by Cascade Ice on January 28, 2022
We’re in the thick of winter weather, which can be dark and gloomy. If you need something that will give you a little pick-me-up while you daydream about warmer temperatures and sunny skies, this cocktail is it! And like all our drink recipes, it’s low sugar and can be made as a mocktail if you want to omit the alcohol.
Most everyone has tried the classic mojito made with rum, mint, and lime. But this recipe takes a spin on the old school version by switching out the lime flavors with the tartness of blueberries and the sweet juiciness of watermelon! You can even make ahead of time and double the batch if you’re hosting a happy hour or party.
Check out our recipe below!
Skinny Sparkling Blueberry Watermelon Mojito
Add stevia (or sugar), water and blueberries together in a saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, reduce temperature and let cook for 8 minutes. Muddle blueberries until they’re completely mashed. Allow them to cool.
Grab your favorite glass, add mint leaves and rum with ice, along with 2 oz. of the blueberry mixture. Top with Cascade Ice, and add watermelon garnish, if desired. Cheers!
Have you ever had a mojito before? Let us know about your favorite cocktail in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Comments Off on Dream of Sunny Days with our Skinny Sparkling Blueberry Watermelon Mojito | Categories:
Recipes
by Cascade Ice on December 23, 2021
‘Tis the season for wonderful times with family and friends, festive merriment, and lots and lots of food and drinks! It’s that time of year that even the healthiest and most disciplined people can get off track during the holiday season and feel like they lose progress. After all, treats and temptations are everywhere, and routines can get disrupted easily.
That said, there are some easy tips that can help holiday-proof your healthy living plans and stay on track with your health goals, all while still enjoying every moment of the holiday season. Read on for some ways you can stay healthy through the holidays and right on into the new year.
Prepare for Challenges
Holiday parties are notorious for sweet treats and calorie-laden, rich foods. The best way to avoid overindulging is to go into the holiday season with a plan. For example, if there are sweets you have your eye on, make sure to cut back on carbs during the big meal so that you don’t overeat. Or, if the meal is served later in the day, make sure to eat a small snack earlier in the day to keep your blood sugar steady. And if you do happen to get off track, simply get back to healthy eating with your next meal. Adding in more physical activity like a long neighborhood walk or dance party can get your blood flowing and burn off some of those holiday feast calories.
Make some Healthy Swaps
When you’re faced with a buffet of delicious holiday food, and you certainly don’t want to miss out, you can simply make some small, healthier swaps instead of going without. With a slice of apple pie, choose whipped cream instead of ice cream and save over 150 calories. Instead of chips and dip, grab some fresh veggies instead and save 95 calories per serving. Skip the egg nog and enjoy a skinny cocktail or mocktail using Cascade Ice Sparkling Water instead, and cut over 200 calories!
Keep Moving
With the winter weather and packed schedule, physical activity could be the last thing on your to-do list. But getting your body moving is more important than ever during the holiday season because it not only helps burn calories, but it has also shown to help with stress and mental health. Plus, it can make up for any added calories you consume. So, sign up for a yoga class or take your dog for a walk.
Get some Shut Eye
Long winter nights and social obligations can mean less sleep. When you’re sleep deprived, your brain tends to prefer foods that have a higher sugar and fat content, making it harder to make healthy food choices. Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night and be consistent with bedtimes and routines. Ensuring a good night’s rest will go far in safeguarding your body from fatigue and will help you stay strong through all the holiday temptations.
Stay Hydrated
It’s common knowledge that thirst can often be mistaken for hunger. When you’re busy, water intake is usually an afterthought. Make sure you’re staying properly hydrated throughout the day to help with digestion, brain function, and energy levels. Is plain water getting boring? Try a Cascade Ice USDA Organic Sparkling Water for a sugar-free way to stay hydrated with the perfect amount of fresh flavor.
Most important of all, remember to enjoy all the holidays have to offer. Even if you get off track with your health goals, there is always tomorrow. The holiday season is meant to be surrounded by loved ones and indulging more than usual. With these tips, you can do all of that and still reach your health goals. Happy Holidays!
What is your favorite thing to indulge in during the holiday season? 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 30, 2021
We’ve officially entered the time of year where the nights are long and the cold can sometimes cause you to want to hide in your home. These days, we’re craving a warm fireplace, a cozy sweater and a delicious cocktail that won’t pack on extra pounds as we enter the new year.
This delightful drink can be made both with and without alcohol, and will help you stay comfy and happy, and will help you get in the holiday spirit. Share it with a friend or enjoy on a snowy evening when it’s too cold to venture out! As always, our recipes use our refreshing, zero calorie sparkling waters available in a large variety of flavor combinations. Read on for how to make our latest skinny cocktail creation!
Cascade Ice Twinkling Cranberry Tea
1 oz vodka
1 oz brandy
1 oz pomegranate juice
½ oz lemon juice
1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
1 oz sparkling white wine
2 oz Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Cranberry Pomegranate
Combine vodka, brandy, pomegranate juice, lemon juice and cranberry sauce in a cocktail shaker. (Omit the vodka and wine if you’re making a mocktail – it will still make for a refreshing drink!) Fill to the top with ice and shake thoroughly. Strain into a large glass and top with sparkling wine and Cascade Ice. Enjoy!
What type of cocktails do you enjoy most when the weather gets cold? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Comments Off on The Perfect cocktail to keep you cozy during the dreary winter months | Categories:
Recipes
by Cascade Ice on October 25, 2021
Cold and flu season is upon us, and experts are predicting that it will be more serious than years past. It’s important to be extra cautious and try to adopt some healthy habits to lessen your chances of getting sick. And if you do get sick, it’s nice to be prepared in case getting to your local drug store is too difficult.
While your immune system is a powerhouse that is designed to ward off sickness and disease, there are things you can proactively do to boost its effectiveness, and even minimize the time you suffer from an illness. Below are some top essentials to have on hand and things to do to not only help prepare you for cold and flu season, but also to make things easier if you’re at home with the cold or flu.
Sanitizer
When you sneeze or cough, germs are spread throughout the air and onto surfaces. So, one of the most important ways to keep cold and flu germs at bay is to wash your hands. If soap and water isn’t readily available however, hand sanitizer is a great alternative. Disinfecting wipes can also eliminate viruses and bacteria from surfaces around your home, and help stop the spread of cold and flu germs to others in your home. Make sure you even wipe down “high traffic” surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and even your cell phone!
Blender
Many times, when you’re sick or just feeling under the weather, your appetite suffers too. That’s why a blender can be a lifesaver during cold and flu season. A smoothie is a simple way to pack a bunch of illness-fighting nutrients into something that you’ll be able to stomach even when you’re not feeling your best. Your blender can even double as a food processor for small batches of soup, which is a favorite during those cold Fall and Winter months. Check out our recipes page for more healthy smoothie recipes!
Fruits and veggies
While fighting off a virus involves a lot more than simply eating more fruits and vegetables and there is no single food that will keep you from getting sick, it’s important that you eat a wide range of foods to cover all your bases of antioxidants, vitamins, and probiotics. You’ll also want to take a high-quality daily vitamin to fill in any gaps in your diet. Doctors and dieticians do agree, however, that eating a well-rounded diet that is chock full of fruits and vegetables can significantly boost your immune system function. Specifically, they suggest “eating the rainbow” and striving for brightly colored ones such as citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, papaya, and kiwi. Add them to your grocery list and have them on hand!
Humidifier
With colder temperatures in the Fall and Winter cold and flu season comes dry air, which can suck all the moisture from your skin and sinuses. Anyone who has suffered from illness will tell you that the dry air only makes your symptoms worse. To combat this, experts suggest running a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom. The moisture from the humidifier will bring you relief and ease the symptoms from store throats and dry sinuses.
Water
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to not only prevent illness, but to shorten the duration of your symptoms if you get sick. Drinking water helps flush toxins through your body faster and make you feel better by curbing dehydration symptoms on top of cold and flu symptoms. If the thought of chugging plain old water leaves something to be desired, reach for a Cascade Ice Sparkling Water to liven things up. Perhaps even invest in a refillable water bottle that helps you track how many ounces you’re taking in each day. You want to aim to drink your body weight in ounces when you’re under the weather.
What measures do you take to stay healthy during cold and flu season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
