Starbucks- It's What's For Breakfast!

While I must admit that I love Starbucks, being in the pregnant state that I am in it is not conducive to me imbibing endless rounds of lattes with wild abandon. No matter how much I want to on any given day. When Starbucks announced their new Health and Wellness breakfasts I was excited. Yes, we Americans do want healthy on-the-go breakfast alternatives, please! A breakfast full of protein, whole grains and fruit is really worth it in my opinion and from the countless area stores I have visited in the last few weeks the idea seems to be taking off. Here's what I found.

Perfect Oatmeal- 100% whole grain oats with fruit and nuts this oatmeal is a big hit. Everyone seems to be buying it when I walk into a store on any given morning. My kid included. It's not only fast and easy it is incredibly tasty and low in calories and fat.

Berry Stella (photo)- At this point I would give my right arm to try one of these. They are continuously sold out when I go into any of the four nearby locations. I've yet to see one in it's full 100% whole grain berry goodness. This treat contains lots of berries and omega 3s as well as 6 grams of protein which is unusual in a breakfast bar of its caliber. Now, if only I could find one.

The Chewy Fruit and Nut Bar and Multigrain Roll- My new go-to for treating my daughter at preschool pick up. The bar is tart and not too sweet, contains lots of real fruits and nuts and has a slight honey taste to it that she loves. The roll is also slightly sweetened with honey and made a big impression when I served it with either the almond butter or fruit preserves. Either way she was happy and she even eats it plain. I didn't think she would go for a plain roll but this one works!

Apple Bran Muffin- My personal fave. I get this every time now. Not too sweet and with no sugary topping this muffin has a great tartness with its apple and dried cherries. The 7 grams of protein per muffin and moderate size (say no to the ginormous muffin!) is another added bonus.

Starbucks has also started offering a healthy drink alternative, the Vivanno.
Coming in the flavors Orange Mango Banana and Banana Chocolate each drink provides at least one serving of fruit, 16 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. With only 270 calories or less, no artificial colors or sweeteners or even high fructose corn syrup you can get one of these drinks to go and get a great pick me up!

The simple ingredient list for both beverages includes:
• one whole banana,
• a proprietary whey protein and fiber powder,
• choice of milk,
• and ice (in the Orange Mango Banana Blend, Naked® Juice is also added).

I've had both many times over in the last few weeks and love them. OK, maybe the Chocolate Banana is really my favorite but the Orange Mango is good too. They fill you up and keep you going which works great when I'm running around town with my toddler. I don't even mind sharing it with her which I would never normally do with the other Starbucks drinks.

Overall, I have been more than impressed with these new offerings from Starbucks. It is hands down a way better way to start your day and keep you going throughout than any other coffee or donut place is offering. Go, check it out yourself.

I'm giving away a $20 gift card to one lucky reader this week too! All you need to do is click here and then comment back on this blog. Include your email address so I can contact along with the title of the post you read and you are entered in the contest! Contest ends on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008. I'm making you work for it this week, aren't I?