Core Daily
Nutrition
Q & A: Are My Coffee Mix-Ins Ruining My Diet?
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Q: Are my coffee mix-ins ruining my diet? Claire, Chicago, Illinois
A: Mix-ins like milk and sugar definitely add calories (coffee itself only has about 5 calories), but their impact depends on whether you're counting them as part of your daily calorie intake. It's when you're adding them in but not taking the calories into account that problems arise.
Just 100 extra calories per day over what you actually need can equal a 10 pound weight gain in a year. So keep in mind what you're putting into your coffee. Here's a quick breakdown:
1/4 cup of Half & Half = 173 calories
1/4 cup of Whole Milk = 95 calories
1/4 cup of 2-Percent Milk = 58 calories
1/4 cup of Skim Milk = 21 calories
1 packet of sugar = 15 calories
1 pump syrup = 20 calories
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About The Author
Amanda Carlson – As a registered dietitian, Amanda Carlson has provided educational seminars and individual counseling to a variety of professional and elite sports organizations.
