by Cascade Ice on September 18, 2014
Keeping you and your family on track with a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge! Thankfully we’re Kickin’ It with Health Coach and Fitness Blogger Scarlet Paolicchi. She shares her family-friendly recipes and tips on battling common health challenges.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy Living is important to me because life is so much more enjoyable when we are healthy and ready to meet our challenges. As a mother, I want to be healthy to take care of my family and their health is intricately tied to my happiness.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My mother was always a great role model and she taught me healthy living habits every day. I try to do the same for my kids and constantly increase my knowledge so that I can take care of our health.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Chicken Marsala with rice and steamed asparagus.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
I think it all starts with choosing natural and organic ingredients whenever possible. I try to limit sugar, increase whole grains and make sure we get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. These are simple guidelines with a big impact.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I have always prided myself on being an excellent sleeper. I know that, for me, sleep is essential to my health and mood so I keep that sacred. As far as exercise, this is a week area for me but I do try to get in a daily walk which helps me relax as well as get fit.
To see more of Scarlet’s tips, visit her Family Focus Blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
by Cascade Ice on September 4, 2014
Knocking bad eating habits can be difficult, but thankfully we’re Kickin’ It with healthy living blogger Rachael Moshman today. Join Rachael’s journey on Shrinking Momster as she makes healthy lifestyle choices for her and her family. She shares her weight-loss story, recipes and more!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I’m a mom and want to be around for my daughter for a really long time. However, I got a big wake up call from my doctor that I wasn’t living like that was my goal. I realized that in order to be the strong, healthy mom she deserves for many years to come, I needed to lose weight and get my health in control. I started www.shrinkingmomster.com to chronicle my journey to lose weight, get fit and overcome my battle with emotional eating.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Vinnie Tortorich, author of “Fitness Confidential,” has given me lots of great no-nonsense, easy-to-implement advice. Kai Hibbard speaks out about the dangers of reality TV weight loss competitions. I also admire my friend Ruth who makes fitness a priority, no mater what else is going on in her life – she even rocks a Wonder Woman bathing suit while doing it!
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Ham, cheese and veggie omelet with a side of fruit – and not just in the morning. We love breakfast for dinner at our house.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Make small changes in a fun way and get the kids involved. For example, let everyone pick a new fruit or veggie to try at the farmer’s market. Also, get in physical activity every day, such as a walk around the block or dancing around the living room.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I would have said edamame until a few days ago, but that’s just because I thought I hated it. (Then I tried edamame hummus on an airplane and really liked it!) I don’t consider any foods off-limits, unless there is a food allergy or intolerance. Finding the balance in “all things in moderation” is something I’m still working on, though. Making treats just that – an occasional treat – is admittedly a challenge for me.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Make time for yourself. So many of us give to everyone else – our kids, our spouses, our jobs, our parents, our volunteer obligations – and save nothing for ourselves. You have to take care of yourself or you’ll run out of steam and have nothing left to give to anyone. Plus, you deserve to give yourself the same care you give everyone else.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
It’s a tie between the Coconut Pineapple and the Pink Grapefruit. The Coconut Pineapple reminds me of a pina colada – how can you not relax while sipping those flavors? I’m a Florida native, so I’m partial to all things citrus. I love the sweet and tart mixture of Pink Grapefruit.
To see more of Rachael’s tips, visit her blog Shrinking Momster. You can also connect with her on Facebook, and Twitter.
by Cascade Ice on August 21, 2014
Even though Hayley focuses on creating extraordinary desserts with ordinary, everyday ingredients on her blog; she understands the importance of having a healthy and balanced diet. Today we are Kickin’ It with Hayley Parker, the blogger behind The Domestic Rebel. She shares her tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle while still being able to indulge.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy Living is important to me because a healthy diet has so much to do with your life and a poor diet is connected directly to some diseases (including strokes, which run in my family) I try my best to eliminate poor food choices from my diet so I can live happier, healthier and longer.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role model is myself! I am my own advocate for eating healthy and living a healthy, active life. Of course, I gain inspiration from exercise magazines, healthy recipes and other friends and family, but ultimately, I’m the one who makes the decisions about what goes into my body so it’s important for me to stand up for myself and eat what’s best for me.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
My go-to healthy meal would have to be taco salad! Californians love our Mexican food, but with the cheese, sour cream, guac and tortillas, it can be a little heavy on the calories. Throwing those traditional taco ingredients onto a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce tastes great. Instead of dressing, I use salsa — low-cal but tons of flavor. I’ll also use ground lean turkey in place of beef, light sour cream, avocado slices rather than prepared guacamole (which often has mayo in it) and add more flavor by throwing in fresh tomatoes, olives, or jalapenos.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
My healthy-lifestyle tips for families would be to eat together as a family as often as possible. Studies have shown that families who eat dinner together are generally happier and healthier than those who don’t, or those families who eat in front of the TV. If you’re surrounded by people you love and chat about your day, you’re less likely to overeat than if you were alone or distracted by other things.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t consider any foods to be off-limits completely because I don’t think depriving yourself is ever beneficial. While I generally eat very healthy and make conscious food choices, sometimes I’m craving a slice of pie or a big ice cream sundae. Or it will be a special occasion, like if I’m at a party or at a restaurant known for a particular dish. I’ll indulge, but do so as smartly as possible — I don’t engorge myself on the sundae; perhaps I’ll choose a smaller size or ask them to ease up on the hot fudge. I’m still enjoying it, just in a smaller portion. Or if I know I’m going to indulge later, I’ll try to eat lighter throughout the day.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I love switching up my exercise routines so I don’t get bored. I’ll try Zumba some days, yoga other days, or straight cardio. I also love walking and hiking, so I try to plan a date with friends or family where we can catch up and hike somewhere local for an afternoon. Keeping a variety in the mix prevents me from slacking off.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
My favorite Cascade Ice flavor is Coconut! I love coconut flavored anything, and this drink is SO refreshing, light and satisfying. It tastes so rich; like it should be packed full of sugar and calories — but it isn’t, which rocks! Plus, it’s awesome to add fresh pineapple to, or use as the base for a lighter Sherbet Fizz!
To see more of Hayley’s tips, visit her blog The Domestic Rebel. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!
by Cascade Ice on August 7, 2014
As a working mom it may be hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle, but doing so is a great way to set an example for your kids. Luckily, we’re Kickin’ It with lifestyle blogger Cassie Freeman at Hi Sugarplum! She’s sharing some tips on how to balance food choices to achieve a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I want to teach my kids healthy habits and attitudes about themselves and food, and the best way is to live it myself.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I’m a working mom, so time is short more often than not. I’m guilty of pulling out a frozen pizza or mac & cheese at least once a week, but I’ll serve it with a green smoothie. I figure the spinach and fruit, with Greek yogurt, balances out the junky part of the dinner. #Rationalization
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No foods are off limits completely because then we’ll just crave them more, which will lead to over-eating. I’m big on moderation.
To see more of Cassie’s tips, visit her personal blog Hi Sugarplum. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!
