Vending Machine Diet Downfalls

by Cascade Ice on August 18, 2011

You have two hours left of your work day and your stomach begins to grumble. You slowly approach the break room and glance over at the vending machine. The shiny packaged snack options are almost calling your name as your dig in your pocket for spare change.

A lot of us experience this afternoon diet disaster, but how much do you really know about those afternoon vending indulgences? We have pulled some of the biggest vending machine downfalls from Fitness Magazine, so you know which vending machine snacks are the worst.

The least healthy vending machine snacks:

• Pop-tarts Frosted Strawberry
  • 420 calories, 10g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 40g sugar
• Doritos
  • 250 calories, 13g fat, 2.5g sat fat
• Skittles
  • 250 calories, 2.5g fat, 2.5g sat fat
• Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers
  • 160 calories, 8g fat, 2g sat fat
• Twix
  • 280 calories, 14g fat, 11g sat fat
• 3 Musketeers 
  • 260 calories, 8g fat, 5g sat fat, 40g sugar

It’s amazing how much can be crammed into such a small package! Don’t let the vending machine ruin your diet. Pick snacks that are filling and good for you. Opt for fruit, low-fat cheese or anything with whole grains. They will help you feel full and have more nutritional value than most vending machine options.

How often do you snack throughout the day? What foods will you choose to replace your vending machine snacks?

Protect Your Memory

by Cascade Ice on August 10, 2011

Ever get up and forget what you got up for? The occasionally forgetful moment is common for most people, especially if you are really busy.

Did you know (according to Health.com) memory loss can begin as early as your 20s? There’s no need to panic, though! There are steps you can take towards protecting your memory.

• Don’t skip the carbs. Your brain and body needs carbohydrates to stay in tip-top shape.
• Work out. It increases blood flow to your brain. Try to do it before your day begins to kick start your memory before work!
• Use a different font. Deviating from you regular font occasionally can improve your memory! Since it is not the font you are used to seeing, you have to focus on it more.

Which of these steps do you think you’ll try to help protect your memory?

How To Sleep When It’s Hot

by Cascade Ice on August 2, 2011

With record-setting temperatures this summer, some people might find it harder to sleep. Why do we have trouble dozing off when it’s too hot out?

According to cnn.com, sleep is directly correlated with a steady decrease in core body temperature. Ultimately, if your body’s temperature can’t drop, it will be  harder for you to fall asleep.

If you are having trouble sleeping during the summer and don’t have the convenience of air conditioning or simply don’t want your electricity bill to skyrocket, there are solutions.

Before you go to bed, take a cold shower. Your body will begin cooling and this will help you fall asleep faster!

If this doesn’t work, get a small water feature or fountain for your bedroom. The sound of water will make you feel cooler.

You can also make your bed a bit more comfortable by cooling off your pillow cases. Put your linens in a storage bag and pop it in the refridgerator for an hour. Climbing into bed will be a relief at the end of a long, hot day.

How do you fall asleep when it’s hot? Please share your tips below!

Our Skinny Cocktail Creation Winners

by Cascade Ice on July 25, 2011

Congratulations to Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch! She is the winner of our Cascade Ice Skinny Cocktail Creation Contest!

Lindsay created a super yummy Strawberry Limoncello Spritzer on the Rocks, and has won a Cascade Ice Cocktail Party!

Congratulations to Bambi McCole as well! Bambi was randomly picked as number 275 and has won our Cascade Ice Prize Pack!

We would like to give a special thanks once again to our other bloggers who participated in our contest: Laurel Moll and Tara Theoharis! You both were great competitors and made some amazing skinny cocktails!

Be sure to stay tuned for other contests coming soon to Cascade Ice!