5 Starbucks Holiday Drinks Under 200 Calories for Moms

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the festive drinks that make Starbucks a must-stop during errand runs, school drop-offs, or a rare solo moment of quiet when you want to #treatyoself. If you’re trying to stay mindful of your wellness goals while still enjoying the seasonal magic, you might wonder how to sip smartly.

Good news: you can have your holiday cheer and still be aligned with your wellness goals and not feel sluggish from an overload of sugar. Here are the top five Starbucks holiday drinks that let you indulge without overdoing it.

1. Peppermint Mocha (Skinny, Tall) – 160 Calories

The Peppermint Mocha is a holiday classic, but the standard version can pack a calorie punch. Ordering it "skinny" swaps whole milk for nonfat milk and uses sugar-free peppermint syrup, giving you all the minty chocolate flavor you love without the extra calories.

Pro Tip: Want a little whipped cream? Ask for a light dollop—it won’t add much but gives that festive feel.

2. Chestnut Praline Latte (Nonfat, Tall) – 180 Calories

Nutty, toasty, and perfectly cozy, the Chestnut Praline Latte is a favorite for good reason. To keep it under 200 calories, opt for nonfat milk and skip the whipped cream. You’ll still get that praline crunch topping for a little holiday flair.

Pro Tip: Reduce the sweetness by asking for fewer pumps of syrup—half the syrup can be just as delicious.

3. Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte (Tall) – 150 Calories

This new holiday drink has quickly become a favorite! Made with almond milk and featuring subtle sugar cookie flavors, this iced latte is dairy-free and stays comfortably under 200 calories.

Pro Tip: Prefer it hot? The calorie count remains the same when you order the hot version, so go with whichever matches your mood.

4. Holiday Spice Flat White (Almond Milk, Short) – 120 Calories

The Holiday Spice Flat White is the understated hero of the Starbucks holiday lineup. With a creamy texture and subtle spices, this drink is satisfying yet light. Opt for almond milk for the best calorie count.

Pro Tip: The "short" size isn’t always on the menu, but it’s perfect when you want just enough of something delicious without overindulging.

5. Hot Chocolate (Nonfat Milk, Tall) – 190 Calories

Yes, even hot chocolate can fit into your holiday sipping! Ordering it with nonfat milk and skipping the whipped cream keeps this cozy drink under 200 calories. It’s the perfect treat for chilly afternoons or sharing a sweet moment with your little ones.

Pro Tip: Want to add a holiday twist? Ask for a pump of sugar-free peppermint syrup to turn it into a festive peppermint hot chocolate.

How to Customize Your Drink to Stay on Track

Starbucks drinks can quickly go from a treat to a calorie overload, but with a few easy swaps, you can enjoy your favorites guilt-free.

• Choose smaller sizes: Tall or short sizes are perfectly satisfying without overdoing it.

• Opt for lower-calorie milk: Almond, oat, and nonfat milk are great options to cut calories.

• Skip the extras: Whipped cream and caramel drizzle add calories fast. If you really want them, ask for a light version.

• Adjust the syrup: Most drinks have 3-4 pumps of flavored syrup which Is usually just too sweet or syrupy anyway, by asking for 1-2 pumps you'll still get the flavor but I bet you won't even notice it's less sweet.

If you're running around and need some extra energy with the kiddos in the car, you don’t have to skip the Starbucks holiday menu to stay mindful of your wellness goals. With these low-calorie options and a few customizations, you can savor the season while staying on track. So, grab your festive cup, enjoy the magic of the moment, and keep crushing your goals.

Which holiday drink is your favorite? Share with me, and let’s keep the holiday cheer flowing! 🎄☕

Should you work out?

More is not always more - especially when it comes to exercise. It can be hard to take a day off when you are working towards those gains or a new race time, but rest is an important part of a holistic training plan and gives your body time to rebuild and come back stronger.

How much rest should you take? This really depends on your individual workout plans and goals but aim for at least one rest day per week.

So, how do you know if you should take the day off? Here are some of the signs you should #treatyoself to a rest day.

• You’re super sore- Not just like, a little stiff from your workout but having difficulty walking or sitting/standing up, give yourself a break. Maybe do some light stretching or foam rolling, or just take a bath

• You are dreading it - Yes, sometimes you need to get over the mental hurdle and just do it, but if you’re really mentally tapped out and it happens for a few days, your brain needs a day off

• You’re sick - This one may seem obvious but many people push through illness thinking it’ll make them feel better. JUST DON’T DO IT - you will just prolong your recovery

• You slept like Sh*T - Research shows more often than not, sleep is more important for health than exercise if you’re lacking in one. Log the extra hour and move your body tomorrow.

• You just didn't bring it in your last workout - This could be a sign that your body is getting a bit burnt out. Take a day and give yourself permission to fully check out, maybe try some meditation and stretching.

• Your heart rate is elevated- If you track your resting heart rate with a fitness tracker, or just notice you feel a bit different, it's a good sign that your body is overworked and needs a break.

• You're dehydrated - Go a bit hard last night? Forget to get your daily ounces of water? If you're starting in a deficit, adding a sweat session is not going to help anything. Focus on getting hydrated and coming back to the mat or pavement tomorrow.

So, what does a rest day look like? A rest day can be a day of active recovery like foam rolling, stretching, or even a slow walk. If you've really been hitting it hard and need a true break, just give yourself permission to take the day off completely.

Is your body asking for a rest day?