Kickin’ It with The Domestic Rebel Blogger Hayley Parker

by Cascade Ice on August 21, 2014

Even though Hayley focuses on creating extraordinary desserts with ordinary, everyday ingredients on her blog; she understands the importance of having a healthy and balanced diet. Today we are Kickin’ It with Hayley Parker, the blogger behind The Domestic Rebel. She shares her tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle while still being able to indulge. 

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Healthy Living is important to me because a healthy diet has so much to do with your life and a poor diet is connected directly to some diseases (including strokes, which run in my family) I try my best to eliminate poor food choices from my diet so I can live happier, healthier and longer.

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

My healthy living role model is myself!  I am my own advocate for eating healthy and living a healthy, active life.  Of course, I gain inspiration from exercise magazines, healthy recipes and other friends and family, but ultimately, I’m the one who makes the decisions about what goes into my body so it’s important for me to stand up for myself and eat what’s best for me.

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

My go-to healthy meal would have to be taco salad!  Californians love our Mexican food, but with the cheese, sour cream, guac and tortillas, it can be a little heavy on the calories.  Throwing those traditional taco ingredients onto a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce tastes great.  Instead of dressing, I use salsa — low-cal but tons of flavor.  I’ll also use ground lean turkey in place of beef, light sour cream, avocado slices rather than prepared guacamole (which often has mayo in it) and add more flavor by throwing in fresh tomatoes, olives, or jalapenos.

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

My healthy-lifestyle tips for families would be to eat together as a family as often as possible.  Studies have shown that families who eat dinner together are generally happier and healthier than those who don’t, or those families who eat in front of the TV.  If you’re surrounded by people you love and chat about your day, you’re less likely to overeat than if you were alone or distracted by other things.

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

I don’t consider any foods to be off-limits completely because I don’t think depriving yourself is ever beneficial.  While I generally eat very healthy and make conscious food choices, sometimes I’m craving a slice of pie or a big ice cream sundae.  Or it will be a special occasion, like if I’m at a party or at a restaurant known for a particular dish.  I’ll indulge, but do so as smartly as possible — I don’t engorge myself on the sundae; perhaps I’ll choose a smaller size or ask them to ease up on the hot fudge.  I’m still enjoying it, just in a smaller portion.  Or if I know I’m going to indulge later, I’ll try to eat lighter throughout the day.

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?

I love switching up my exercise routines so I don’t get bored.  I’ll try Zumba some days, yoga other days, or straight cardio.  I also love walking and hiking, so I try to plan a date with friends or family where we can catch up and hike somewhere local for an afternoon.  Keeping a variety in the mix prevents me from slacking off.

What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?

My favorite Cascade Ice flavor is Coconut!  I love coconut flavored anything, and this drink is SO refreshing, light and satisfying.  It tastes so rich; like it should be packed full of sugar and calories — but it isn’t, which rocks!  Plus, it’s awesome to add fresh pineapple to, or use as the base for a lighter Sherbet Fizz!

To see more of Hayley’s tips, visit her blog The Domestic Rebel. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!