Healthy Organic Ginger Lime Margaritas made with Cascade Ice Water

by Cascade Ice on May 1, 2020

Margaritas just scream sunshine and warm weather. There is something about the flavor combinations that make you feel as if you’re on vacation on a beach somewhere. As temperatures heat up across the country, many of us will be looking for a cool beverage to enjoy! This recipe is a different twist on the classic, using Cascade Ice USDA Organic Sparkling Water in our Ginger Lime flavor for a quick, easy and low-calorie way to kick back and enjoy the warmer temperatures. Check out our simple, yet healthy recipe below and remember to share photos!

2 oz. tequila

1 oz. orange liqueur or St Germain

1 oz. lime juice

½ oz. ginger juice 

5 oz. Cascade Ice USDA Organic Sparkling Water in Ginger Lime

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and combine all the ingredients except for the Cascade Ice, and shake vigorously. Strain the contents into a large glass filled with more ice, top with Cascade Ice, and garnish with a lime wedge or jalapeno for extra spice. Enjoy!

What is your favorite kind of margarita? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Simple, Healthy Snacks to Make at Home

by Cascade Ice on April 22, 2020

As we continue to spend our time at home, it’s easy to fall into a trap of mindlessly wandering to the fridge for whatever snacks may be available. But this approach can result in too many calories and unwanted weight gain. Instead, plan out your healthy snacks and stock up with these essentials that are low sugar and filled with energy-boosting protein! Here are some quick snack ideas to make at home:

Red Bell Peppers 

Red bell peppers are not only nutritious, but the red varieties are especially high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and fiber. Cut them up into easy-to-bite slices and dip them into guacamole or hummus!

Yogurt with Berries 

Grab some yogurt (plain greek is the best kind) and your favorite berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or strawberries) and combine them for a nutrient-dense, easy snack. This one is a great source of calcium, protein and antioxidants! 

Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are a perfect pair! Cherry tomatoes are rich in  lycopene, which helps ward off diseases, and mozzarella is a great source of protein and can help boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels. 

Beef Jerky

Pre-packaged jerky available to purchase in stores is often loaded with sugar and sodium. Make your own jerky with grass-fed beef for a high protein snack packed with omega-3 fatty acids to keep your heart healthy. 

Protein Smoothie

Grab your blender and combine fruit, spinach or kale, ice, and some protein (whey is a great option), as well as almond or cow’s milk. Protein can help you gain muscle, lose fat and improve your body composition. Plus, it can give you a mid-day boost!

Sparkling Water

Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Reach for a Cascade Ice Sparkling Water the next time you feel like snacking, and hydrate with zero sugar or calories! We offer plenty of options from USDA organic to caffeinated, in many different fun flavor combinations! 

What are your favorite healthy snacks? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Battle Stress with These Easy Tips

by Cascade Ice on April 16, 2020

Over the last several years, new research has emerged that shows the link between stress and health problems – both physical and mental. Especially during these trying times in our world, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress, in order to stay happy and healthy. Here are some quick, easy tips you can practice doing each day to keep your stress at bay.

Guided Imagery

A relatively new technique, guided imagery can essentially be described as “going to your happy place” – using your mind to picture yourself in a relaxing scenario such as a beach vacation or a hot bath. Guided imagery is effective because it can be done most anywhere, whether it’s taking a quick break from work, or before bed to wind down each night. Think through all of the senses and what each sense would experience in the place you’ve imagined, allowing yourself to feel as though you’re really there. If done regularly, guided imagery will help you return to the present moment with a fresh perspective and a more relaxed state of mind.

Physical Exercise

As daunting as it sounds, daily physical exercise doesn’t have to be doing a neighborhood jog everyday. Instead, simply make small efforts daily to get your body moving and get your heart rate up. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take the dog for a long walk, or march in place while you type out an email. Increasing your blood flow will feed endorphins to your brain, which will help with your mental health as a result.

Breathe!

Yes – we breathe all day long. But practicing intentional breathing can have a profound effect on your stress levels. Breathe in through your nose and intentionally let your belly fill all the way up with air. Count to 5 slowly as you inhale, hold for 2 seconds, and then breathe slowly out of your nose. Do this simple trick each time you feel stress creeping in – it will undoubtedly help you “breathe out” stress and tension, leading to a more relaxed body and mind.

What are some ways that you manage stress? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

What Staying Hydrated Does for Your Brain

by Cascade Ice on April 10, 2020

It’s a well known fact that staying hydrated can improve your body functions, from your eyes to your skin. But how does it help the brain in particular? Your brain is nearly 75 percent water, so when it has a healthy reserve of water to utilize, it will help you think faster and more clearly. It may even improve your creativity! 

Water is also a crucial vehicle for delivering the nutrients your brain needs each day to function. Water can also help remove toxins, and make the exchange of nutrients and toxins more efficient. Ever heard of brain fog? This exchange is made easier because of plenty of water, ensuring we have better concentration and mental alertness. 

Now that we know how important staying hydrated can be on your brain’s functions, how can we ensure we get enough each day? If regular water gets boring, try out some fruit, like lemon or strawberry, added to your water. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water is a great alternative as well, with so many options and flavor combinations available. 

To get at least 8 glasses of water each day, try carrying around a reusable water bottle to remind you to fill up. You can even set a reminder or alarm to help you remember if you’re notorious for forgetting! Lastly, lots of nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables contain water, so stock up on the essentials to help you meet your daily intake and boost your brain function.

Cheers to keeping our brains happy, healthy, and functioning the best they possibly can!

What is your favorite way to hydrate? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo with us! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.