by Cascade Ice on December 30, 2020
Making New Year’s resolutions has become a tradition, and a vast majority of people tend to make resolutions to be healthier. But whether it’s to lose weight or exercise more, many healthy resolutions fizzle out just a few weeks into the year. So instead of setting ourselves up for failure, what can we do instead?
Attaining goals is all about making small changes daily that add up over time and end up becoming long term lifestyle changes. As humans, if we set our ambitions too high and don’t make our goals, we tend to self-sabotage or even feel guilty. Rather than start 2021 out on the wrong foot, try making these small, daily changes to your life!
Hydrate
A recent study found that 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated, which leads to issues like fatigue, hunger, headaches, weakness, high blood pressure and even chronic joint pain. Keep water in various places in your home and car where it’s easily accessible so you can sip throughout the day. You can even set daily goals for yourself (they even sell large water bottles that have markings on the side showing where you should be at different times of day!). Regular water feels boring? Cascade Ice Sparkling Water offers plenty of different flavors and product lines to suit your needs and keep things interesting.
Get Some ZZZ’s
With the rise in electronic usage, we have also become sleep deprived. Try setting realistic limits for yourself to turn off your phone, tablet or TV at least 30 minutes before bedtime each night and try to establish a regular sleep routine. Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night, and make sure your room is dark and quiet. Sleep plays into our overall health, affecting everything from your ability to maintain a healthy weight to fending off depression and anxiety.
Interact with Others
In a global pandemic, it’s definitely tough for everyone to resume fun activities like parties and vacations, but it’s now more important than ever to make sure you’re not “over-isolated.” Try making a regular Zoom call with your family or even schedule a socially distanced outdoor picnic with a friend. The benefits of seeing those you love (even if it’s not in-person) are tremendous – talking with friends can boost the serotonin levels in your brain, leaving you feeling happier and more content. Get creative with ways you can interact with others on a daily basis and you’ll notice that your physical and mental health will get a boost!
Move Your Body
You don’t have to set your sights on establishing a strenuous new fitness routine. This daily goal can be as simple as taking the dog for a long walk twice a day (which benefits you AND your pup!), or even stretching and meditating at home. There are thousands of resources online to suit your preferences, but all that matters is that you move your body for 30 minutes out of your 24-hour day. You’ll be surprised how these small physical fitness goals can transform into an entire healthy lifestyle change, keeping you moving by becoming a habit.What healthy do you have for the new year? Tell us 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 December 30, 2020
One of our favorite lifestyle bloggers, Megan Pribble of Diary of This Girl Megan, recently shared two original drink recipes featuring Cascade Ice. Although these cocktails are perfect for holiday sipping, they can be enjoyed year-round as well.
In her blog post, she tells us how she uses her favorite line of Cascade Ice sparkling Waters – our USDA Organic line in 8-pack cans – as a refreshing beverage on its own, or to add a kick to low-calorie and low-sugar cocktails!
Always free of calories, sweeteners, sodium, not to mention USDA Organic and non-GMO, Cascade Ice USDA Organic Sparkling Waters come in eight different flavor options to keep things interesting!
Check out Megan’s blog for more info on how you can easily whip up a Fizzy Mimosa Cocktail and Pomegranate Mango Fizz – How yummy do those sound? Cheers!
What are your favorite kinds of cocktails to serve around the holidays? Tell us 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 December 9, 2020
This upcoming year, just like every other year, millions of Americans will make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. But, by the 6-month mark, less than half of them will be unsuccessful in losing or maintaining their weight.
What are the common pitfalls that often cause people to fail at their diet? The answers may be more straightforward than you think! Read on to find out the most common mistakes so that you can avoid being another New Year’s resolution dropout!
You Fall into Marketing Traps
As a society, we often get duped into the idea that fat-free and gluten-free are always a healthier option. However, reading the actual ingredients on products is an important part of weight loss. Unfortunately, sometimes health claims on diet foods are misleading. Instead of falling for fancy marketing language on products, get to know what’s actually in your food and adjust your purchases from there. Remember – not all foods with high fat content or gluten are bad for you! Each person is different. Consult your doctor to come up with a food plan that’s tailored to your body’s needs.
You Drink Your Calories
It’s so easy to forget how much sugar is in that frappucino, or how many calories are in that post-workout sports drink. Instead, make it a rule to only drink water (or a lightly sweetened sparkling water like Cascade Ice), and only the occasional sugary beverage. Unfortunately, sugary, high-calorie drinks contain a large portion of your daily dietary allowances, but won’t leave you satisfied for long. As a result, you end up consuming way more calories and sugar than you even realized.
You Skip Meals
Most people mistakenly think that skipping meals is an easy way to eat less calories throughout the day when trying to lose weight. However, studies have shown that it can often lead to overeating later on, which completely defeats the purpose! Not only that, but skipping food can cause your metabolism to stall. Instead, opt for a quick, high-protein option if you’re busy and can’t enjoy a full meal, like a protein smoothie or homemade trail mix.
You Pass on the Treats
It’s counterintuitive, but experts agree that if you deprive yourself of your favorite treats completely, you are more likely to binge later on. Instead of completely nixing treats, allow yourself a small one each day, whether it’s salty chips or a piece of chocolate. In the long run, you’ll be happier and less likely to fall off the healthy eating bandwagon.
Your Sleep Schedule is Out of Whack
Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects to living a healthy life, and it correlates directly to your diet goals. Getting regular, uninterrupted sleep each night can regulate hormones and stave off cravings, which in turn can keep you on track. Aim for 7-8 hours each night, and try to stick to the same schedule.How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on November 20, 2020
Photo credit: Alicia Bruce
Thanksgiving is synonymous with a giant feast, after which you loosen the buttons on your pants. And sometimes, if you’re trying to stay on track with your health goals, it can be filled with regret for overindulging – which can set you even further back.
Instead of overdoing it this Thanksgiving, why not try a more balanced approach that will allow you to indulge in your favorite foods and treats, while still keeping you on track? Cascade Ice can help! Below we offer a few tips to help you navigate this holiday season confidently, so you can stay healthy and confident.
Start Thanksgiving with Exercise
Losing and maintaining weight is all about “Calories in, calories out.” Which means, if you exercise and burn calories on Thanksgiving, you can take in more calories than you could if you hadn’t exercised at all. And remember that exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or rigorous – you can do an at-home yoga video, or simply take a neighborhood walk to burn those extra calories! A small sweat each day can go a long way in improving your overall health.
Eat a Filling Breakfast
Most people think that they should save their calories for the big feast, but that approach usually ends up being counterproductive. Experts actually suggest that eating a small, protein-packed meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite when the big Thanksgiving day meal comes. Trying eating eggs, avocado toast, or a protein-packed smoothie before the big meal, so you won’t feel famished.
Pick Your Favorite Foods
For some, Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, or even the stuffing. To avoid overeating, focus on 1-3 food items that you must have, and skip those you don’t. If you indulge in the food that you’re really looking forward to eating, you won’t feel deprived, and by eliminating those things you may not be crazy about, you’re saving yourself some unnecessary calories.
Limit the Alcohol
It can be very difficult to stay away from alcohol during the holiday season, but alcoholic beverages are notorious for being full of empty calories. Not to mention, they can limit your inhibitions, leading to unnecessary snacking. What to drink instead? Try a fun mocktail with fresh fruit (Cascade Ice has some great recipe ideas that are low-calorie and low-sugar, and you can make any of them into “mocktails” by eliminating the alcohol). Drinking more water throughout Thanksgiving day can also help curb hunger cravings and keep you from overeating. Pass the H20, please!
How do you stay on track during the Thanksgiving holidays? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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