Plan a LOVEly, Healthy Picnic Lunch this Valentine’s Day

by Cascade Ice on February 1, 2021

Photo: @PeachinSeattle

It’s just weeks away from the national “day of love” – Valentine’s Day. And it’s our first Valentine’s Day holiday where people are looking for ways to get creative and celebrate while social distancing and staying safe during the pandemic. Personalized picnics are a fun way to get out of the house, get fresh air, and enjoy the company of loved ones while staying safe. Here’s our tips on how to plan a Valentine’s Day picnic that is healthy and FUN!

Get comfortable

Some areas of the country may have perfect weather for a picnic, while others may still be cold. So, prepare for the climate that you’ll be picnicking in! Bring foldable lawn chairs, thick blankets and a small portable space heater to stay comfortable in colder climates. In more temperate areas, bring some sunglasses, a blanket and an ice chest to keep things cool while you enjoy the picnic. You can snuggle with your special someone and enjoy the scenery if you’re prepared for the right weather.

Pack some healthy snacks

Pack some cheese slices, fruit, fresh veggies and dips, and even some crackers. Or make a small sandwich spread where you can combine healthy ingredients to make your favorite sandwich. Make sure to prepare everything before you head out like packing food in airtight containers and bringing appropriate silverware so you can spend your time enjoying the picnic rather than worrying about what you will eat. To top it all off, maybe include a healthier dessert like chocolate covered strawberries for dessert!

Don’t forget the beverages!

Plain old water just won’t cut it for a special Valentine’s Day picnic! Try a sparkling water like Cascade Ice Water, and maybe even pack some extra add-ins if you’d like to whip up a skinny cocktail on the spot for that special someone. We have loads of cocktail and “mocktail” recipe ideas that are low-sugar and low-calorie, so all you have to worry about is what glass you’ll enjoy it in!

Are you planning a Valentine’s Day picnic this year? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Our Cascade Ice Winter Breeze Skinny Cocktail will Keep You Warm on a Cold Day

by Cascade Ice on January 21, 2021

Have you ever had a classic “Sea Breeze” cocktail made popular in the 1980’s? It was famous for its simple mix of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice, and boasted a distinct sweet yet tart flavor. Like most cocktails, it has been adapted over time to include different ingredients, and we’d like to think that our version is the best yet! 

This take on the classic Sea Breeze cocktail can be enjoyed any time of the year, and is a lower-calorie, lower-sugar version that still has delectable, crisp flavors that remind us of warmer temperatures.

The key to making this drink is to strike the perfect balance between sweet and sour, so we use Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Pink Grapefruit to make an even more bubbly and refreshing version of the popular cocktail. If you prefer a mocktail, use more sparkling water in place of the vodka. Using gin is also a great option if you prefer, you can substitute the vodka for gin. Read on for the full recipe and enjoy!

Cascade Ice Winter Breeze Skinny Cocktail

1.5 oz vodka (substitute with gin, if desired)

3 oz low-sugar cranberry juice

2 oz of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Pink Grapefruit

3-5 drops of grapefruit bitters (for a sweeter taste, if desired)

Ice

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add all ingredients together and stir well.

Garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit

Are you trying the Winter Breeze cocktail? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

It’s National Gluten-Free Day – Should You Cut Gluten?

by Cascade Ice on January 15, 2021

In the past decade, gluten-free products have proliferated at your local grocery store. Even many restaurants offer gluten-free menu options. But how do you know if you should cut out gluten from your diet?

Those who are diagnosed with Celiac Disease cannot process gluten in their bodies. It triggers an immune response that inflames the intestines and can block certain nutrients from being absorbed into your body. Still others are simply “gluten sensitive” and can have similar symptoms to Celiac Disease without the damage to your organs.

To find out about gluten sensitivities, you can either do an elimination diet where you cut out gluten for 30 days, and then slowly introduce it back into your diet and note your symptoms. Or you can request a simple blood screening from your doctor. 

While many Americans have ditched gluten because they think it will make them feel better, unless you have a confirmed sensitivity or Celiac Disease, there isn’t a need to eliminate it from your diet, experts say.

But for those who do, avoiding gluten means ditching most types of breads, pasta, and beer. Gluten is even in many of your standard packaged products like sauces, supplements, and some foods labeled with “natural ingredients.” All of our Cascade Ice product lines are gluten-free, so if you are gluten-sensitive, check out the many flavor combinations and offerings we have! 

Lastly, if you’re adhering to a gluten-free diet, make sure you get plenty of fiber, as most Americans are deficient in it already, and eliminating gluten can make it worse. Add fruits, leafy greens, beans, and even high fiber gluten-free crackers to your diet to avoid inflammation and get plenty of fiber. 

Are you practicing a gluten-free diet? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

January is ‘Life a Balanced Life’ Month. What are you doing to achieve a healthy balance?

by Cascade Ice on January 8, 2021

What exactly does it mean to live a balanced life? For different people, “balanced” might mean different things. Life is a balancing act between fulfilling our desires and obligations to our family, friends, career and health. And if one area of our life gets more attention, it tends to throw off the other areas. So how do you achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle?

A great place to start is by writing down where you think your life is now, and where you’d like to see yourself improve. Are you chronically tired? Are you wanting to be in better shape? Do you long for closer relationships with your family and friends? Define what a healthy balance means to you and start there.

Another important thing to remember is that while having goals is a great way to motivate, make sure that you approach them realistically by making small, daily improvements to your relationships, your physical body, your spiritual needs, your mental health, career and finances. Here on our Flavorful Life blog, we talk a lot about how making small changes can have a big impact on your health for years to come. Check out some of our past blog posts!

Lastly, be flexible! Lifestyle balance cannot be made overnight and expect to change your course at least a few times. It’s quite normal to reassess how you feel about things, and decisions are definitely not etched in stone. If you feel something isn’t working, switch it up! Make time for yourself each day to “check in” and see which areas of your life need some rebalancing. We are all a work in progress!

How do you strive for a balanced life? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.