Keeping Your Physical and Mental Health on Track While Social Distancing

by Cascade Ice on March 25, 2020

We are experiencing unprecedented challenges during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and even if we are practicing the CDC “social distancing” measures, different aspects of our health can suffer. Check out our list of tips for maintaining your physical and mental health and fitness during these trying times.

Get Outside Each Day 

Whether it’s going outside and possibly getting some sunshine while gardening in the backyard or going for a quick jog or walk around the neighborhood, a little bit of physical exercise each day can do wonders for your health. This will give your body a chance to circulate blood to all of your vital organs, relieve stress, and get some Vitamin D to improve your mood.

Take Advantage of Online Fitness Classes

Many gyms and online personal training services are currently streaming their content free or at a deeply discounted price. And most routines are adapted so you don’t need any fancy exercise equipment – just you! So get moving!

Cut Back on Electronics 

It’s easy to feel inundated and overwhelmed by the 24/7 news cycle, especially during times like these. Instead of letting yourself stay logged on all day, designate a few time windows each day where you can check the news and stay connected to friends and loved ones (maybe even video call!). And make sure you log off completely an hour before you hit the sack, which will help you sleep better overall.

Cut Yourself Some Slack!

There are no steadfast rules during this time, because in our lifetime, we’ve never faced something quite like this. So, do what you need to do to stay healthy each day, whether it’s to create a schedule, meditate, call a friend, listen to a podcast, or enjoy a cocktail! (We have many low-calorie and low-sugar ideas here). Remember, we are all in this together!

What are you doing during the pandemic to maintain your physical and emotional health? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Celebrate the Luck of the Irish with Cascade Ice Tropical Shamrock Punch!

by Cascade Ice on March 18, 2020

What if you could find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this St. Patrick’s Day while gathering with friends to welcome Spring? You can! And we have just the drink recipe for you, which you can even make without alcohol, if you desire. Make this green sparkling punch recipe your signature cocktail for a party with a tasty combination of zero-calorie Cascade Ice Water, pineapple vodka and strawberry liqueur!

If you’re not Irish, don’t let that stop you from celebrating – you can host an Irish themed cocktail party and serve this green punch as your signature drink (and even remind guests that it’s a low-sugar and low-calorie cocktail!)

Last but not least, make sure to jazz up the presentation of this punch to the next level when serving your guests. Pour punch into glasses and place them on a gold tray and surround them with gold coins (found at any dollar store). You could even make a “rainbow” out of colorful ribbons and make it a backdrop for your serving table. 

Cascade Ice Tropical Shamrock Punch

4 oz Strawberry flavored liqueur 

4 oz Pineapple flavored vodka

4 bottles of Cascade Ice Water in Kiwi Strawberry  

Green food coloring (if desired, for a darker green punch)

1 cup of ice

*To make without alcohol, simply swap the strawberry liqueur with crushed fresh strawberries, and switch the vodka for pineapple juice.

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl of your choice, and make sure each element is cold when ready to serve. Add extra ice if desired. Mix, and serve into cocktail glasses with a fun garnish, such as gold edible sprinkles or a faux shamrock. Enjoy!

What’s your go-to drink for St. Patrick’s Day? Will you be trying out this recipe? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Four Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System

by Cascade Ice on March 16, 2020

Our bodies are miraculous disease-fighters. But, to function well, it requires a good balance of all of its systems. While experts are still studying the effects of diet, exercise, age, stress, and other factors on the immune system response, there are many ways to give your body the upper hand in fighting off illness. Here are just a few ways you can do that.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

It should go without saying, but most people don’t realize how effective washing your hands with soap and water is for fighting off disease. While hand sanitizer is a good option if you don’t have access to warm water and soap, the latter is still the very best option to rid yourself of harmful bacteria. Remember to wash for at least 30 seconds!

Get Adequate Sleep

Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and try to adopt the same nightly schedule in order to align your circadian rhythms and achieve more deep sleep. Getting adequate sleep will help fight off illness and restore cells, so it’s an easy way to give your system the boost it needs to fight off disease.

Hydrate Your Body

Stay hydrated all day long by drinking water, and give it a boost of natural vitamins by adding lemon, honey or even mint. If regular water is tough for you to drink all day, reach for a zero-calorie Cascade Ice Sparkling Water – available in many flavor options to keep you from getting bored. 

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

Prevent illness and heal your body with nature’s vitamins and minerals – consume 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. If it’s hard for you to make that daily quota, take a high-quality multivitamin to fill in the gaps.

What do you do to boost your immune system and stay healthy? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

National Nutrition Month is all about Making Small Changes

by Cascade Ice on March 4, 2020

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year as part of their annual focus, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging people to make informed choices develop healthy habits. 2020’s theme is “Eat Right, Bite by Bite” which is a great message to send to anyone who is trying to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They validate that nutrition shouldn’t be restrictive, but instead should focus on making small changes to your diet and exercise routines, which will have a cumulative effect on your health over time.  

So instead of trying to completely overhaul your eating habits and adopt an aggressive daily workout routine, try meeting a daily hydration goal and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have trouble drinking plain water, Cascade Ice offers several different product lines to suit your hydration needs and to make it more fun to meet your daily requirements each day! 

Check out this blog post for more ideas on how to make small changes to your healthy routine and succeed in the long term. Cheers to looking and feeling your best! 

What types of small, healthy choices do you make each day? Do you plan to establish any new ones? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.