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. 

Skinny Cocktail Ideas to put a “Spring” in your Step

by Cascade Ice on April 2, 2020

We’re all juggling a lot while staying home right now – working, trying to stay sane, and for some of us – working on staying on track with our health goals. And with all the things to manage, Happy Hour some days just can’t come fast enough! If you’re looking for some cocktail ideas that won’t derail your healthy lifestyle goals, look no further than our new Spring-inspired cocktail ideas that are all low-sugar and low-calorie. You can even leave out the alcohol to make “mocktails” instead!

Raspberry Gin Spring Fling

1 cup raspberries 

1 cup of Cascade Ice Water in Black Raspberry

1.5 ounces of gin

1 teaspoon of honey 

2 tablespoons of lime juice 

Mint leaves for garnish (if desired)

Place raspberries at the bottom of a cocktail glass, add the honey and lime juice. Muddle the raspberries, then add gin. Top with crushed or cubed ice and add Cascade Ice Water to the top, adding mint leaves for garnish (if desired). Serve!

Grapefruit Rosé Spritzer

1 cup of Rosé

1 cup of Cascade Ice Water in Pink Grapefruit 

Fresh Grapefruit slices

Combine Rosé and Cascade Ice Water together in a champagne flute, add a grapefruit slice as garnish. Easy, delicious and refreshing!  

Paloma Sunshine Slush

2 cups of ice

3 ounces of grapefruit juice 

3 ounces of pomegranate Juice

1.5 ounces of tequila

1 cup of Cascade Ice Water in Lemon Lime 

Fresh basil leaves

In a blender, combine ice, grapefruit juice, pomegranate juice and tequila. Blend until slushy, and spoon the mixture into a glass of your choice, topping it with the Cascade Ice Water. Garnish with a basil leaf before serving. Sip and enjoy!

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