by Cascade Ice on October 14, 2025
Most of us consume far too much added sugar, often hidden in seemingly healthy foods. Cutting back doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Here are 5 impactful ways to dramatically reduce added sugars and boost your health.
Be a Label Detective
Added sugars hide behind dozens of names. Look past the main “Sugar” line and check the ingredients. Watch out for high fructose corn syrup and terms like cane sugar or fruit juice concentrate. The fewer of these ingredients, the better.
Ditch the Sugary Drinks
This is the fastest, most effective change. Sodas, sweetened teas, sports drinks, and many fruit juices are liquid sugar bombs. Instead, swap them for plain water (infuse it with fruit for flavor), unsweetened tea, or black coffee. If plain water is boring, try a sugar-free Cascade Ice Sparkling Water!
Embrace Whole Foods
Processed foods are the main culprits for hidden added sugar. By cooking from scratch with whole, unprocessed ingredients, you control the recipe. Choose fresh or frozen fruits over canned fruit packed in syrup. Buy plain yogurt and sweeten it yourself with berries, not the pre-flavored, sugary tubs.
Rethink Your Sweet Treats
You don’t need to eliminate dessert, just be mindful of your choices and portions. Opt for fresh fruit, a small square of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), or homemade treats where you’ve reduced the sugar by a third. Control your portion size every time.
Use Sugar Substitutes in Moderation
Artificial (like sucralose) and natural (like stevia or monk fruit) sweeteners can help satisfy a craving without adding sugar or calories. Use them strategically – A splash in your coffee or tea, or in reduced-sugar baking. Moderation is key! Don’t rely on them so much that your palate stays trained for intense sweetness. The goal is to gradually wean yourself off the desire for any intense sweetness.
Start with just one or two of these simple swaps today. Your taste buds will quickly adjust, and you’ll find yourself appreciating the natural sweetness in whole foods!
How do you keep your sweets cravings in check? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on September 23, 2025
As the weather cools and cold and flu season ramps up, keeping your immune system strong becomes more important than ever. While good nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management are the foundation of health, certain supplements can give your body the extra support it needs to fight off seasonal bugs. Here are five of the best supplements to consider for immune health, along with a simple but often overlooked tip—stay hydrated!
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known immune-boosting nutrients. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports the production of white blood cells, which fight infections. Since your body doesn’t store or produce vitamin C, daily intake is essential. Supplements can fill in gaps, especially during the winter months when fresh fruits and veggies may be less available.
Vitamin D
Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is crucial for regulating immune responses. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to higher susceptibility to infections, particularly respiratory illnesses. Since shorter days and cooler temperatures limit sun exposure, supplementing vitamin D during fall and winter is a smart move for most people.
Zinc
Zinc plays a vital role in immune cell development and communication. It also helps the body heal wounds and fight off invading bacteria and viruses. Research shows that taking zinc at the first signs of illness may reduce the duration of colds, making it an especially useful supplement to keep on hand.
Elderberry
Elderberries have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds and flu. Rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids, elderberry supplements may help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Syrups, gummies, and capsules are all popular options for boosting immune resilience.
Probiotics
A healthy guts is directly linked to a strong immune system. Probiotics—beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods and supplements—support gut health and help regulate immune responses. Taking a daily probiotic may improve your body’s ability to defend against seasonal infections.
Don’t Forget: Stay Hydrated
While supplements can give your immune system a valuable boost, one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay healthy is by drinking enough water. Hydration helps flush toxins from the body, keeps mucous membranes moist (making it harder for viruses to take hold), and ensures nutrients are properly transported throughout your system. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day and consider adding herbal teas or broths for extra warmth and hydration during the colder months. And if regular water just doesn’t compel you to get your water intake up, try a Cascade Ice Sparkling Water!
While supplements certainly aren’t a magic shield against illness, they can provide meaningful support for your immune system when paired with a healthy lifestyle. As always, consult with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements to make sure they’re right for your individual needs. This cold and flu season, a combination of nutrient support, hydration, rest, and mindful habits will help you stay strong and resilient.
What types of supplements do you take to prevent illness? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on July 18, 2025
The sun is high, the mercury’s rising, and all you want is something refreshing, delicious, and maybe a little bit… fun? We hear you! Summer days are made for lounging, laughter, and vibrant sips. But let’s be honest, those sugary cocktails can sometimes leave you feeling more sluggish than sparkling.
That’s where we come in! At Cascade Ice Sparkling Water, we’re all about bringing the fizz without the fuss. And our Orange Mango flavor? It’s basically sunshine in a can – bright, tropical, and wonderfully sugar-free.
So, what happens when you combine that zesty goodness with a timeless classic? You get the Sparkling Orange Mango Tequila Sunrise! We’ve taken all the iconic layers of flavor and given them a refreshing, low-sugar makeover that’s perfect for sipping poolside, at a backyard BBQ, or just chilling on your patio. It’s light, it’s vibrant, and it lets you enjoy all the summer vibes without the sugar crash. Ready to mix up some magic? Let’s get sparkling!
Sparkling Orange Mango Tequila Sunrise Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz Tequila (Blanco or Silver recommended)
3 oz Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Orange Mango
1.5 oz Fresh Orange Juice (pulp-free for a smoother pour)
0.5 oz Grenadine
Ice
Orange slice or cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Grab a tall glass (a highball or a hurricane glass works perfectly) and fill it with ice. Pour the tequila over the ice, followed by the fresh orange juice. Slowly pour in the Cascade Ice and watch those bubbles dance! Gently drizzle the grenadine down the side of the glass. It will sink to the bottom, creating that beautiful sunrise gradient. Garnish with an orange slice or a cherry if desired. Do not stir! Sip, relax, and let the good times roll! Cheers to a delicious, guilt-free summer!
Have you ever had a tequila sunrise? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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by Cascade Ice on May 19, 2025
Hitting the gym and pushing your limits feels fantastic, but are you giving your body the hydration it needs to perform at its best? Water is your workout’s unsung hero, playing a vital role in everything from energy levels to temperature regulation. So, how much should you be guzzling?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your individual water needs during exercise depend on several factors, including the intensity and duration of your workout, how much you sweat, and even the weather. However, a good starting point is to follow these general guidelines:
- Before your workout, aim to drink about 17-20 ounces of water 2-3 hours before you start exercising. This gives your body time to absorb the fluids.
- During your workout, sip about 7-10 ounces of water every 10-20 minutes. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty – that’s a sign you’re already starting to get dehydrated.
- After your workout, replenish the fluids you’ve lost. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 20 ounces of water for every pound of sweat you lose. You can get a rough estimate by weighing yourself before and after your workout.
- Staying hydrated doesn’t mean you have to stick to plain water. Feel free to jazz things up with:
- Fruit-infused water: Adding slices of lemon, cucumber, berries, or other fruits can make your water more appealing and add a hint of flavor without added sugars.
- Sparkling water: If you enjoy a bit of fizz, unsweetened sparkling water is a great way to stay hydrated. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water comes in many flavor varieties!
- Ultimately, the best way to ensure you’re drinking enough is to pay attention to your body’s signals. Thirst is an obvious indicator but also be aware of other signs of dehydration like fatigue, dizziness, and headache.
Staying properly hydrated will not only help you power through your workouts but also aid in recovery and overall well-being. So, grab that water bottle and make hydration a key part of your fitness routine!
How do you make sure to stay hydrated when working out? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
