5 Easy Health Hacks to Help You Feel Your Best

by Cascade Ice on February 24, 2023

How are your New Year’s resolutions going? If you’re like most Americans, you may not feel as though you’ve succeeded in keeping them. That’s because research has shown that instead of making vast, sweeping changes to your health habits, human beings tend to be more successful if they instead focus instead on making small, healthy choices every day. So, what should you do to keep on the healthy living track? Easy, healthy hacks that you can put in place today! Hacks are shortcuts that make getting to our destination a little bit less daunting.

Below are 5 simple health hacks that anyone can do with minimal effort, time, and cost. Start with one and make it a daily habit before adding another. Soon you’ll be on your way to keeping healthy habits for a lifetime!

Take deep breaths

Breathing is the thing our body does instinctually, but as we get older, we tend to forget the importance of deep, belly breaths. Deep breathing for just 5 to 10 minutes each day can slow aging, lower stress and blood pressure, and improve mental clarity. Start by lying on your back and focusing on drawing big, deep breaths into your belly and out through your mouth. If you’re new to this, place a book or other object on your stomach and focus on the rise and fall of each breath. 

Step away from electronics

Most of us struggle these days with depending on technology, and that dependence is slowly contributing to stress, depression and bad sleep. Start by shutting off your phone, laptop or TV for 30 minutes each day and work your way up to a full hour. During those times, think of something you love to do, like catch up with friends or family over the phone, going for a walk, or cooking. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how it feels to be freed from electronics and social media just for a short period of time! 

Set and meet a daily hydration goal 

There are tons of research that point to the plentiful benefits of staying hydrated. But most people just don’t want to chug a gallon of plain water every day. So, incorporate other healthy hydration sources in your daily goal. For example, upon waking, mix the juice from half of a lemon into your water to add vitamins and antioxidants. Or try some sparkling water varieties (we’re partial to Cascade Ice Sparkling Water!) to jazz up your intake. Even a flavored electrolyte powder is a nice change up to plain water that boasts all kinds of benefits! It all counts and goes a long way with keeping your body hydrated and functioning at its very best each day.

Get 15 minute of exercise 

We get it – there are days that are so busy, you simply can’t make it to the gym or even think about going for a run. However, everyone has 15 minutes to spare in their day, and reframing the idea of “exercise” to include any type of physical movement will really help you to make it happen each day. Taking the dog for a walk, doing a quick yoga session, or even taking the stairs or biking to work count as physical exercise. Just make the goal of getting 15 minutes in each day and you’ll be surprised at how your physical and mental health get a big boost! Make sure you track what you do each day and hold yourself accountable.

Have a good laugh

There are many studies that have proven the vast benefits of laughter. It can boost your immune system, lower stress, and is considered nature’s medicine for your physical and mental health. But life is hard – what if you just don’t feel like laughing? Don’t overthink it! Put on your favorite comedy show, dress up in goofy outfits with a friend, play a funny board game, or attend a goat yoga class! The options are endless, but  the importance of being around others and being playful will benefit your health greatly in the long run. So get out and have a laugh each day! 

What health hacks do you currently do daily, or which ones do you hope to start? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Citrusy, Toasty and Low-Calorie Hot Toddy Recipe

by Cascade Ice on January 11, 2023

It’s National Hot Toddy Day, and there is nothing quite like this traditional cocktail to warm you up during the cold winter months. But if you’re trying to stick to new year’s health goals or even “Dry January”, we have a fun spin on the classic that will be sure to keep you feeling cozy by the fire over the next few months!

There are so many great things about a hot toddy. It’s naturally less sweet (and less sugar) than most cocktails, and it’s super easy to make. Believed to have been invented in the 1800’s in Europe, the hot toddy is always a hit in the cold winter months because it’s served warm like a tea or coffee. Traditionally, they’ve even been suggested as a good cough and cold remedy, as it’s made with honey and lemon. And it’s easy to omit the alcohol to make a mocktail or simple home remedy for when you’re not feeling your best. 

To make our spin on the hot toddy cocktail, you’ll need whiskey, honey, lemon, and some Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Lemonade. Fresh cinnamon is a nice touch, or you could even add in ginger or cloves which have shown to have medicinal properties. Read on for how to whip up your own low-calorie, low-sugar hot toddy!

Cascade Ice Toasty Hot Toddy

• ½ cup hot water
• 2 oz. whiskey
• ½ oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. Honey
• 2 oz. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Lemonade 
• Cinnamon stick, optional

Heat water on the stovetop or in a tea kettle and pour into a mug or glass of your choice – make sure it’s hot but not boiling. Mix in the whiskey, honey and lemon juice. Omit the whiskey if making a mocktail. Top carefully with the Cascade Ice to the top, and garnish with a lemon wedge and/or cinnamon stick if desired.  Enjoy!

Have you ever tried a hot toddy? What’s your go-to drink during the cold winter months? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

3 Bright and Festive Cocktails to Serve During the Holidays

by Cascade Ice on December 20, 2022

@FallOverFashion

Whether you’re planning to entertain for the holidays or just want some fresh ideas to help brighten up your holiday season, it’s a great idea to have some low-sugar, low-calorie cocktail (and mocktail!) ideas at the ready. Holiday cocktails are typically notorious for being super sweet and heavy with syrupy elixirs and heavy creams, which also add extra fat and calories to your diet. Why not change things up with these light and refreshing cocktails that will be sure to put you in the spirit! 

Cranberry Pomegranate Punch

• Bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Cranberry Pomegranate 
• Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon wine
• ½ frozen container of cranberry juice
• Fresh cranberries and pomegranate seeds
• Juice from one lime
• 3 cups of ice

In a large punch bowl, combine all ingredients and stir until frozen juice is dissolved. Serve over ice in preferred glass. To make a mocktail punch, simply triple the Cascade Ice and juice and omit the wine. Garnish with rosemary, mint or lime for a festive touch! 

Snowy Day Spritz

• Bottle of Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Coconut
• 1.5 oz. Vodka
• 1 tbsp. sugar 
• Juice from ½ lime 
• Sliced lime for garnish

Take a short cocktail glass and dip the rim onto a plate with the lime juice, followed by a plate with the sugar and coat it. Next, pour the vodka over ice followed by the Cascade Ice. Garnish the glass with a lime wedge and sprig of holly or mistletoe if you’re feeling fancy!

I’m Dreaming of a Pink Holiday

• 1 cup Cascade Ice Sparkling Water in Pink Grapefruit
• 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
• 2/3 cup Triple Sec
• 1 cup Tequila
• 1/4 cup honey
• Lemon wedges

Garnish the rim of a tall champagne glass or highball glass with coarse salt. Combine vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, honey and ice in a cocktail shaker and pour contents into the glass over ice. Fill to the top with Cascade Ice and garnish with a lemon wedge. Simply omit the alcohol for a delicious mocktail version!

Will you be serving any fun cocktails during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

5 Simple Rituals to Help you Stay on Track during the Holiday Season

by Cascade Ice on November 22, 2022

If the holiday season went exactly like the Christmas carols we sing every year, the season would be like a scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life” – filled with happy, peaceful people soaking up every minute. But we’re human beings (not robots), so the holiday season often comes with stress and the pressure to do it all, and get it all done. If we don’t practice healthy rituals each day, we risk burning out and feeling overwhelmed, which can wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health. Here are some tips we’ve assembled to help you stay healthy through the new year that are easy to remember and adopt. 

Get rid of the “I can’t have that” mentality

With the holidays comes delicious and sometimes unhealthy food and drinks. Of course, some foods have more nutritional value than others, but partaking in some of the most wonderful foods of the holiday season will not derail your entire lifestyle. Just make sure you keep it in balance. Permit yourself to have some indulgent foods and stop when you’re satisfied. Keep the balance by making healthy choices using the 80/20 rule – 80 percent of the time, choose good-for-you options, and 20 percent of the time, choose things you simply want to eat. This will lead to fewer binges and subsequent guilt.

Move your body

It’s colder and darker outside, which instinctually causes us to want to stay indoors. Instead of seeing exercise as checking a chore off your to-do list, simply prioritize movement during the holiday season. It can be walking the dog around the neighborhood, taking a hot yoga class, or taking an online workout or stretching class. If you’re getting some type of movement done each day, don’t beat yourself up about toning down your regular workout routine in favor of activities that fit easily within your busy holiday schedule. Meditation is also a great tool to help calm the mind and body if you feel like stress is taking hold!

Prioritize yourself

The holiday season doesn’t have to look like what people expect it to be – busy, rushed, and crowded. While you can honor family traditions, you can also make yourself a priority by devoting time to be alone. Whether that’s taking a bath before bed, or saying “No” to a social commitment, you’ll be impressed by how this simple ritual of prioritizing your time will save you from the type of stress that has you wishing the holiday season will hurry up and end!

Cut back on booze

For many people during the holiday season, alcohol can quickly become a way to manage stress, which can lead to long-term unhealthy habits throughout the year. If you are consuming alcohol this holiday season, be mindful of your consumption and practice moderation by having just 1 or 2 drinks. Always plan ahead if you’re attending a social function to make sure you don’t overconsume, and if you’re hosting a party, make sure to offer some alcohol-free options to guests – we have so many great low-calorie, low-sugar mocktail options using Cascade Ice Sparkling Water so you don’t have to feel left out and you can still stay on track with your goals.

Focus on your sleep habits

Stress and sleep are intertwined. Too little (or interrupted) sleep often leads to feelings of stress, and alternatively, stress can impede quality sleep. So, what can you do? Try not to fall into the trap of staying up too late and make a habit of cutting off electronics and starting bedtime rituals about an hour before you go to sleep. Consider journaling to keep track of your worries, which will help keep your mind from racing when you should be snoozing. There are lots of apps and settings on our smartphones that can help you block out the noise of social commitments and social media, so take advantage of them during the crazy holiday season and watch your sleep (and mood) improve!

How do you stay healthy and on track during the busy, stressful holiday season? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.