Tips for Packing an Awesome Lunch this Year

by Cascade Ice on January 7, 2020

It’s that time of year again, where everyone is able to refocus and set goals for the months ahead. But, life inevitably gets busy, so why not do everything you can to make achieving your healthy goals easier on yourself?

Packing a healthy lunch each day is a great way to make sure you make better food and drink choices. Here are a few tips to help you pack a healthy, delicious lunch this year: 

• Meal prep – Each week, include lunches in your meal planning, even if it’s last night’s leftovers. Knowing what’s to come will keep you from making unexpected (and sometimes less healthy) choices for lunch.
• Find the perfect containers – Whether it’s layering a salad in a large jar, or finding the perfect bento box to contain all your favorite healthy lunch foods, the right containers can make all the difference! Check out the selection at Amazon or other online retailers, or even asks friends what they love. 
• Remind yourself – Forgetting your lunch at home is such a pain! Set an alarm on your phone or leave it near the door so that you don’t forget it when you leave for the day. 
• Don’t forget a “treat” – Let’s face it, humans are programmed to seek rewards for good behaviour. That’s why it’s actually a great idea to give yourself small “treats” when you make healthy choices over not-so-healthy ones. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water comes in 18 different flavor varieties so you’ll never get bored of the taste, and you don’t have to worry about added sugar or calories! You could even pack yourself a small piece of chocolate. Have fun with it!

What are your health goals for the new year? What type of lunch will you be packing each day? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

What Flavor Does to Your Brain

by Cascade Ice on December 19, 2019

When was the last time you tried to eat your favorite food, but your nose was stuffed up and you couldn’t enjoy all of the flavors? Believe it or not, your nose has a bigger role in your ability to taste different flavors than your tongue. This unique human ability to experience countless different flavors is called “neurogastronomy.” 

So what exactly happens in our brain when we taste different flavors? According to Dr. Gordon M. Shepherd, the experience of flavor engages the brain more than any other human behavior. He explains that the scent we smell while eating provides as much of the flavor we taste as the act of chewing and sipping provides. 

Experiencing different flavors that we deem tasty can also trigger the release of dopamine, causing feelings of happiness. Reward-driven behavior is greatly impacted by the amount of dopamine released in the brain. So, if you’re trying to drink more water, for example, adding a flavor you like to it is a great way to encourage yourself. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water offers more flavor combinations than any other zero calorie flavored sparkling water. If you have trouble meeting your suggested daily water intake, try flavored water to give your taste buds a kick!

What’s your favorite Cascade Ice Sparkling Water flavor? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Holiday Drinks with ‘Fall Over Fashion’

by Cascade Ice on December 12, 2019

Whether you’re entertaining for family or friends during the holiday season, or simply want something fun and different at the end of a long holiday week, it’s a great idea to have cocktail ideas on hand. Holiday drinks are usually syrupy-sweet and heavy, with a lot of added calories and fat. Why not change it up this holiday season by trying out these ideas for light, refreshing cocktails (and mocktails!) that will put you in the spirit! 

Below are two easy-to-create ideas from our friend Amira at Fall Over Fashion: 

Cranberry Sangria

Ingredients:

Bottle of red wine 

Bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Cranberry Pomegranate flavor

Rosemary, sugar, and cranberries for garnish 

In a pitcher, combine wine, Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate Sparkling Water, and ice. Stir and serve with rosemary, fresh cranberries and for a little more sweetness, sugar on the rim of the glass.

White Christmas

Vodka

Bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Coconut flavor

Rosemary, sugar, and lime for garnish.

In a glass, combine two shots of vodka (you can add more if you like it stronger), Cascade Ice Coconut Sparkling Water, ice, and stir! Serve with rosemary and lime. Again, for a little more sweetness and tang add sugar and lime on the rim of the glass.You can easily skip the alcohol and enjoy these drinks with these fun garnish ideas. Will you be entertaining for the holidays? What type of drinks do you plan to serve? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo of your own creation! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

It’s National Cookie Day! Celebrate with these Healthy Cookie Ingredient Swaps!

by Cascade Ice on December 4, 2019

It’s National Cookie Day! What better way to celebrate than to whip up a batch of homemade cookies? While sugar tends to be the main ingredient in most cookie recipes, you can get creative with alternatives to make them easier on your diet. Check out our handy list below for some easy baking ingredient alternatives. Happy snacking!

Unsweetened applesauce – Swap one cup of unsweetened applesauce for one cup of sugar to drastically slash fat and calories. Try it in oatmeal cookies!

Honey – If you’re simply looking to lessen the amount of sugar in a recipe, honey is the way to go! Honey is full of nutrients like vitamins and minerals, and won’t send your blood sugar soaring. For every 1 cup of sugar, substitute 1/2 cup of honey.

Wheat flour – Skipping the traditional white flour used in most cookie recipes and swapping with whole wheat flour can save you from consuming empty calories and refined carbs. To make the switch, sub in one cup of wheat flour for one cup of white flour for a healthier alternative.

Bananas – Can you believe the mashed bananas can make an easy swap for butter? Bananas contain potassium and their sweet flavor makes it perfect for baking. Simply replace a cup of butter with 3/4 cup of pureed banana in your cookie recipe. 

And of course, what goes better with a cookie than an ice-cold beverage? Cascade Ice Sparkling Water comes in 18 flavor combinations to complement your favorite kind of cookie. Check out our full flavor lineup here!

Will you be enjoying cookies today? What kind? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo of your own healthy ingredient swap! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.