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5 Ultimate Summer Hydration Hacks

by Cascade Ice on June 19, 2023

Staying healthy all year may require a different focus during the various seasons, and Summertime is no different. Did you know that during the summer months and in hotter climates you require more hydration than in moderate climates? Exerting yourself in the heat of a summer day can also lead to dehydration, which has its own health risks, so it’s an important thing to be aware of as we start enjoying outdoor summer activities. But how can we easily fit our hydration goals into our fun summer plans? Easy! Check out our quick hydration hacks below.

Set a daily intake goal

Even if you’re relaxing in the shade during the hot days of summer, you should still up your water intake during the season. If you are in the sun, strive to get 8 oz of water every 30-40 minutes. So, set your daily ounces goal based on your activity level and planned sun exposure level and try hard to meet that goal. If it’s tough for you to keep track, grab a water bottle with ounces clearly marked so you know how much you’ve consumed (or simply mark on your water bottle with a sharpie). If it’s still tough to remember, set a recurring alarm on your smartphone or watch – the results of staying hydrated will be better cardiovascular health, clear skin, better mood and much more. 

Grab what you can

If you’re in a pinch and plain water doesn’t sound appealing, or you don’t have it on hand, natural juices, teas, sparkling waters and even coffee (yes coffee!) can help you meet your hydration needs. Of course, keep caffeine to a minimum as it tends to dehydrate you if you consume too much. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water has tons of flavor options and can be enjoyed straight from the bottle or over ice for extra hydration! Even drinks with added electrolytes are a great choice for the summer. 

Eat hydrating foods

One of the best things about summer is all the delicious foods! People often forget that certain foods can be hydrating as well – in fact, we get 20-25% of our daily water intake from food! If you’re hungry, try choosing foods with a higher water content, such as fresh greens, melons, and peppers. And of course, wash down your food with a glass of water! 

Dress smartly

Fluid intake is very important, but so is fluid retention in the summertime. And clothing plays a big part in that, especially when considering sun exposure. During the summer, aim to wear loose-fitting cotton, linen or rayon fabrics which allows air to circulate. These materials can keep you cooler longer and can wick sweat away from your body. Also, aim for lighter colors to reflect the sun rather than absorbing the heat from it. 

Check your pee!

A surefire way to tell if you’re hydrating enough during the summer? Check your urine – it should be pale in color, similar to straw. If it’s a dark yellow, this means you may already be dehydrated. Grab some water and stay in the shade ASAP! Consult your health provider for any questions related to your health, sun exposure and hydration. 

How do you stay hydrated in the summer? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 


3 Skinny Cocktails that will have you craving summertime

by Cascade Ice on May 24, 2023

 

Summer is just a few short weeks away, and we’re feeling the sunshine vibes! In celebration of the upcoming season, we’ve whipped up some low-sugar, low-calorie, refreshing drink recipes that you can enjoy with or without alcohol. These options will not sabotage your healthy lifestyle goals and remind you of the long sunny days of summer. Read on for cocktail descriptions and instructions!

Bubbly Lemon Drop

Take the iconic lemon drop and slash the calories and sugar content – you’ll get this bubbly concoction that will quench your thirst on a warm day. Not only does this one taste great – it smells so good too! Omit the vodka if you’re looking for a “mocktail” option instead. 

Ingredients

2 oz Vodka

1 oz lemon juice 

Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Lemonade

Sliced lemon wedges

Granulated sugar for the rim (optional)

Ice

Directions

Take a small cocktail glass and drip the rim into water, followed by granulated sugar to coat it. Combine vodka and lemon juice and pour over ice in the glass. Top off with Cascade Ice and use lemon wedge as garnish. 

Orange Mango Mule

With all the elements of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, but with more bubbles and a fruitier taste. This delightfully low-sugar cocktail is the liquid equivalent of basking in the sun on the beach!

Ingredients

3 oz Ginger beer

Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Orange Mango 

1.5 oz Vodka

Slices of fresh lime and orange  

Ice

Directions

In a copper mug, combine ginger beer and vodka over ice. Top off with Cascade Ice to the rim, and garnish with fresh orange and lime slices.

Coconut Colada

There’s nothing like a pina colada to get you in the mood for summer, as it really is the quintessential warm weather drink. This one is a little bit different spin on the classic, that won’t require a blender but still hits just right when you’re craving something tropical. Simply omit the rum for an alcohol-free version. 

Ingredients

2 oz Rum

3 oz Pineapple juice

Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Coconut 

Pineapple slices

Ice

Directions

Grab a glass of your choice and combine pineapple juice and rum over ice. Pour in the Cascade Ice to the top. Stir gently and garnish with pineapple, then enjoy!

What’s your favorite summertime cocktail? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Skin Healthy

by Cascade Ice on April 13, 2023

 

Spring is here, which means the weather is warming up and the sunshine is sticking around for a while. With the warmer temperatures inevitably comes more sun exposure for your skin. You’ve probably always heard that the skin is the body’s largest organ, but did you know that when it’s not healthy, it’s not able to act as a strong barrier to protect you?

Your skin has many functions, but the most important role is to protect us from pollution, viruses and chemicals that are present in our atmosphere. Skin also regulates your core body temperature, protects important internal organs, and acts as a manager to maintain and control fluids (among many other things!). While many factors play into how healthy your skin can be, such as age, genetics, disease and hormones, there are several things you can do to better the health of your skin. Here are just a few quick, simple ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing all Spring and Summer long:

Control life stressors

While many of us lead demanding, fast-paced lives, keeping stress under control is a critical component in the health and well-being of your skin. Which is why some people may see blemishes pop up before a stressful life event. What can you do to keep stress under control? Try things like daily meditation practice, taking walks, doing breathing exercises and carving out time in your day to do things you really enjoy. Still feel stressed? Try to pinpoint what’s causing you to feel this way and take a good look at what you can change. After all, so many studies now are linking stress to disease, so it’s an important factor in your overall wellness. Take stress seriously and try to eliminate it from your life!

Drink lots of water 

Most people assume they are getting the right amount of hydration each day, but, unfortunately they aren’t. And you can chug a gallon of water each day, but most times this will not help with keeping your body hydrated. So, what to do? Try adding some electrolytes to your water to help your body absorb water better. Carry a reusable water bottle around with you all day and aim to consume an ounce of water for each pound you weigh – more if you exercise. Regular water gets boring? Try Cascade Ice Water for something different and fun!

Get your ZZZ’s

Get your beauty sleep! Have you ever noticed how tired your skin looks after a bad night’s sleep? Well, there is a science to that. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and practice good sleep hygiene such as turning the lights low an hour before bedtime and aiming for the same time getting to sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can have a big impact on your skin’s functioning and appearance. And with only a little amount of sleep, your body doesn’t get the optimal amount of time each night to repair itself from environmental toxins and sun exposure. So, make sleep a priority and get your shut eye!

Cut out tobacco

Using tobacco products is one of the fastest ways to age your skin. It shrinks the blood vessels, which tanks the skin of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to look and feel healthy. Quitting tobacco products can prevent wrinkles and preserve your skin’s collagen. Trade the tobacco for a new healthy habit such as a fun hobby, a book club or a walking group. The more you make these healthy habits a daily thing, you’ll find it’s easier to keep cravings and unhealthy behaviors under control.

Use sun protection

While some sun exposure is good for your body to absorb Vitamin D, regulate hormones and give you a boost of energy, too much can be detrimental for your skin. To avoid sunburns from sun overexposure, try a daily sunscreen for your body and face. Also, make sure you’re tracking when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest throughout the day and avoid those times. Protect your body’s biggest organ with hats, sunglasses, and SPF!

What’s your favorite way to keep your skin healthy? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Spice up your Spring Break with a “Bubbles on the Beach” Skinny Cocktail

by Cascade Ice on March 24, 2023

Spring break is just around the corner – the time when youth (and many adults!) take a break to bask in the sunshine and welcome the spring season. But did you know that one of the most popular cocktails in the U.S. (the name we won’t put here! 🤭) was created in Florida during Spring Break in the 1980’s by one savvy bartender. He wanted a way to attract the Spring Breakers and thought it was a catchy name for a cocktail that would certainly get young people’s attention, and the legend lived on. But most people love it for the sweet and tangy taste! 

If you’re looking to maintain a healthy diet where you can still indulge in cocktails without the guilt, or simply trying to keep your sugar and calorie content low, we have a great spin on the classic cocktail that is easy to whip up. All you need is a tall glass, ice, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice and of course – Cascade Ice Sparkling Water! You can reach for low-sugar or “zero sugar” brands of juice at the grocery store, or simply use regular. Once this skinny cocktail hits your lips, you’ll feel like you’re on the beach no matter where you are!

Cascade Ice Bubbles on the Beach Cocktail

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of ice
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1 oz Peach Schnapps
  • 2 oz orange juice
  • 1 oz cranberry juice 
  • 2 oz Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Orange Mango
  • Fresh orange peeled or sliced in wedges (or use mango slices!)

Directions

  • Fill a tall glass with ice and add vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice. Pour cranberry juice and Cascade Ice over. 
  • Garnish with an orange or mango wedge, or orange peel to serve.

What’s your favorite springtime cocktail? Let us know in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.