable with but not as dangerous:

• Sugar-free syrups -- Every shop has them, so use them! You can even buy them online if you make your own drinks at home before work (which is MUCH cheaper, too!)



• Skim or soy milk -- It's obvious that these two moo juice choices have less calories and the same or more protein as 2% or whole milk. Plus, if you opt for Silk flavored soy milk, you'll benefit from the extra sweetness factor.



• Keep it small -- You don't need an extra shot, triple venti to get you through your 1-hour morning meeting. Studies show that even just the scent of coffee beans awakens the senses and the mind, so stick with a small size. (Starbucks drinkers: The chain offers a smaller-than-tall size upon request.)



• No whip, no pastries, no problem -- Reminder: the coffee shop and the bakery are two different entities. You don't go to the barber to buy paint, so don't excuse the coffee shop for a place to indulge before you even start your day. Your drink will probably already be sweet enough if you like a few pumps of syrup and/or flavored milk, so that should be enough for the day. If you have a super sweet tooth, a chocolate protein bar or shake will do the trick AND fill you up.