A healthy alternative to your Starbucks addiction

So I’m at Starbucks getting ready to pull an all-nighter.  It’s like 11:21 or something absurd like that.

Lots of college kids.  Kind of reminds me of my college days…actually, that’s not true; I never went to Starbucks in college.

Anyway, you’re probably wondering why I’m a 27-year-old business owner and pulling an all-nighter.  Good question.  Basically, I procrastinated on something that just so happens to be due tomorrow and I have no choice but to get it done tonight.  And of course, there was about ZERO chance that I’d actually get it done at the home office, so I came here.

But, here’s the cool thing:  I’m working on something REALLY awesome and TOP SECRET and I’m even going to let you know what it is in a few weeks.  Oooo, the anticipation.

But HEY, instead of actually doing my work, why don’t I take some time to blog about Starbucks and coffee?

You think it’s a good idea, too?  Awesome.  YOU’RE awesome.

So, if you’re like me, you like a good cup of coffee every so often.  Or perhaps you just like coffee-flavored things (also like me), such as a White Chocolate Frappuccino (630 calories, 119 grams of sugar – but hey, it DOES have 0 grams of fat).

Fortunately, the whole point of this blog post is for me to provide you with an equally satisfying, tasty coffee-flavored icy treat, which I promise to do in just a moment.

But first, allow me to give you some advice:

Starbucks is good for:

• A change of environment for getting work done at midnight if you’re a true procrastinator like me (I also use random hotel lobbies, in which I’m not even a guest, for this purpose.  Works great and makes me feel very resourceful, which I am.)

• Regular coffee (which I just ordered)

And that’s about it.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  The other stuff does TASTE good (some of it really good), but it comes at the expense of lotsa calories and insulin spiking sugars.  Fortunately, I have a pretty sweet (read cool – not sugary) solution for you.

One other quick thing…don’t be fooled by the “Light” options either, like the Java Chip Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee — that mofo still packs up to 300 cals and 55 grams of carbs depending on the size.

So, today, I’m here to satisfy your coffee-flavored dessert-esque beverage cravings with a much healthier alternative.

The Vanilla Cinnamon Mocha Almond Protein Smoothie (awesome name, I know)

AND, it’s only 150 calories, with 100 of those bad boys coming from lean muscle building protein.  Here you go:

• 1 Scoop of Prograde Protein (the low-carb vanilla protein sweetened with Stevia)
• 1 heaping tsp of instant coffee
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• 6 oz of Almond Milk (unsweetened)
• 4 oz of crushed ice

Blend (in a blender) and enjoy.

You’ll never miss a Frappuccino again.

Enjoy today’s blog?  Going to try the recipe?  Already tried the recipe (you action-taker, you)?  Have a different opinion about Starbucks?

Respond in the comments section below!  At least 40 comments and I’ll be back with at least 2 other blog posts this week.  At least.

Talk to you below!

Your friend,

Joel