The healthiest thing to order at Starbucks, according to a nutritionist

No matter how much you can save by making your own coffee at home, there’s nothing like enjoying a delicious latte from Starbucks. Unfortunately, all that great taste usually comes with some health risks. It’s no secret that most specialty drinks at Starbucks are loaded with sugar. (We’re looking at you, Pumpkin Spice Latte!) However, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch Starbucks entirely. By making smart decisions, you can still enjoy your coffee without compromising your health.

We spoke with nutritionist Paula Rubello to find out some of the healthiest choices at Starbucks, from your drinks to your food. He told us to keep it simple with a Plain latte or cappuccino and some Oatmeal One of the best ways to go. Read all his expert insight.

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Order simple drinks like a plain latte

When you think of Starbucks, you probably think of something filled with sweet syrups and whipped cream. Unfortunately, packaging coffee with harmful ingredients like this can seriously damage your health over time. That’s why Redhead recommends avoiding flavored lattes, “because they have a lot of added sugars.”

Instead, she says, “opt for a plain latte, cappuccino, or flat white” to keep your sugar intake to a minimum. “I usually eat these with 2 percent cow’s milk because that gives me enough protein and fat to keep me full,” she says.

Of course, if your body does not use dairy products well, plant milk can also be a good option.

However, sometimes you really need to get your sweet fix. If so, making changes to your beverage of choice can make a big difference. “If you can’t go to Starbucks without getting a flavored drink, pick up 1 pump of syrup. It cuts down on added sugars a lot!” Redhead says.

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Go with oatmeal for a meal

Although all the sugary treats on display may be tempting, limiting your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar is an important part of staying healthy. Fortunately, Starbucks offers a variety of breakfast options, including some healthy menu items. Sarhjeh recommends to go with oatmeal.

“If you’re going to eat breakfast at Starbucks, get plain oatmeal for some high-fiber carbs and top it with nuts for healthy fats,” she suggests. Order some egg whites for protein and you have a very balanced breakfast! Sounds perfect!