by Cascade Ice on July 11, 2013
We are “Kickin’ It” with parenting blogger and author Susan Heim this week! Susan is an editor and co-author for the bestselling “Soup for the Soul” series. She also shares her thoughts and experiences on raising children in today’s world in her parenting blog. Read what she has to say about healthy living below!

Why is “healthy living” important to you?
It saddens me to see the rise in childhood obesity and related diseases. Overweight children usually become overweight adults. We need to teach our children to value physical fitness and sports, along with healthier eating and portion control, so that they can establish lifelong habits for healthy living.
Who are your “healthy living” role models and why?
I’ve always admired Jessica Alba. She created The Honest Company to create products that are non-toxic and healthy for kids. And she seems like a genuinely nice person and a great mom!
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Smoothies! We love to mix fresh fruit and yogurt in the blender for a delicious breakfast or lunch.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
You don’t have to be a fitness fanatic or drastically change your diet. Introduce changes slowly so your family will accept them. And be sure that as parents, you’re setting a good example for your children by exercising and eating well, too.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I think the key is moderation and portion control. It’s too difficult for children to resist candy and fast food when their peers are eating them, but we can teach them how much they should eat and to value these items as occasional treats.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Children need to be engaged in some sort of physical fitness, even if it’s just the family taking a walk together every day. The key is to get outdoors and get moving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park in the back of the store parking lot and walk. Little changes can make a big difference.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
My favorite is Coconut Cascade Ice Sparkling Water because I’m a coconut fanatic. I’ll eat or drink just about anything with coconut in it!
You can learn more about Susan by following her on Twitter or Facebook or by reading her blog, Susan Heim on Parenting.
by Cascade Ice on June 27, 2013

This week, we are Kickin’ It with Amanda Hernandez, a dietitian and blogger at The Nutritionist Reviews. Amanda is a registered dietitian that posts about product reviews, giveaways, healthy recipes and nutrition articles. Keep reading to learn more about how Amanda maintains a healthy life.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important to me because overall health depends on your lifestyle including your diet and exercise.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
When I am short on time, I love to make simple meals such as quick vegetarian tacos (whole-wheat tortillas, low-sodium black beans, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and salsa).
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I do not consider any foods completely off-limits, but I do try to limit fried foods, fast food and having too much dessert.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Yes! In addition to eating healthy, I think it’s important to stay active and exercise regularly. I try to exercise 4-5 days per week including running, biking, walking and weight lifting. Working out makes me feel great!
Follow Amanda on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest to learn more about her tips for living a healthy life.
by Cascade Ice on June 13, 2013

Kickin’ It With Cascade Ice continues on to its next interview with Fitness and Weight Loss Expert Lisa Lynn of LynFit.com! Lisa is the founder of LynFit Nutrition and also spent 13 years as a personal trainer to Martha Stewart. Her advice and products have even been featured on the Dr. Oz Show! Keep reading to learn about Lisa’s tips for living a healthy lifestyle.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy Living is important to me because when you live a healthy lifestyle, you feel healthy – being healthy is the key to happiness!
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role model is Martha Stewart because she grows everything she eats.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Sautéed salad is my go-to meal. It’s fast, easy and very filling!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Have fun learning new recipes. If you’re not enjoying what you’re eating, rethink your recipes! All of your favorite foods can be transformed into healthy and delicious meals.
Do you consider any foods to be completely off-limits?
I don’t believe in off-limit foods, unless you are like me and can’t portion control when you eat them! My two off-limit foods are pizza and bagels because I can’t eat only one serving. I always crave more! I am happier considering those foods off-limits and not eating them at all.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Living stress-free is as important, if not more important, than exercise. Learn to live stress-free and let the small things go. Keep your priorities in order and always put God first. Everything else is not as important, so don’t let it stress you out!
Follow Lisa on Twitter or Facebook to learn more about her healthy lifestyle.
by Cascade Ice on May 31, 2013

Are you pumped for the next interview in our Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice series? This week we chatted with Laurel Moll from Laurel on Health Food for some wonderful health tips to keep you and your family on a nutritious track. Read on to get inspired by a true foodie!

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is a priority for me because it makes me feel good on a daily basis. Rather than focus on eating or exercising to avoid disease later in life (which none of us can guarantee), I focus on doing it to feel good now. When I take care of myself, I feel better and am much more energetic. Instant results. Eating well, working out, and meditating are just a few of my commitments to living a better life.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I love learning meditation and “super brain” techniques from Deepak Chopra and getting daily gratitude and love lessons from The Daily Love writer Mastin Kipp. I’m also so inspired by Doctor Oz, who is bringing healthy living to the masses in a reasonable and non-judgmental way, which is so important when you’re trying to help people.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Lately I’ve been focusing on making big meals on Sunday afternoons so I have a stocked refrigerator ready for the weekdays when I have zero free time. But in a pinch, I love to spread a big portion of hummus on a wrap and toss in a bunch of raw veggies like spring greens, avocado, cucumber, celery and red bell pepper, then finish with a squirt of hot sauce. It takes less than five minutes to make and is always so satisfying.
What are your tips for families who want to make healthy lifestyle changes?
To me, the biggest tip is to get the whole family involved and on board. If one person is doing the healthy shopping, then make sure the others are helping to cook, clean, or carry groceries (including the kids). It’s important for everyone to do it together, and when you’re all involved in the food preparation and/or cleanup, you’ll find that everyone will appreciate and be more open to the healthy changes.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Technically, no. I’m a foodie, and while I eat vegan/vegetarian most of the time and try to avoid fast food and processed foods, I believe it’s is in my best interest to not have any hard “rules” when it comes to food. Throughout high school and college I went on and off diets and restrictive measures to be thin, but I definitely wasn’t in tune with my body. Since training to become a health coach in 2009, I learned that it’s so important to listen to your inner voice and have room for flexibility. Stress is just as harmful as junk food, so I try to be gentle with myself and leave room to experiment. So far, that’s what works for me.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I love the saying that the best way to change a habit is to replace it. When you’re working on your health, and there’s something “unhealthy” that you’re doing, don’t focus on avoiding it, just replace it with a healthier habit and change your focus. That’s the key to success. Some of my favorite healthy habits include getting massages, dancing, and keeping a gratitude list.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I love the new Organic Lemon Lime flavor that just contains sparkling water and fruit essences. It makes a great low-calorie cocktail, and is a perfect healthy substitute for anyone who’s addicted to regular or diet soda.
What to read more great tips from Laurel? Check her out out on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.