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5 Quick and Easy Healthy Holiday Swaps for a Festive and Fit Season

by Cascade Ice on December 16, 2024

The holiday season is a time of joy, cheer, and … traditionally unhealthy food and drinks. While it’s important to indulge and enjoy the season, it’s also key to maintain balance and prioritize your health. Here are 5 healthy swaps to help you enjoy the festivities without compromising your wellness goals:

Swap Sugary Drinks for Infused Water

Instead of consuming sugary sodas, juices, or alcoholic beverages, opt for infused water with fresh fruits or herbs. This hydrating and refreshing drink can help you stay hydrated and avoid excess sugar and calories. Or simply reach for a sugar-free Cascade Ice Sparkling Water!

Swap Fried Foods for Roasted Vegetables

Forgo fried appetizers like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and fried chicken in favor of roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs and spices. This healthier and more flavorful alternative is packed with nutrients but will still satisfy your cravings for something salty and flavorful!

Swap Heavy Desserts for Fruit-Based Treats

Instead of rich, sugary desserts like cakes, pies, and cookies, choose fruit-based desserts such as fruit salad, sorbet, or yogurt parfaits. These desserts are lower in calories and sugar while providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Swap Salty Snacks for Nuts and Seeds

Replace salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and crackers with nuts and seeds. These are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They can help you feel full and satisfied, boost your brain power, and reduce the likelihood of overeating at big holiday meals.

Swap Heavy Gravy for Lighter Sauces

Forgo heavy, creamy gravies and opt for lighter sauces made with vegetable broth, herbs, and spices. This can help reduce the calorie and fat content of your meal.

Remember, the key to a healthy holiday season is moderation. Enjoy your favorite treats in small portions and balance them with plenty of healthy foods and drinks. By making these simple swaps, you can indulge in the festive spirit without sacrificing your health goals. Happy holidays!

How do you plan to stay healthy and balanced during the holidays? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook and Instagram.


Sip, Savor, and Celebrate with our Frosted Berry Bliss Punch

by Cascade Ice on November 15, 2024

Winter gatherings are all about cozy nights, warm company, and delicious drinks. This Frosted Berry Bliss Punch is the perfect addition to your holiday party. It’s a refreshing blend of sweet and tart flavors, with a touch of sparkle from sugar-free Cascade Ice Sparkling Water. The vibrant colors and festive flavors are sure to impress your guests.

It’s simple to prepare – you simply combine your favorite berries, red wine, cranberry juice, spiced rum, and a generous amount of bubbly with Cascade Ice! Stir, add ice, and serve. If you’d rather make it a non-alcoholic punch, simply omit the wine and rum and double the other ingredients! It’s a delicious and refreshing way to celebrate the winter season. Read on for how to make this special, low-sugar punch.

Frosted Berry Bliss Punch 

INGREDIENTS

2 bottles Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Wild Berry 

1 cup frozen cherries

½ cup of blackberries

¼ cup pomegranate seeds 

1 bottle red wine 

1 cup of cranberry juice

½ cup spiced rum

2 cups of ice 

DIRECTIONS

In a large punch bowl, add cherries, pomegranate seeds and blackberries. Add wine, cranberry juice, rum and Cascade Ice. Stir well, add ice and ladle evenly into a glass of your choice. Garnish with fresh fruit and enjoy!

Have you made a holiday punch before? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


6 Ways to Boost Your Body’s Natural Defenses Ahead of Cold & Flu Season

by Cascade Ice on October 21, 2024

As the days start to get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about how to stay healthy during cold and flu season. One of the best ways to do this is to boost your immune system, and there are plenty of ways to do this naturally. Small dietary and lifestyle changes may strengthen your body’s natural defenses and help you fight off disease-causing organisms that ramp up during cold and flu season. 

Here are six tips to help you stay healthy:

Drink Plenty of Water 

Drinking enough water each day is crucial for overall health, but did you also know it can boost your immune system? Dehydration can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and this includes sparkling water like Cascade Ice

Get Some Shut-Eye 

When you’re well-rested, your body can better fight off infection. Plus, rest can boost your mood and make you less likely to get sick in the future. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Eat Whole Foods 

A healthy diet is another important factor in boosting your immune system. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods contain essential nutrients that help your body fight off infection.

Get Daily Exercise 

No need to overthink it. Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also help boost your immune system. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Manage Stress

Stress can wreak havoc on your body, so it’s important to find healthy ways (and ways that you actually enjoy!) to manage stress. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or simply being outside in the sun or taking a leisurely walk.

Take supplements

While it’s important to supplement your diet with a multivitamin on a daily basis, it’s especially important to get enough of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K as well as folate, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc during cold and flu season. These vitamins and minerals have specifically shown to help reduce your chances of getting sick as well as shorten the time you’re sick.

What do you do to prepare for cold and flu season? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Say Hello to Fall with our Cranberry Pomegranate Spritzer

by Cascade Ice on September 30, 2024

Say Hello to Fall with our Cranberry Pomegranate Spritzer

Looking for a low calorie, low sugar cocktail to sip on this fall? Look no further than our Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate Spritzer. This refreshing drink combines the tart sweetness of cranberries and pomegranates with a bubbly finish, making it the perfect choice for your autumn gatherings. It’s also super simple to prepare, making it a great option for entertaining guests. Avoiding booze this fall? For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka. 

Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate Spritzer

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Fill your glass: Fill your desired cocktail glass with crushed ice
  2. Add the base: Add the pomegranate juice, maple syrup, and vodka to the glass and stir
  3. Top it off: Fill the glass with prosecco and Cascade Ice Sparkling Water
  4. Add a touch of flair: Gently stir in the pomegranate arils
  5. Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks

 

What is your favorite fall cocktail? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.