by Cascade Ice on April 3, 2014
Happy April! With spring break officially behind us and those warm weather days quickly approaching, one thought comes to mind when we think about living healthy: hydrate! This week we are Kickin’ It with Becki Singer, Editor and aspiring style icon at Shopping’s My Cardio. Read on for some of Becki’s tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I think we’re overrun with unrealistic and unhealthy expectations, especially in the fashion world. The older I get, the more ridiculous it all seems. Rather than focusing on an ideal shape or size, I focus on making choices that will make my body happy, things I know will help it run better. If I stick to that rule, I generally end up being pretty healthy.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Mark Bittman and Melissa Clark are both food writers at the New York Times, and they’re remarkable advocates for eating well in every sense of the word. If you eat whole foods, in season, cooked with care, it’s hard to go wrong.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I make a lentil dish I absolutely love. Put a pot of French green lentils on to cook (don’t salt the water!), then sauté a bit of kale (I add salt and red chili flakes) in olive oil over high heat until it crisps up. Drain the lentils, add the kale, and stir in red wine vinegar and more olive oil. It’s so substantial and filling, and has such great flavor! It keeps for days in the fridge, so I’ll make a big batch and eat it for lunch all week. For more protein, you can add chicken sausage, or a piece of broiled salmon – it’s incredibly versatile.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
I think the easiest thing to do is start reading ingredient lists. As soon as you see what’s in some of the processed foods you buy, you’ll naturally start to make better choices. Also, if you have access to one, sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture – you’ll get fresh organic produce every week, only what’s in season. If you’re anything like me, it will force you to eat more veggies because you can’t stand to waste what you get!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I find that anything I completely ban myself from just becomes an obsession. If you want a cookie, have a cookie. Better to have one now than to spend two days craving it, eating 10 other things in place of it, and then binging on a whole box when you finally cave. Or is that just me? 😉
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Lately, I’ve been trying to look up more. Even taking 10 minutes to step away from my screens (or books or magazines), breathe and take in the world around me makes an incredible difference in my state of mind.
Want to see more of Becki’s tips? Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or on twitter @shoppingscardio.
by Cascade Ice on March 20, 2014
Happy first day of spring! With pool party season fast approaching, we could all use a little healthy-living inspiration. This week we are Kickin’ It with Cynthia Smoot, editor of Oh So Cynthia. Read on for some of Cynthia’s tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
What’s important to me is achieving a healthy balance in life. Too much of anything can be overwhelming and not enough of what you need leads to the deprivation of your energy and spirit. Whether its food, work, spending time with friends, or being with my family I am a believer in quality over quantity. I’ve never found focusing on “quantity” to be productive for me.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Successful working mothers like Cindy Crawford and Angelina Jolie. When I was growing up, women had the option to either stay at home or work. Today’s woman has a lot more pressure to do both. It can be incredibly daunting to have to be a fabulous mother, run your house, be a warrior in the work place, get dinner on the table and still be sexy for your husband at the end of the day. And fitting in time for yourself to work out or get a pedicure? Good luck! It’s physically and mentally exhausting. The need to maintain a healthy life balance is critical to being focused and happy.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time.
Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola. Or Taco Bell. Depends on my mood!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Don’t buy food in a bag. Buy fresh produce. It tastes better and is better for you. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all the fresh produce, bakery goods and meats are located. Stay away from the center of the store which is full of processed boxed food.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I don’t believe in deprivation. Only moderation. This is why I love products like Cascade Ice. You get all the great taste but none of the sugar or calories. You don’t feel like you are being deprived of anything!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Getting enough sleep it critical to staying focused and motivated for the day to come. I can’t speak to working out. I haven’t been in a gym in 15 years. I do walk my dog though. I prefer to be outside versus inside in a gym!
Interested in learning more about Cynthia’s lifestyle? Connect with her through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on March 6, 2014
Are you ready for some more healthy-living inspiration? This week we are Kickin’ It with Erin James, freelance writer and editor of Sip Northwest. Can you guess what Erin shared about healthy living? It’s all about balance! Read on to hear what she has to say about living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Who doesn’t want to live a long and healthy life? Eating smart, drinking plenty of water and exercise are a serious priority for me.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Joy Bauer is inspiring because her focus isn’t about starving or depriving yourself, but learning how to balance and be smart with your healthy living choices. Also Mark Bittman, as a writer I have so much respect for him and his “vegan before 6pm” practice is a doable spin on diet.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Seared ahi tuna on instant brown rice and sliced avocado with soy on the side for dipping.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Plan out your meals before the week starts, add in greens with every meal and spend time outside together moving.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Not particularly, I’m more about balance than cutting out.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I swear by hot yoga – you can workout your body while you get your mind right. Mental health is so important and so often times undervalued. Sleep is huge for having the energy to feel your best.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
Organic Citrus Twist – it’s light and bright, with more of a hint of fruit in the water.
Are you digging Erin’s tips? Connect with her at @erinjamesNW to hear what else she has to share!
by Cascade Ice on February 13, 2014
Happy Thursday! How are you keeping active and healthy throughout the week? To get some inspiration, we are kickin’ it with Barbara Akowuah, blogger from Examiner.com. Barbara is a health and style peruser and a lover of all things vintage. Check out her healthy living tips below!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is vital to living your best life. It’s important to maintain good health in general because it affects all areas of your life, from the way you think to the way you feel. Healthy living subscribes to the idea of nurturing your body so that you can be at your best performance at all times.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role models would be Author and Hypnotherapist Attila J. Polonyi, and Mike Adams founder of Natural News. They both inspire me through the work that they do. They each help and encourage others to live healthier and happier lifestyles!
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
When I am on the run and short on time, my go-to healthy snack would be banana or kiwi, avocado and coconut water.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
My advice to families is to pay attention to what you eat and the way food is being prepared. If there are any changes you can make to your diet, even if it means gradually eliminating unhealthy foods, then that would be a great start. Instead of soda, drink water. If that’s too much to pass up on then have an alternative that tastes just as great but is much better for you – like Cascade Ice!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I am really not a fan of raw foods so I would have to say anything that is uncooked – especially raw meats – would be off limits.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Exercise is essential. I noticed that when I am not exercising for lengths at a time, I have a tendency to become more sluggish and irritable. Exercise helps me to break away from negative habits and helps lifts my spirits and boost my overall confidence.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I have two favorites – Lemonade and Pomegranate Berry! I like to drink Cascade Ice Lemonade along with my meals as a thirst-quencher. And Cascade Ice’s Pomegranate Berry is what I like to sip throughout the day. It’s one of those drinks you’ll see next to a pile of papers at work – it’s refreshing and keeps me alert!
Connect with Barbara through Examiner.com!
