starbs

tis the season for starbucks... organizer that is. i had one back in 2007 and last year as well, mainly courtesy of zel and omar. i didn't want to spend a whole lot of money, so i had some stickers from them. this time, i think starbucks have lowered the number of stickers needed to redeem the organizer, which is good coz this year's version is not as nice as the 2 previous organizers.

anyway, i just thought of this organizer coz men's health has listed 2 of starbucks' drinks in its top 20 unhealthiest drinks! according to the authors david zinczenko and matt goulding, these 20 drinks are the "most bloating beverages in gas stations, bars, smoothie counters, and coffee shops across america".

at number 7 is the Worst Coffee Alternative - Starbucks Venti White Hot Chocolate [640 calories 23 g fat (15 g saturated) 76 g sugar]. caffeine abstainers will find little nutritional refuge in starbucks' hot chocolate concoctions. this one packs an entire day's worth of saturated fat, with more than enough sugar to set you up for a dramatic mid-afternoon energy crash. stick with the steamed apple juice instead. ranked number 6 is the Worst Hot Coffee - Starbucks Venti 2% Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha [660 calories 22 g fat (14 g saturated) 95 g sugar]. important rule of thumb: avoid holiday-themed items from coffee shops at all costs. from peppermint to egg nog to pumpkin, these are often the most sugar- and fat-packed drinks you'll find at places like starbucks. make your own flavored drinks instead, using skim milk, sugar-free syrups, and, of course, skipping the whip.

peppermint white choco mocha was my favorite from the previous years' christmas blends. i already had a sampling of dark cherry mocha, but since i don't intend to spend much this time and because of the high sugar content of these drinks, i'd have to find ways to get the stickers. getting visiting a/p colleagues to buy coffee from starbucks would be one. but i need to make sure that i strike a good deal with zel, who obviously would have the upper hand coz she's the admin person. anyway, i'll still try! if not, i can always say that this year's version is not nice! wahahahahahaha!