by Cascade Ice on March 6, 2024
Even though it’s tempting to cozy up with hot cocoa and forget about water, staying hydrated in the winter is crucial for your health and well-being. Here are 5 of the best ways to keep your body happy and hydrated during the colder months:
Sip on warm beverages
While plain water is always an optimal choice, warm drinks can be more appealing in winter. Opt for herbal teas like peppermint or ginger, unsweetened decaf coffee, or even hot water with lemon or cucumber slices. Bonus points for infusing your water with fruits and herbs for added flavor!
Eat water-rich foods
Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, celery, cucumber, berries, and oranges are packed with water and nutrients. Soups and broths are also great options, providing warmth and hydration. Remember, even though these foods contribute to your fluid intake, they shouldn’t replace your water intake completely.
Flavor your water
Sometimes, plain water can seem a bit bland. Liven it up with slices of citrus fruits, berries, cucumber, or even herbs like mint or basil. You can also try sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime for a refreshing twist. Our line of sugar-free sparkling waters come in a variety of fun flavors, so you’ll never get bored!
Carry a reusable water bottle
Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day and refill it regularly. Having it readily available will serve as a reminder to drink and make it easier to track your intake. Consider an insulated bottle to keep your water at a comfortable temperature.
Monitor your urine
Pay attention to the color of your urine. Pale yellow indicates good hydration, while dark yellow or amber suggests dehydration. Use this as a guide to adjust your fluid intake throughout the day.
Bonus Tip
Limit dehydrating beverages like alcohol, sugary drinks, and excessive coffee. These can actually worsen dehydration and contribute to other health problems. Remember, everyone’s hydration needs differ based on factors like activity level and climate. Consult your doctor for personalized advice on how much water you should be drinking in winter.
How do you make sure to stay hydrated in the winter months? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on January 11, 2024
We love a good hot toddy, especially during the abysmal dead of winter. A hot toddy is a classic cocktail usually made with whiskey, hot water (or tea) and spices. The variations are endless, and you can even make it a “mocktail” if you’re practicing dry January. Traditionally, hot toddies use dark liquors such as whiskey, bourbon, or rum – so, use what you like best!
The cocktail is also usually made with hot water, but you can also use a hot tea such as English Breakfast tea, Ginger tea or chamomile tea. To give the cocktail some sweetness, typically honey or maple syrup is used, along with lemon juice or orange juice. Lastly, to give the hot toddy a delightful bit of bubbles and added lemon flavor, you’ll add Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in lemonade. Read on for how to whip up a cozy hot toddy this winter!
Cascade Ice Honey Lemon Hot Toddy
Ingredients
- 1 shot glass of whiskey or bourbon
- 2 tsp. of lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- ⅓ cup hot water or tea
- ⅓ cup Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Lemonade
- Lemon slices
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a large mug of your choice, combine honey and lemon juice. Add hot water or tea and stir until honey is dissolved. Add the whiskey, stir, and then finish by pouring the Cascade Ice over the top. Add lemon slices to the mixture (if desired) or garnish the glass. To make a mocktail, simply leave out the whiskey or other liquor. Enjoy!
Will you be making our Honey Lemon Hot Toddy this season? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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by Cascade Ice on December 30, 2023
Fall and Winter seasons are notorious for bringing about seasonal illnesses. If you’re looking to boost your immune health, you may wonder how to help your body fight off illnesses quicker or avoid them altogether.
The good news is that lifestyle and dietary changes can boost your body’s natural defenses and help you fight sickness and get back to feeling better fast. Here are 5 tips to help boost your immune system naturally.
Hydration
While hydration won’t protect you from germs, staying hydrated (especially during the drier winter months) is especially important for your overall health. Being chronically dehydrated can result in headaches and can hinder all sorts of bodily processes like mood, physical endurance, digestion and kidney function – which, you guessed it – can increase your odds of getting sick.
Make sure that you’re drinking enough water so that your urine is a pale yellow-color. While water is king, you can also add flavored electrolytes to help your body hydrate more efficiently. You can also add fresh fruit to your water or opt for a flavored sparkling water like Cascade Ice Sparkling Water. And don’t forget – tea and juice are also hydrating, but make sure water is your main source of hydration.
Sleep
Did you know that immunity is closely tied to quality sleep? In fact, studies have shown that poor sleep habits can make you more susceptible to sickness. And, if you get sick, your body might also tell you that you need more sleep than usual to help fight off the illness.
Adults should aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, while children need more like 9-12 hours depending on age. The most important part, however, is the quality of your sleep. Make sure you’re getting uninterrupted sleep by establishing healthy sleep routines that you can stick to each night. 30 minutes before bedtime, turn off screens, make sure you’re sleeping in a dark environment, and use a white noise machine or app to drown out noise. Sticking to an exercise routine earlier in the day can also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep.
Eat fermented foods
You may not know that consuming foods that are full of beneficial bacteria can boost your immune system and ward off illness. These good bacteria are referred to as probiotics which live in your digestive system. Research suggests that a good gut microbiome can help your body fight off disease. Foods like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut contain probiotics, so aim to incorporate them into your diet every week. If you can’t regularly eat fermented foods, taking a probiotic supplement is a good option as well.
Limit sugar
Added sugars are present in so many of the foods and beverages we consume, which can lead to obesity. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease may increase your risk of getting sick by weakening your immune system over time. To keep your sugar intake in check, make sure to follow dietary guidelines for your age, weight and lifestyle. For a 2,000 calorie per day diet, your sugar shouldn’t exceed 25 grams. Look for low or no-sugar options when it comes to food and drinks.
Take supplements
Experts agree that supplements can help strengthen your body’s immune response. However, because they are not regulated by the FDA, you should buy high-quality supplements that are independently tested by trusted third-party organizations like NSF International and ConsumerLab. Some great supplements to take during cold and flu season (which are backed by research studies) are vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea and elderberry. Make sure to stock up on these to take throughout the season!
How do you boost your immune system? Let us know in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on December 12, 2023
Is it feeling wintery in here, or is just us? We may have a few more weeks until “official” winter, but we love to celebrate with seasonal, low-sugar cocktails whenever possible. We love this cocktail because not only is it easy to make with zero prep, but it tastes like the holiday season in a glass! We suggest using an organic unfiltered apple cider for this cocktail, which you’ll need to shake well. Unfiltered cider contains less sugar, which keeps this cocktail “skinny” and low sugar.
We suggest making this cocktail in a bigger batch and sharing it with friends at your holiday party or next family get-together. As always, if you’re looking to concoct a delicious mocktail, simply omit the alcohol and it will still be as delicious as ever! If you’d prefer to make a large batch in advance, you can mix all the ingredients together except the prosecco and Cascade Ice and add those in when you’re ready to serve. Read on for how to make our Cascade Ice Skinny Cherry Apple Cider!
Ingredients
3 cups unfiltered organic apple cider
3 oz whiskey
5 cups prosecco or sparkling wine
1 oz of bitters
1 bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Cherry
6 thin slices fresh apples
3 cinnamon sticks
2 cups ice
Directions
In a large punch bowl, pour all ingredients and gently stir. Serve within 1-2 hours of preparation. Garnish with extra cinnamon sticks or apples, if desired. Cheers!
Will you be making our Skinny Cherry Apple Cider this season? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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