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Starbucks hears your plaintive keening for healthier options

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In my quest to avoid the HFCS demon and also to save money during the economic crunch, I've been cutting down on my Starbucks habit this summer. What was once a daily habit is now reserved for weekends and only those mornings where I got up extra early to do my Lazy Waister's Triathlon walking. As such, today was my first trip to the Bux this week and I was delighted to notice a sign advertising their new oatmeal. Checking the Starbucks website, this is just another part of their initiative to offer healthy options on their food menu.

Weetabix also recommends Starbucks' new Vivanno because it's loaded with protein and fiber and yumminess.
"Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal: Now customers can start their day with a piping-hot bowl of oatmeal, packaged for easy transport. Each order can be customized with three different toppings; a portioned 50-calorie pack of brown sugar, 100-calorie pack of dried fruit and 100-calorie pack of a nut medley, and contains 140 to 390 calories depending on topping selections, up to 7 grams of fiber  and 1.5 servings of whole grains--half of your daily needs."
 
This is EXACTLY what I've been crying for! As I regularly moan here on this bloggy space, I am notoriously horrible about feeding myself in the morning, and actually make a point to make a reasonably good breakfast at least one day a week. I got up so early this morning for my walk around the neighborhood, I had made myself a very filling bowl of Grape Nuts and rice milk, so I was oddly way too stuffed to check out the oatmeal, but I am all over this tomorrow morning. This bodes well for the winter, because how perfect is a little steaming pot of oatmeal, handed to me via drive-thru window? Very perfect. Of course, oatmeal is one of those superfoods with a low-glycemic factor, so you end up with happy tummy for the bulk of the morning. Win-win-win!

Has anyone tried any of the new healthy menu at Starbucks? I'm super intrigued by the Protein Power Plate, too. What's the scoop, Waisters? It's probably too much to hope that they're using steel cut oats, but am I getting excited over an overpriced cup of 20 cent microwave oatmeal?


Elastic Waist has amazing realistically fast, realistically healthy ideas for happy breakfasts.

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Comments 1-10 of 13
  • Sally H's Avatar
    Posted by Sally H Mon Sep 8, 2008 6:13pm PDT

    For the last year and a half or so, Starbucks has offered a delicious item that goes by a variety of names "Flax Braid" "Wheat Flax Braid" "Flax Bread". No matter what your local Starbucks calls it, it is delicious!!

    It's only 250 calories, 3g fat and 8g each of fiber and protein. Amazing. Just ask them to heat it up the toaster oven so the sesame seeds get warm and delicious.

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  • Nicki S's Avatar
    Posted by Nicki S Mon Sep 8, 2008 7:12pm PDT

    The Vivanno Chocolate Banana smoothie is so delicious!! I normally do not like this flavor, but it is tasty and makes a nice cold drink alternative to the cream frapuccinos ( I don't drink coffee).

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  • MochaMama42's Avatar
    Posted by MochaMama42 Tue Sep 9, 2008 6:39am PDT

    I just tried the Oatmeal with brown sugar this morning.

    VERY YUMMY!!

    Let me also add that I am NOT a fan of oatmeal having ate if for breakfast so much growing up , I didn't serve it to my own children past the age of 5.

    I do want to try the protein plate next; it is reminiscent of the cheese tray they have in the afternoons, but with a morning twist.

    As usual, Starbucks has done great.

    Mocha Mama

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  • luvjoydiver's Avatar
    Posted by luvjoydiver Tue Sep 9, 2008 8:16am PDT

    i just saw the oatmeal this weekend too and was so excited! it is rare that you can grab a healthy breakfast from a drive-thru.

    i also concur that the banana chocolate vivanno is to die for and so good for you. PLUS you can have a shot of espresso added to it so you have your breakfast and coffee conveniently rolled into one.

    btw, you can now add their protein packet (or energy packet) to any drink. very cool!

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  • superlativity's Avatar
    Posted by superlativity Tue Sep 9, 2008 9:32am PDT

    I just tried the oatmeal today as well and loved it! I got the brown sugar, and they made mine with steamed milk. They discontinued the chocolate cream cheese muffins that I loved, but since the oatmeal is healthy, I guess this makes up for it...*sigh*

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  • Cinnamon's Avatar
    Posted by Cinnamon Tue Sep 9, 2008 9:54am PDT

    This is exactly what us non-morning people have been waiting for in a quick breakfast. Its a great idea. You can get a fast breakfast that makes it easy to know what you are eating without having to make it yourself. I love that you control th calories yourself, but I am disappointed that the first coffee shop to do this is FiveBucks. Not only do they have all kinds of yummy calorie overloads tempting me in the cases, but going there is something that I can't do in the morning. When I am still trying to wake up, the pandemonium and 'cheerful' attitude of the staff is too much.

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  • szcrowder's Avatar
    Posted by szcrowder Tue Sep 9, 2008 10:00am PDT

    I had the berry stella this morning. It was awesome!! If they don't ask, remember to request it warmed; it's a pretty great breakfast. it's 280 calories and keeps you filled for the morning.

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  • Renaissancegirl's Avatar
    Posted by Renaissancegirl Tue Sep 9, 2008 10:00am PDT

    I tried the Protein Power Plate and I was pleasantly surprised. It's a bit fattening at 16 grams of fat, but if you don't eat the 2 slices of cheddar cheese and skip the peanut butter for the bagel, that will reduce the fat intake by more than half. The small bunch of red grapes and two slices of apple are fresh and delicious, and the hard boiled egg is good too. I like it.

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  • Nicole F's Avatar
    Posted by Nicole F Tue Sep 9, 2008 11:29am PDT

    I'm bummed they are getting rid of the breakfast sandwiches- the Reduced Fat/Turkey Bacon, etc, one was awesome and on Fridays I loved to grab one. The oatmeal is great, but 3 bucks a bowl is a little pricey.

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  • The press makes this $#it up's Avatar
    Posted by The press makes this $#it up Tue Sep 9, 2008 12:43pm PDT

    It's about time people wake up and smell the coffee. Starbucks has been over charging for everything, under the pretense that theirs is somehow the best or better than everyone Else's.... It's the corporation's lasts attempt to hold things together, by serving something healthy instead of feeding unhealthy caffeine addictions. What's the alternative to a four dollar cup of coffee? How about a Five dollar smoothie..... Try the strawberries and cream, it's awesome.

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