let's play the 'how healthy is this' game ...

So, basically and briefly, I've been struggling with undereating. I'm trying to change, and my success varies from day to day. Part of the problem, I'm discovering, is that I don't know how to eat properly, how to construct a healthy diet. My main issue is what I call the 'Starbucks diet.' Namely, I have university classes every morning from 9 am to 12 pm, and before going home to study/avoid studying I have been visiting Starbucks or a similar cafe and having a latte and a muffin/cinnamon bun/scone/similar as lunch. That's what I'd like to ask: how healthy is this? I know that there's a lot of calories and sugar in such pastries, and alot of caffeine in lattes, and I'm quite certain there are much healthier lunches out there. It's just that every time noon rolls around, I find myself craving Starbucks and not much else!

The latte probably isn't as unhealthy as the pastries.  I'm in a similar situation and have to grab a quick meal or snack on campus between classes or before leaving campus to go to work.  What I started doing was stopping by one of the campus convenience stores and grabbing a piece of fruit, or packing a snack or small meal that would keep in my backpack during the morning.  In your case, since you're trying to make sure you eat enough, it would probably make sense to make a sandwich the night before and grab it out of the fridge before you leave for class in the morning.  That with a piece of fruit should keep fairly well in your bag during the morning and would make for a healthier lunch than a coffee-shop pastry.  I would also suggest bringing small snacks you can eat in the morning (either between classes or during a break in your class) so that you're not starving and craving fat and sugar by noon.  String cheese, yogurt, fruit, or granola bars would work well.  Good luck!

The latte isn't too bad, especially if it's skim milk and there are no added sugar-y syrups.  It has protein and calcium from the milk.  Just don't get a venti or a huge size, just get a small.

Now, this pastry really should not be a daily thing.  They usually have 400-700 calories (!!!).  And, they don't fill you up because they're simple carbs with lots and lots of sugar.  Most starbucks sell plain fruit salad, why can't you get that?  Or, bring your own snack:  fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, crackers, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, protein bar, granola bar, pretzels, etc

Also, are you eating breakfast?  If you're not, or you're not eating an adequate breakfast, this is probably the reason you're craving this sugar/fat-fest every day.

Thanks for your replies, guys!

I do eat breakfast actually ... no matter how much I undereat, I've never cut it out of my diet. I wake up hungry, so the first step in my daily routine is always food! But I have a long time between breakfast and lunch, so I still am really hungry at the time of my Starbucks cravings. Maybe I should eat a little more in the mornings, or more protein?

I'm glad to hear that lattes have certain health benefits (calcium is always a good thing!) I know that caffeine is an issue, but when isn't it, after all? I was looking up the calories for Starbucks muffins and scones, and they are definitely on the high side. The sodium is way up there, too, and the fat and sugar as I thought. Especially their lemon cranberry scone--it looks quite harmless, but it's got 500 calories!!! And about 30% of daily sodium. Eeeek! So, I like both of your ideas of getting a latte and bringing something of my own to go with it.

 I was also thinking that I could bring something to eat at noon, or go home and have a proper lunch, and then if I'm still having my craving later in the afternoon, I could go to Starbucks then and just get a drink: a latte or even just a plain coffee. That would cut down my calories, fat, and financial problems all at the same time! In that case, I would probably allow myself a pastry just once a week as a special treat, but not more often than that. I could even walk to the Starbucks that's about 30 minutes away from my house, and get some exercise at the same time, which is another area in which I lack at the moment. You're getting me thinking ... I really want to be healthier!

One problem is...and i know it is that starbucks,  coffee shop food is expensive for what you get but its nice to sit somewhere and relax...is it illegal to bring in outside food to starbucks,  i mean i never would at restraunts,  but do people bring thier own sandwitches or stuff.  i think i brought an apple once, but i dont want people thinking its rude to bring in your own food,  and this was before starbucks even offered food.

I will join the other posters in saying this routine is not very healthy for you. It`s not so much about the amount of sugar and fat and overall calories, it`s about the huge chunk of nutrition you are missing on a daily basis. For the calories in that pastry, you could eat 1-2 huge salads loaded with veggies and lean protein, and get so many vitamins you wouldn`t believe. You may not be able to realize what a difference it makes to your overall energy until you try it - you then won`t be able to understand how in the world you were able to get through a day, before making the change!

As with all habits, I suspect most of the comfort you get from it is knowing you are going to do this every day. You could have the exact same comfort while replacing the pastry with a healthy lunch, once you get used to it. It`s not as bad as it sounds either, this routine took some getting used to at first as well, even if you didn`t consciously make any effort.

I would agree with those saying to bring food from home, but if on some days that isn't an option, why not try some of the healthier choices at starbucks?  Not all of them have this, but some have salads, sammiches, protein plates (containing a hard boiled egg, mini bagel, some fruit, and moe), and other semi healthier options.  They still probably are not as good as a what you could bring from home, but they are better then the pastries.  And if you're local starbucks doesnt have them, ask if they can supply them!  If interested people enquire they will often make efforts to stock them, mine did!  Also, the sammiches especially are really delicious.  I love the one with pesto, spinach, mozarella, and over roasted tomatoes....  Mmm, well, i'm losing track of things thinking about it.  Good luck making healthier chpices!

if you must go to starbucks have one of their sandwiches..they have egg salad, turkey, and the feta egg and cheese wrap, oatmeal, and breakfast sandwiches. avoid the scones and pastries..have a bagel if you want something from the display case and get a fruit cup as well. or get their protein plate or fruit and cheese plate with your latte. much more balanced and not a bad choice at all.

I used to crave sugar big time too- i still do but not as much. I used to eat like pinkberry for meals. haha. pretty terrible.

I realized though by having a healthy filling lunch, I don't really yearn for sugar! If you are gonna eat out, grab some at least fruit in your bag so you can have it as your sugar reward. I usually eat like an apple or two a day instead of eating cookies like I used to.