THE BLOG

I'm YULY

First generation Dominican Afro-Latina. Bronx Native. Rugby player. Former teacher. Product of NYCHA.

As a NASM certified personal trainer and a certified physical and health education teacher, I have a different approach to fitness for women that goes against the status quo, especially in the Afro Latina/Caribbean space. Instead of focusing on losing weight, eating very few calories, and obsessing over the scale, I see fitness as a tool for women to build confidence.

Morir Soñando, translated as “to die dreaming” is a beloved Dominican(??) drink that brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood. The name is extra af but Caribbean people are dramatic and with good reason when your food and drinks are *chefs kiss*. Despite being lactose intolerant, I couldn’t resist the creamy sweetness of this drink, so I dealt with the consequences – so worth it. The combination of fresh orange juice and milk was rich and indulgent, but it wasn’t the best choice for my stomach or fitness goals. 

Traditional Morir Soñando has a hefty amount of sugar and uses evaporated milk – which is relatively high in fat compared to regular milk. Evaporated milk is made by removing about 60% of the water content from regular milk, which concentrates the milk’s nutrients, including fat and calories. While delicious, the macros of the traditional recipe can be tough for those on a fitness journey (yes, of course, we can have everything in moderation).

But here’s the lit news – you can still enjoy this nostalgic drink while making it healthier and not compromising flavor! Here’s my revamped recipe that offers all the creamy richness of a Dominican Orange Julius but with a few modifications and swaps for 16g of protein for less than 300 calories…aka you can lowkey have this every day if you wanted to ?. 

You don’t have to give up traditional Caribbean foods just because you’re trying to be healthier. It’s all about finding different ways to make your favorite Caribbean recipes a bit more health conscious! This recipe is a perfect example of how you can transform a beloved classic into something that supports your goals. Want more healthy gym friendly Caribbean recipes? Check out The Fit Caribbean Kitchen recipe ebook with over 30 recipes with macronutrients included.