Since I have started following a mostly Paleo diet, I would say the hardest part of staying on track is when eating out. If I am preparing my own food, it is very easy to meal plan and follow the Paleo guidelines, but there are times when I don’t have time to pack my lunch/snacks for work and that is when it becomes a challenge. I’ve decided to start a new food series on the blog that highlights some healthy food options at restaurant chains. I decided to feature Starbucks first because I am there every day.
FOOD
Obviously everything from their bakery is out of the question, but Starbucks does offer a variety of Paleo friendly options in the refrigerated section.
Protein Bistro Box: Hard-boiled egg, apple slices, grapes, white cheddar cheese, multi-grain muesli bread, and Justin’s honey peanut butter. Clearly everything I listed is not Paleo, but a good majority of it is. Just skip the cheese and bread and you have a good quick snack. *Peanut butter is also technically not Paleo, but legumes are one exception I make to the diet.
Hearty Veggie & Brown Rice Salad Bowl: Roasted butternut squash, beets, kale, red cabbage, broccoli, peas, and roasted tomatoes served on brown rice. Side of lemon tahini dressing. The brown rice is not Paleo friendly but all of the veggies are so if you’re in a pinch and need something quick, this would be a good option. You could always eat around the rice. The dressing is made with tamari (gluten free soy sauce) so if you don’t want the soy, then skip the dressing.
Seasonal Harvest Fruit Blend: Apples, grapes, and oranges. I’ve never actually seen this at the Starbucks I go to, but they do carry packages of fresh blueberries which are a good snack option.
Other Snack Options: Starbucks sells packages of almonds near the registers as well as bananas for $1.
DRINKS
The main thing when ordering your drink is to stay away from dairy and sugar. I like my coffee with a lot of milk in it, so I typically stick with tea since I can drink that with nothing added in it. Starbucks does offer coconut milk, but I’m not sure of all of the ingredients so there may be added sugar.
Americano (Hot or Iced): Espresso mixed with water. I usually order mine decaf.
Coffee and Espresso (Hot or Iced): Make sure to order yours unsweetened!
Teavana Teas (Hot or Iced): My drink of choice is a Venti Unsweetened Iced Green Tea.
Evolution Fresh Juice: Make sure to read labels for no added sugar.
Hopefully this is helpful for you next time you’re on the go and need a quick, healthy Paleo friendly snack!
Myla says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who makes exceptions for legumes!! I love beans!!! Black, Kidney, Garbonzo… all of them. 🙂
Paige says
Yes!! I love beans too much too! And they’re a great source of non-meat protein!