DIY Coffee Shop Treats: How Not To Waste Calories (or $$$)

As I waxed poetic about coffee and how wonderful I think it is, I made a promise to share how I enjoy coffee house drinks without expending my entire calorie bank (or my piggy bank).

Seriously. You've seen the "Eat This, Not That" reports reveal the mother load of calories that you can obtain from a Starbucks Frap, Mocha, Capp, Extra Whip, yada, yada...

Big 'ol waste of money. Double-big 'ol waste of calories. I honestly cannot bring myself to drink anything that has more than 0-20 calories in it anyways.

I drink a few basics: water, coffee (very strong coffee sweetened with an artificial sweetener (Equal* is my go to) and lightened a bit with Land O' Lakes Fat-Free Half & Half (which tastes rich and creamy, but low in calories and no fat), and sometimes unsweetened iced tea.

My higher calories drinks, I must admit have health benefits: red wine (in moderation) and fat-free milk (90 calories, protein rich, strong bones = worth every calorie).

As I mentioned before, I am a coffee snob - I grind my own beans, use a water filter, pay a little more for beans that are super shiny, almost greasy, and extra dark. I save hundreds of dollars a year by doing this (as opposed to getting my coffee on the go...). I also never buy the fancy coffee drinks, despite the occasional urge to splurge. I have devised my own recipes that are just as delicious, healthier, and cost way less.

Here are three of my favorites:

Iced Coffee Latte
Using the leftover morning coffee, I fill a glass with lot of ice and pour the coffee in until almost full (leaving room for creamer). I then add about 2-3 tbs. of whatever Coffee-mate flavored non-dairy creamer suits my mood or happens to be in my fridge (Italian Sweet Cream is my favorite, but others that are good go-to flavors include Peppermint Mocha, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla). Then, if I want to make it foo-foo, I add a drizzle of dark chocolate Hershey's syrup, and top with fat-free whipped cream. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon!

Hot Mocha Latte
I like to use the hot chocolate we never seem to finish to make delicious hot coffee treats. I use one mug of coffee, and dissolve half a packet of hot chocolate mix, a dash of fat-free creamer (plain or flavored), top with fat-free whipped cream, and sprinkle with cinnamon. You can get creative and use various flavors of hot chocolate mix (chocolate raspberry, low fat, low sugar, non-fat, etc.). Hits the spot (and saves your wallet)!

The After Workout Mocha Protein Smoothie
After a heavy workout day, I usually drink a protein smoothie within a hour post-workout. I use GNC Chocolate Pro-Performance 100% Whey protein, a lot of ice, fat-free milk, and a healthy splash of coffee. Delicious (and cheap)!

Enjoy!

Anna Marie