by Cascade Ice on May 16, 2013
This week we are happy to welcome Julie Grice from Savvy Eats to our Kickin’ It With Cascade Ice series! Julie is a seasoned food writer who loves to share great recipes and ways to help you live smarter. Take a look at some of her easy-to-apply tips for healthy living below!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I’m constantly cooking, testing and tasting new recipes. I try to make most of my meals healthy, and also exercise to balance out the less healthy dishes. I have hypothyroidism, so healthy living habits keep me feeling better.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My best friend Heather (thenheathersaid.com) and I keep each other motivated! We send each other our weekly fitness and health goals, and check in a few times a week to keep ourselves on track.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Stir-fry dishes and big salads. They help me use up whatever vegetables and leftover proteins (chicken, pork, hard-boiled eggs for the salads) I have in my fridge!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Go on family walks! My husband and I love going for long walks with our dog. They give us time to catch up and talk about future plans while getting in some movement. Also, a little advance dinner prep work on the weekends can work wonders for weeknight meals. Chop some veggies on Sunday to cook with or snack on during the week and precook some meat to make it easier to put a homemade dinner on the table in the evenings.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I’ve tried vegetarian and gluten-free diets, but feel best when I eat a little of everything. I do steer clear of products with long ingredient lists and make sure I know where my meat comes from, though.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I try to take some time every day to relax for a few minutes. I make a pot of tea and read, play with the dog or take a bath. It keeps me a little less stressed!
Are you loving Julie’s advice as much as we are? Check her out on Twitter and Facebook for more ways to connect!
by Cascade Ice on May 9, 2013
One of the best parts of spring is hitting up the local farmers market for fresh, healthy fruits. Incorporate those antioxidant-rich fruits into your beverages to help you reach your weight goals by swimsuit season!
Cut out the calories, sugar and sodium in your drinks simply by using your favorite fruits and Cascade Ice zero-calorie sparkling waters. Cascade Ice has just the right amount of fizz to give you a boost, minus the all unhealthy extras found in soda! Below are a few low-cal recipes using fresh fruit that your family is sure to love.
Berry Blast Smoothie
Pick out your kids’ favorite types of berries and apples to try the Berry Blast Smoothie.
To create one, mix 1 cup of apple slices, 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup soy or almond milk, a handful of fresh berries and 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Huckleberry Blackberry in a blender. Blend until smooth and top with a few more fresh berries.
Melon Mixer
Time to buy that delicious watermelon you’ve been dreaming about all winter for this fruity treat. Start with 3oz of Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Blueberry Watermelon. Then pour 1oz of club soda. Stir it a bit and add several slices of watermelon and blueberries for the final touch. You’ve just added two servings of fruit to your family’s diet!
Pomegranate Icer
Pomegranates pack a punch of vitamins and anti-oxidants and now that they are in season, it’s a great time for this refreshing drink. First pour 4oz of Cascade Ice
Pomegranate Berry and 1oz of Cascade Ice
Lemonade into a glass with crushed ice. Add fresh pomegranate seeds for the perfect touch and serve! Easy & delicious!
With these invigorating and fruity drink recipes, you’ll be giving your family a healthier beverage that still tastes great!
by Cascade Ice on May 2, 2013
Excited to read our next Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice feature? This week we have Jaime from The Simple Moms blog. Jaime is a product reviewer who loves to find the next big thing for her readers. Read on to hear some of her advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy Living is important not only for our kids but for your own future well-being.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My friend Renee is my role model for healthy living. She always has the right answer and she’s always willing to help. Avoiding additives and consuming real food is her way of living and I am working my way toward adopting her style.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Oatmeal with yogurt and berries has always been my go-to! My kids love it and it gives them some great nutrients.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Take it slow; you don’t have to change everything at once! Change one thing a week or even a month.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Junk food like chips and candy. It just isn’t needed in our home and we don’t ever buy it. If you don’t buy it, you won’t be tempted to eat it!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Getting the right about of sleep is so important for a healthy life. I always aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and 8 for my kids.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I love the Cherry Guava Blueberry because it is so refreshing and it tastes great!
Check out Jaime on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest .
by Cascade Ice on April 19, 2013
Our healthy living series continues! Meet the next interviewee for our Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice series: Shannon from Feed Me Dallas. Shannon’s blog scouts out the best eats and treats in Dallas, Texas to help you make smart choices for your next meal!
Read on to soak in some of her no-nonsense health advice so you can continue or start to live a balanced lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Because a healthy life is a happy life. If you eat good, you feel good and I find that eating lots of lean meats, vegetables and fruits makes me feel good on the inside and out. 
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role model is my mom because she eats healthy and is active but still has fun with certain food choices.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Lemon pepper steamed broccoli, sauteed balsamic chicken and always a side salad. It takes less than 10 minutes to make! I cut up chicken tenderloin and throw it in a skillet with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic salt. I steam frozen broccoli (it’s cheaper frozen!) at the same time and when it’s done I toss it in a bowl with a tiny bit of butter and lemon pepper seasoning.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Cut out fillers – like bread – and replace them with something of substance (more veggies)! Don’t eat candy or ice cream for dinner. If you really want something sweet, choose low sugar fruit like raspberry or blackberries.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t keep anything off limits, but I try to control my portions. If I know I am going to be in a situation where I want to eat junk food, I will try to eat really healthy in the meals leading up to it.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I try to run every morning. It helps me focus at work and eat healthy during the day. It also allows me to relax since I don’t have to worry about squeezing in a workout later. To help me sleep, I make sure to turn off all technology before going to bed. I read and let my mind relax.
Check out Shannon on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
