I am not a coffee person but I sure wish I invested in Starbucks way back when. The company was founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington but the major growth occurred after Starbucks went public in 1992. In 1996 the company expanded outside the U.S. and shortly thereafter became the world’s largest coffeehouse chain in the world. Why the name Starbucks? The brand consultant turned to the Melville’s classic book, Moby Dick, and the first mate’s name was “Starbuck”, and for some reason, this name was chosen over the original thought of using “Pequod”, the name of Captain Ahab’s ship in the book.
Okay, enough trivia about Starbucks and on to the subject at hand: Are Starbuck’s breakfast meals compatible with your goal to lose weight?
For many people that are rushing around like crazy in the mornings, there is little-no time to prepare a meal at home. Clearly, a breakfast of fresh eggs and lean breakfast meat is a “Serotonin-Plus Phase One” compatible approach. Well, if there is no time for this BUT you are getting your ritualistic Starbuck’s coffee, should you opt for one of their breakfast choices?
Here are some nutritional facts about some of the offerings:
- Sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich: 480 calories, 34 grams carb, 29 grams fat, 18 grams protein
- Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites: 300 calories, 9 grams carb, 20 grams fat, 19 grams protein
- Oatmeal with toppings: 410 calories, 72 grams carb, 12 grams fat, 9 grams protein
Hmm…Not exactly the numbers we wanna see in a weight-conscious breakfast. May as well go to McDonalds and pay a buck for a cup of coffee!
The bottom line: Even though the ambiance of Starbucks with the folk music, “earthy” look and attention to the environment all suggest that this is the “right” place to buy your breakfast, the reality is that you are MUCH better off finding the time to prepare your own breakfast, even if it is 2 hard boiled eggs made the night before.
Save your money and take a pass at buying breakfast at Starbucks.
