Enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte and a workout this fall
Outdoor exercises and a PSL are perfect for fall.
There’s a lot to love about the fall: Cozy sweaters, the cool, crisp air, Halloween. And at the top of most fall-favorite lists are pumpkin spice lattes.
Fall only comes around once a year, so it’s fine to enjoy little indulgences while you can. But you may be surprised by how many calories are in this signature fall drink.
Just one 16-ounce, “grande” Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with whole milk and whipped cream has 390 calories, 9 grams of saturated fat, and 50 grams of sugar. To put those numbers into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends that men limit their added sugar intake to less than 36 grams a day, while women should consume less than 25 grams a day. Added sugar is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health risks.
The Food and Drug Administration requires food establishments like Starbucks to publicize nutritional information because public health authorities have determined it is important to promote healthy choices.
Weight gain and loss are more complex than calories in versus calories out. Still, crisp fall days also lend themselves to exercise. Here are some examples of activities you could enjoy in the fall for which the body needs roughly the energy provided by 390 calories. Note, times will vary based on age, weight, and gender.
A steady, fast-paced walk for one hour.
Quickly jumping rope for 20 minutes with minimal rest breaks.
One hour of intense yard work like raking, bagging, and dragging fall leaves.
If you’re interested in trimming some sugar from your next pumpkin spice latte, you could:
Skip the whipped cream, which is packed with added sugar and calories. One cup of heavy whipping cream has around 150 calories and 13 grams of fat.
Cut back on flavored syrups. A grande has four pumps which is around 120 calories and 30 grams of sugar. You can request fewer pumps when ordering.
Order a smaller size to reduce your caloric intake.