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!

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

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 .

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! 

Rain, rain go away, come again another day! Staying inside during the April showers? Cascade Ice has the perfect drinks to indulge in during your staycation. Create your own lip-smacking drinks at home and enjoy the day watching movies or catching up on your favorite TV shows with your family!

Stay in at home curled up with a Staycation Berry Rita. Start by putting a handful of ice and 2oz of Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Wild Berry in your blender. Then pour 3oz of Jose Cuervo Gold tequila. Blend contents well, and garnish with strawberries for a fruity flair!

Sit your kids down for their favorite Disney movie with a Blue Watermelon Slush. Blend 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Blue Watermelon with ice and 1oz of club soda. Pour the slush in a frosted glass and rim the glass with watermelon slices for added fun!

Enjoy your staycation!

We are elated to share another healthy living interview for our Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice series with Jenn Walters from Fit Bottomed Girls! Jenn’s blog shares cooking & baking tips, recipes and food reviews to help fellow foodies enjoy a healthy living lifestyle.

Read on to discover this Certified Fitness Professional’s eating moderation tricks, family health tips, and health icons. Jenn Walter’s health wisdom will inspire you to stay healthy and fit and support others around you to live a healthy life.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Because when you take care of yourself all of life is better. You have more energy. You sleep better. You try new things. You feel better about yourself. You basically live MORE!

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels and Dolvett Quince from The Biggest Loser TV show are all amazing trainers who I look up to and adore. They know their stuff. But I also really, really look up to Gwen Stefani. In fact, I wrote a whole post on why recently on our site Fit Bottomed Girls: http://bit.ly/WY0Bz7

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

An egg-veggie scramble or a big salad withe protein. Both are quick, easy and make me feel good as they contain plenty of protein, healthy fat and fiber to fill me up!

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

Do it together! On our site Fit Bottomed Mamas we really emphasize that health is a family affair. So go for family walks, cook healthy meals together — turn off the TV and get moving together!

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

I live by an all-good-things-in-moderation mantra, so nope! Although anything with trans-fat is certainly close to being totally off limits. I’ve just found that you can make your own healthier versions of all that unhealthy processed stuff.

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?

Get out of the all-or-nothing mindset. Deprivation and diets do not work. Instead find the healthy foods and activities you love to do and do them often. Adding just a little bit of exercise or swapping an unhealthy snack for a healthier one can add up to huge results. So start small, don’t deprive and know that you’re worth taking care of!

Learn more from Jen on her website http://fitbottomedeats.com/ and follow this Fitness Pro on Twitter & Facebook for cooking & baking tips and Ways to Eat!

Want to pull a taste bud trick on friend or co-worker this April Fool’s Day? Make this funky holiday memorable and fun by using these drink recipes to satiate your fellow pranksters!

Let’s “trick” your friends’ taste buds with a Trickster Tini! Fill a 16oz martini shaker halfway with ice and add 2oz of Ciroc Vodka. Then, pour in 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Apple Tini Mixer and gently stir. A simple apple-flavored martini, right? Wrong! Add a drop of purple food coloring to confuse what their eyes see and their taste buds taste.

For your little love “fools,” try our Joker’s Punch recipe. Mix up 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Strawberry Lemonade and 2oz pineapple juice in a frosted glass filled with ice. Rim the glass with fresh pineapple slice and to finish it off? You guessed it! A little April Fool’s Day food coloring. Try green or blue!

Happy April Fool’s Day Cascade Ice fans!

Time for another healthy living interview for our Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice series! We were delighted to hear from Leslie of Leslie Loves Veggies. Her informative blog shares health recipes and food product reviews to help families make the right choices for a healthy living lifestyle.

Below, this veggie lover shares her go-to nutritional meal for her family and fatty food tips to encourage Cascade Ice fans to stay healthy. Read on to hear more from Leslie about her veggie lifestyle!

 Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Healthy Living is important to me because I want to stay feeling young, active and be able to enjoy my grandchildren. One of my daughters is a vegetarian, as is my grandson. I want to age gracefully and in good health so I can enjoy them!

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

My dad was a vegetarian from the time he was eight years old. He was born in 1922 and in that day, that was unheard of! I’d watch him when we went out to restaurants back in the 60’s when there were not many (healthy) vegetarian options. He paved the way in my eyes for vegetarians, especially men. My dad is my hero!

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

We love salad at my house. I like to add in beets, garbanzo beans, vegan cheese, and a variety of greens and veggies. We add some kind of faux meat and it’s a meal!

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

Eat a little less and move a little more. (Oy me!)

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

I gave up fat back in the 80’s. What a huge mistake. Your body needs fat. Monounsaturated fats are essential in the diet. I use olive oil and canola oil for the most part now. I do eat egg whites and dairy products on occasion now. The only foods that are off limits in my diet are all meats as I’m a vegetarian.

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?

I would just suggest drinking lots of water.  It’s good for you and your body needs it!

Catch up with Leslie on her website http://www.leslielovesveggies.net/ and follow this veggie lover on Twitter and Facebook for healthy living recipes!

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend? Make sure to celebrate in style! Whether you’re participating in a St. Patty’s day parade or hosting fellow “leprechauns” at your residence, Cascade Ice has created two cocktails that’ll have you ready for this weekend’s festivities.

Cheers to St. Patrick’s Day with a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” Tini! Fill a 16oz martini shaker halfway with ice and add 2oz of your favorite vodka. Drop in a few small green apple wedges. Lastly, pour in 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Apple Tini Mixer and gently stir. Pour into a martini glass and enjoy! To add some extra flair, dip the rim of your martini glass in cold water and dab on green sugar sprinkles!

The Shamrockin’ Mojito is a definite must-try and very simple to make. Start with a frosted glass filled 1/3 of the way with ice. Add in muddled fresh mint leaves. Fill the glass with 2oz of light rum and 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Mojito Mixer. Rim the glass with fresh limes and you’re good to go! Want a non-alcoholic beverage to serve? No problem – leave out the rum and you’ve still got a full-flavored, tasty drink to serve.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

Cascade Ice is thrilled to share another healthy living interview from our brand new series, Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice! Cascade Ice will be asking remarkable healthy living activists around America to get their best health advice and share with our fans.

We were elated to hear from Katie at Healthy Diva Eats. Her amazing blog shares Diva-approved go-to foods, breakfast and smoothie recipes and workout tips. Katie shared her go-to nutritional meal and simple moderation tips to motivate Cascade Ice fans to uphold a healthy lifestyle. Read to hear more from Katie about a healthy living lifestyle.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Healthy living is important to me in many ways. Healthy is not just eating right and exercise, it is also being happy, focusing on positive, and self-love! Living a happy and healthy life is essential and life is too short to live it any other way! Just be the healthiest and happiest you can be every single day!

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

I really don’t have a particular one; there are so many great role models out there though for sure!

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

A Luna bar and piece of fruit, or chobani with granola and almond butter!

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

You have to want to make the change and it doesn’t happen overnight, so just remember that!

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

No, I believe in balance and moderation when it comes to the unhealthy foods like ice cream and sweets!

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?

Love yourself that is the most important thing you can do to accomplish many things in life!

Keep up with Katie on her website www.healthydivalife.com and follow this healthy diva on Twitter for additional advice on fitness & healthy recipes!