Quick and Easy Ways to Feel and Look Your Best

by Cascade Ice on February 25, 2020

Everyday life can sometimes take over, and our best intentions of eating healthy and staying in shape can take a backseat to the hustle and bustle and stress we encounter each day. But, the good news is, studies show that the way to sustain long-term health is to make small changes in your daily routine, rather than a huge overhaul of behaviours. So what does this mean? It means that you don’t have to sacrifice living an enjoyable life to be healthy. All it takes is just a few small “tweaks”! Here are a few expert-driven tips that will help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals for the long haul.

Walk Every Day

It doesn’t have to be a marathon, or even a long walk on the beach. You simply need to get your blood flowing every day, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator, biking to your friend’s house, or walking the dog around the neighborhood. All of these things will help elevate your mood, burn calories, and relax stiff muscles and joints. Make it your goal to walk each day.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

One of the most important pillars of health is keeping your body hydrated. After all, all the major organs in your body simply wouldn’t work without adequate water intake. Make it your goal to drink at least 9 cups of water everyday. If you get bored with plain water, add a lime or lemon slice, or try one of the unique flavors offered by Cascade Ice Sparkling Water. Need more reasons to reach your hydration goals? Healthy-looking skin and more energy! Who doesn’t want that?

Establish a Regular Sleep Routine

Recent studies have shown that the most important thing when it comes to sleep is not necessarily how much you sleep each night, but having a consistent bedtime as well as having uninterrupted sleep. In fact, irregular sleepers were more likely to be obese, and have diabetes and high cholesterol. 

Any easy way to make sure you’re getting to bed on time is to set an alarm for 30 minutes before your goal bedtime, and turn off all devices, turn the lights low, and lay down. This will give your brain and body plenty of time to “wind down” and drift into a deep sleep.What easy ways do you incorporate into your daily routine in order to stay healthy? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Unique Valentine’s Day Cocktails for Your Special Someone

by Cascade Ice on February 12, 2020

Flowers, chocolates and love letters are so passé! This Valentine’s Day, make your special someone a delicious cocktail that won’t sabotage their health goals! These cocktail recipes include our favorite zero-calorie flavored sparkling water – Cascade Ice Water, which means low on calories, low on sugar, but high on LOVE! Check out our unique recipes below to learn how to whip up some fun new cocktails for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day:

 

V-Day Gin Fizz

1/2 cup of gin

¼ cup of low-sugar orange juice 

1 cup of sliced strawberries 

1/2 cup of Wild Berry Cascade Ice Sparkling Water 

Combine gin, orange juice and strawberries in a shaker and mix well. Add ice to your glass of choice and pour mixture in, topping with Cascade Ice and garnishing with a fresh strawberry slice. Get ready to fall in love!

 

‘Be Mine’ Paloma

¾ cup of fresh grapefruit juice 

1 shot (1.5 oz) of tequila 

2 teaspoons lime juice

¾ cup of pink grapefruit Cascade Ice Sparkling Water

Fresh lime wedges

Pink Himalayan sea salt 

Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and ice into glass. Stir to combine, pour Cascade Ice over the top, and garnish with a lime wedge. Make their heart beat fast with this deliciously divine concoction! 

 

Cupid’s Cup

½ cup of vodka

3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice

¼ cup of sparkling rosé

½ cup of sliced strawberries

½ cup of Strawberry Lemonade Cascade Ice Sparkling Water

Combine and shake vodka, lemon juice, muddled strawberries together with ice and strain into a glass of your choice. Top with sparkling rose and Cascade Ice, and garnish with fresh strawberries. So good, you’ll think you’ve been hit by Cupid’s Arrow! 

Which cocktail will you be whipping up for your special someone? Tell us in the comments below, and share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Delicious, Healthy After School Snack Ideas

by Cascade Ice on February 5, 2020

Parents already have enough stress making sure they send their kids to school each day with completed homework and a healthy lunch. So, they will be relieved to know that we’ve whipped up a handy list of yummy (and healthy!) snacks that are easy to throw together, and will sure please any crowd. Check out the list below for some easy, quick and healthy after-school snacks that will be sure to fill up those growing tummies!

• Trail mix – Make your own buy letting your kids pick from the bulk bins at your local grocery store. Some energy-boosting options are mixed nuts, yogurt-covered raisins and dried fruit
• Low sugar cereal – Reach for the kind that is made with whole grains, and top it off with yogurt
• Fruit and veggie platters – Chop up various seasonal fruits and veggies and include fun dips like ranch dressing for veggies and caramel sauce or greek yogurt for fruit
• Dried fruit – Packed with vitamins and minerals, dried fruits are easy because they’re “in season” all year long and you can take them on the go
• Quesadilla – Use a whole grain tortilla or pita, mozzarella cheese and deli meat to create your own – just pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds!
• Muffins – Check out these recipes from GoodCook for several different types of muffins that are high in protein, so your kids will stay full longer. You can even make them on a Sunday to have them available for “grab and go” for the rest of the school week
• Homemade popsicles – Keep these low sugar and full of protein by using ingredients like zero-calorie and sugar-free Cascade Ice Water, greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Check out our new homemade popsicle recipes!
• Hummus – This delicious option comes ready to go, and is even sold in individual cups for easy dipping. Cut up some celery, carrots, or crackers and enjoy!
• Ants on a log – This old-school kids treat is the perfect combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Just cut some celery, spread peanut butter inside, and place raisins along the top of the peanut butter
• Smoothie – Throw some spinach, fruit, protein powder and milk (almond, oat or coconut milk works too!) into a blender and voila … healthy snack heaven!
• Flatbread pizza – Try this recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen for a savory option with whatever topics you want!

And of course, you can’t have snacks without something to quench your thirst! Cascade Ice Water  comes in 18 different flavor combinations, so kids will have fun getting to choose their favorite. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about a sugar rush, as it’s sugar-free, zero calories, sodium and gluten free.

Which snack will you be making for your kids? Tell us in the comments below, and share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Healthy Homemade Popsicle Recipes You Don’t Have to Wait Until Summer to Enjoy!

by Cascade Ice on January 21, 2020

Popsicles often bring to mind the thought of splashing in a pool and basking in summer sunlight. But popsicles are a refreshing treat you can enjoy all year round, especially when they don’t compromise your health and fitness goals!

Instead of buying store-bought popsicles that are often laden with extra sugar and additives, you can easily make them from the comfort of your own home with the right ingredients. Stop by your local grocery store to purchase popsicle molds (or a quick visit to Amazon.com), and check out the recipes below for ideas on how to make your homemade popsicles both healthy and delectably delicious!

Berry Lemon Dazzle

1 cup of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Raspberry Lemonade

½ cup of fresh raspberries

2 tbsp of lemon flavored greek yogurt

Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly, fill popsicle molds. Freeze for 3 hours, and enjoy!

 

Coco Loco Pop

1 cup of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Coconut

½ cup of chopped pineapple (canned or fresh)

2 tbsp of coconut flavored greek yogurt

Pour all ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly, fill popsicle molds. Freeze for 3 hours, and enjoy!

 

Have you ever made homemade popsicles? Which recipe will you try? Tell us in the comments below, and share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.