Question:
My addiction in the am is a decaf latte, with skim milk and sugar free caramel...

I know that in 8 ounces of milk, there is 8 grams of protein, and I get the 16 oz. But my question is... Does the milk getting steamed mess with the protein? Can I count this towards my protein intake? And can I count it towards my liquid intake... since it's sugar free and decaf? Or not since the milk has calories? Somedays...Most days more like it.. I feel clueless.    — Michelle J. (posted on February 12, 2004)

February 12, 2004
No nutritionist here but I would not think that heating would affect the protein in milk otherwise we wouldn't get any protein from anything that had been cooked. You'll probably get about a thousand opinions on whether to count the milk toward your daily liquid intake but personally, I do count anything that is decaf. I know some doctors say you can't count anything but water toward your fluid intake but mine said anything liquid counts as liquid but if I drank something with caffeine, just count half toward my liquid intake. I have heard that if you are getting enough fluid, your urine output should be a the color of light lemon juice so rather than counting liquid, I just monitor that and if it looks a little dark to me, I just drink more and it does not seem to matter at all what the liquid is, it all appears to be the same when it's eliminated. Sorry to ramble so.
   —  SCbabe B.

February 12, 2004
I would definitely count towards your protein intake but I can't imagine that there is much milk in a coffee?? also, yes, its liquid and counts. As long as it is not caffeinated, even liquids with calories count.
   — Cindy R.

February 12, 2004
I'm sorry.. I suppose everyone will jump down my throat about this.. but why does it have to count toward anything? Just enjoy it! I count things too sometimes, what I eat, how I eat.. the quality of it.. but damn it.. we have this surgery to be normal.. enjoy your coffee, however you want it.. and don't count it toward anything... today.. *grin* or tomorrow.. You know that skinny little thing ordering the same thing isn't counting it... toward a thing... good luck! I'm addicted to latte myself.. I make it at home a lot with the low carb milk.. and I do NOT count any part of it.. Good luck!
   — Lisa C.

February 12, 2004
Our nutritionist told me that if you put it in your mouth, it gets counted, regardless. <br><br>The rule for us is 64 oz. of sugar free, caffeine free liquids - coffee, protein drinks or lattes do not count in that 64 oz. The latte's ingredients do count in your caloric intake and your protein intake for the day. The temperature of the milk does not matter. Think of it this way- if you cook carrots, do they count differently than raw carrots?<br><br> Obviously, using skim milk is the best choice, because it is lower in calories, and sugar free syrup is the best choice because it had less sugar than regular syrup. And try to use decaf expresso. Caffeine can lead to dehydration. I am a latte junkie too, and make a personal choice to get more water in on the days I drink more lattes- just so I have less chance of dehydration. More water = better weight loss. Has worked so far for me! <br> <br>Only the best wishes to you! <br> <br> Seriously a coffee junkie, Shelli
   — kultgirl

February 13, 2004
Your question is: does steaming the milk take the protein away? - I happen to be at my nutritionist office right now and she says "NO" - if it were boiled causing vapors to escape then you most likely would lose for nutritional values. - This is one reason why the milk is carefully steamed. - SO ENJOY IT!!!
   — Anna M.

February 13, 2004
I am so pleased to hear such positive responses to this question! I look at it this way - every day I have a non fat latte from Starbuck's. It costs the same as the pack of smokes a day I gave up a month before surgery. It replaces my depleted glycogen stores when I have it after a workout 4 days a week. It takes the place of the couple of egg mcmuffins I used to have for breakfast. It is the only caffeine I consume and I JUST PLAIN LOVE IT! I feel so deprived when I don't get it, it's just ridiculous. So, I have it and enjoy it (but I do count it - carbs and and protein both - just that OCD in me :P)
   — Rachael B.