"Healthy Yums with Madi" - And Why the Name is Changing

 

The End of an Era

Ever since I started blogging about my healthy eating or "diet" per say, I have been using the title The Skinny Café. Being the basic chick that I am, this name came from a Facebook post I made two years ago about my own version of a "skinny" Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte and wanting to start my own little "Skinny Café" where ideas like these could flourish and be shared with others. This post had so much positive feedback that I decided to go for it! I might not have been able to start my own physical café, but I could create an online platform that shared my recipes and ideas. And so begun The Skinny Café journey!

However, I must be honest, there have been many times where I feel that the name doesn't do justice to what I truly want to share via this blog, and can be misleading as to my goals for myself and others. Recently, I have come to terms with my goals in regards to my diet, my body image, and even my spirituality. I have decided to change the name of my blog from The Skinny Café to "Healthy Yums with Madi", or "Healthy Yums" for short, and here's why.

Health and Wellness > Body Image

For as long as I can remember, I struggled with accepting my body as is. Regardless of my weight, the image in the mirror, or what I heard from others, these constant pressing words flood my mind: "not good enough". Although I wouldn't escalate these feelings to that of an eating disorder, they most definitely consumed me (no pun intended). My favorite verse to look to during these emotional moments was (and is) always Psalm 139:14:

For you formed my inward parts; 
 you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

 

If God designed me in his image, I don't need to force myself into other image than his own. If I look
upon myself with dislike or disgust, am I not ridiculing His creation and design which is by definition, flawless? The same God that made the ocean, the mountains, and all the wonders of the earth also made me and you.

This is not to say that we should give up on "dieting", but rather should focus on health and wellness instead of trying to attain this concept "skinny" not designed by God, but conjured by society's ever-changing and unattainable standards. Society's "perfect image" will always change, but God will never change, nor leave us or forsake us.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

 

1 Corinthians 6:19 (above) along with Psalm 139:14 is why I have changed the name of this blog. Our bodies are temples - not to be molded to the world, but to be molded by God and for God. Our bodies are to be loved, respected, and cared for. 

A Physical and Spiritual Journey

Recently, I have joined an incredible group of women and men who take time out of their day at work to fellowship with other believers and focus entirely on God's word. During this study, a question was raised about what we prioritize over God without even realizing it. What is it that keeps us from spending time in his Word, loving Him to our best ability, and fully surrendering ourselves to Him?

Although I had heard this so many times throughout my years, for the first time a new idol showed its face to me and caused me to dive deep into self-reflection. That idol was my dieting - my desire to eat for the purpose of body image and obtaining worldly standards. Not only have I been denying that He made me in His flawless image, but I have spent countless hours researching diets and weight-loss tips. This is time that should have been devotional. Time that should have been His.

Let me be clear - I am not in any way giving up my healthy and low calorie/fat/carb/other way of cooking or sharing these recipes with others! I want to keep doing this, as it's become a side-passion of mine over the years and I've received very supportive and positive feedback. However, the focus is no longer on being or becoming this abstract concept of "skinny", but learning to eat for self-improvement, health maintenance, and wellness (and in doing so will cause you to lose weight if that is your goal!).

I hope that this seemingly simple change is not only accepted, but understood among my supporters. Thank you all in advance for your love and support!

Protein Packed Skinny Cinnamon Waffles

Sound the sirens, this protein packed waffle is going down in history (or at least my history). I love waffles so much, but the store bought mixes are often high in literally everything: refined carbohydrates, salt, sugar, calories, you name it. I use mixes sometimes (I'm a big Hungry Jack fan), but in the middle of the week when I'm craving a decadent breakfast treat, this is perfect! It's sweet, fluffy, and packed with 32 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar!

Aside from the nutritional benefits, the best part is that it's so simple to make and only 5 ingredients:

• 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (I used Pure Protein from Walmart)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (you may also use skim milk)
• 1/2 (or more) tablespoons of Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, or All-Spice 
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Any other mix-ins, fruit toppings, or syrup (I used honey instead of syrup) you desire!

 

Cooking Instructions:

**This is the general recipe. but don't be afraid to make it your own by adding in some additional flavor! See my ideas after this.**

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until creamy and smooth - you may want to add more almond milk depending on the consistency. 
2. Heat your waffle iron to low or medium heat. Important: these waffles get done very quickly, so check on them frequently to ensure you get them the way you like them!
3. When your waffle is done, add your desired toppings or syrup and enjoy! Easy peasy. 

 

 

Dress it Up! 

I have so many ideas for how to customize these waffles for any craving! Need a fall-crazed pumpkin spice fix? How about peanut butter, chocolate, blueberry, or any other waffle you've ever had? Make your own gourmet waffles without the sugar, fat, calories, and all that other bad stuff! Here's some add-in/add-on ideas:

• Honey or other natural ingredient in place of sugar-loaded high-fructose syrup
• Light Buttery Spread (I use SmartBalance) instead of fatty stick butter
  
• Dark Chocolate Chips (high in antioxidants, lower in sugar and fat than Milk Chocolate chips)
• Pumpkin Pureé with Pumpkin Spice
• Blueberries or other fruit
• Peanut Butter (PB2 or a good old-fashioned tablespoon of the real deal)
• Cocoa Powder & Sweetener (for a full on chocolate waffle)
• Panko Chicken on top or side (for that mid-week Chicken & Waffles craving! That happens to everyone, right...?)

 Regardless of your choices, this waffle is revolutionary in my book and I hope it will be in yours too!

 

Nutrition Facts:

For one large waffle using the base ingredients listed above and no toppings:

• 230 Calories
• 32g Protein
• 2g Sugar
• 8 Net Carbs
• 8g Fat

Isn't that amazing? I hope you enjoy this recipe and the rest of my content! If you'd like to follow my blog, use the sidebar on the right-hand side to subscribe.

Thanks for the read and as always, I am always welcoming of suggestions, comments, and recommendations!

Instagram: @the.skinny.cafe

The Secrets to Skinny

❤  Welcome back to Skinny Café! Some really exciting things are happening in my life right now. Not only am I engaged to my amazing fiancé and am living and working in a big city, but I am also revamping my food blog into a full blown healthy lifestyle blog! This may or not be an addition to “The Wedding Dress Diet” ❤

 

P.S. I didn't go from horribly self conscious to wearing a size 2 Lilly Pulitzer dress by just eating my "skinny" meals. Although my diet was and is a HUGE component, there are other secrets I'd love to share as well!

What does this mean?

Glad you asked. This means that instead of having purely recipes and a few product reviews here and there, I want to expand into the world of fitness and general healthy eating tips. You can eat as many “fat free” or “sugar free” foods as you want and still not see the kind of changes in yourself you really want to see. Well, there are many many reasons for that! This goes for just simply counting points or calories too. There are so many aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I want to help you do just that.

Have you ever lost a good amount of weight and then hit that dreaded "plateau" that no matter how much you cut back on calories, carbs, or fat , you just can't seem to get past? Well, did you know that there's more to leading a healthy lifestyle than fixing your diet? I know, I know - that's the last thing many of you wanted to hear. However, I'm here to tell you that its easier than people say it is with the right guidance and proper plan - and its just what you need to get over that dreaded plateau.

 

What makes this blog different than any other health, food, or fitness blog? 

 

Have you ever noticed that it seems like the standard skinny or fit woman on any show or blog seems to have all the time in the world on her hands? What about all these recipes that are basically nothing more than kale, avocados, and a surplus of other foods no one really wants to eat for every meal?  Where’s the burritos, the sandwiches, the burgers, the chicken, the casseroles? Nonexistent it seems, I can tell you that! This blog aims to find healthy and wholesome alternatives to the common ingredients that make these foods so “bad” and turn them into protein packed low fat treats that are sure to fit into your diet. In addition, it aims to cater to the working woman or college student who has little time to spend hours in the kitchen prepping healthy meals.

Don’t even get me started on cardio. How does everyone seem to find time to get out for a 45 minute run every other day if not more? Do they not have school, work, families, sleep, or anything else to worry about? Sheesh! Unfortunately, when it comes to personal fitness, making time is a necessity. However, there are most definitely alternatives to this daily steady-state cardio routine that tales up so much time and often for very minimal results. In fact, there are better options altogether that not only are more effective for burning the optimal amount of calories, but also insure that your body is working to its fullest. Ever heard of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)?  If you haven’t, be prepared for a whole segment on HIIT coming soon. This method is promoted by numerous credible sources included BodyBuilding.com, LIVESTRONG, and multiple other fitness blogs. Its commonly referred to as the best training for weight loss as well as the best stamina booster.

One more thing: It’s OKAY to be a hippie! Go for the whole grain, whole wheat, cage-free, antibiotic free, organic, and/or non-refined foods as much as possible! This isn’t a requirement by any means, but if you’re in this for more than just weight loss and for an overall healthy lifestyle as well, it’s important to consider what you’re putting in your body. Many of these things, however, actually can also aid in weight loss. Whole wheat/grain products are unrefined and are made of complex carbs, or “slow carbs” (as Tristan’s dad would say) that are used by your body rather than easily converted to sugar or fat.  These types of carbs also usually have more fiber which is essential for dietary health. In addition, avoiding chemicals found in many refined foods as well as meat that’s been harvested from hormone or antibiotic injected animals can help balance out your body’s natural chemistry – and as a bonus, you know the meat you’re eating was much less likely from an abusive farm (which is why I always go cage-free!).

 

 

So, that was a long rant.

However, I truly hope that you enjoy the soon-coming new additions to the Skinny Café! I am ALWAYS open to suggestions, new products, or tips that I can incorporate into my blog as well.  In fact, I have to give a huge shout-out to my friend and sorority sister, Sarah Williams, for always giving me new ideas. She should have a page of her own on here to be honest.  

Got a transformation story?

I want to hear it! Tell me what you did, how you did it, and anything else you’d like to add. I’d love to even start a segment where people gave their own advice about what worked best for them! Leave a comment, shoot me an email, or message me on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/theskinnycafeblog/