by Cascade Ice on May 31, 2013
Are you pumped for the next interview in our Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice series? This week we chatted with Laurel Moll from Laurel on Health Food for some wonderful health tips to keep you and your family on a nutritious track. Read on to get inspired by a true foodie!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is a priority for me because it makes me feel good on a daily basis. Rather than focus on eating or exercising to avoid disease later in life (which none of us can guarantee), I focus on doing it to feel good now. When I take care of myself, I feel better and am much more energetic. Instant results. Eating well, working out, and meditating are just a few of my commitments to living a better life.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I love learning meditation and “super brain” techniques from Deepak Chopra and getting daily gratitude and love lessons from The Daily Love writer Mastin Kipp. I’m also so inspired by Doctor Oz, who is bringing healthy living to the masses in a reasonable and non-judgmental way, which is so important when you’re trying to help people.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Lately I’ve been focusing on making big meals on Sunday afternoons so I have a stocked refrigerator ready for the weekdays when I have zero free time. But in a pinch, I love to spread a big portion of hummus on a wrap and toss in a bunch of raw veggies like spring greens, avocado, cucumber, celery and red bell pepper, then finish with a squirt of hot sauce. It takes less than five minutes to make and is always so satisfying.
What are your tips for families who want to make healthy lifestyle changes?
To me, the biggest tip is to get the whole family involved and on board. If one person is doing the healthy shopping, then make sure the others are helping to cook, clean, or carry groceries (including the kids). It’s important for everyone to do it together, and when you’re all involved in the food preparation and/or cleanup, you’ll find that everyone will appreciate and be more open to the healthy changes.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Technically, no. I’m a foodie, and while I eat vegan/vegetarian most of the time and try to avoid fast food and processed foods, I believe it’s is in my best interest to not have any hard “rules” when it comes to food. Throughout high school and college I went on and off diets and restrictive measures to be thin, but I definitely wasn’t in tune with my body. Since training to become a health coach in 2009, I learned that it’s so important to listen to your inner voice and have room for flexibility. Stress is just as harmful as junk food, so I try to be gentle with myself and leave room to experiment. So far, that’s what works for me.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I love the saying that the best way to change a habit is to replace it. When you’re working on your health, and there’s something “unhealthy” that you’re doing, don’t focus on avoiding it, just replace it with a healthier habit and change your focus. That’s the key to success. Some of my favorite healthy habits include getting massages, dancing, and keeping a gratitude list.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I love the new Organic Lemon Lime flavor that just contains sparkling water and fruit essences. It makes a great low-calorie cocktail, and is a perfect healthy substitute for anyone who’s addicted to regular or diet soda.
What to read more great tips from Laurel? Check her out out on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.
by Cascade Ice on May 16, 2013
This week we are happy to welcome Julie Grice from Savvy Eats to our Kickin’ It With Cascade Ice series! Julie is a seasoned food writer who loves to share great recipes and ways to help you live smarter. Take a look at some of her easy-to-apply tips for healthy living below!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I’m constantly cooking, testing and tasting new recipes. I try to make most of my meals healthy, and also exercise to balance out the less healthy dishes. I have hypothyroidism, so healthy living habits keep me feeling better.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My best friend Heather (thenheathersaid.com) and I keep each other motivated! We send each other our weekly fitness and health goals, and check in a few times a week to keep ourselves on track.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Stir-fry dishes and big salads. They help me use up whatever vegetables and leftover proteins (chicken, pork, hard-boiled eggs for the salads) I have in my fridge!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Go on family walks! My husband and I love going for long walks with our dog. They give us time to catch up and talk about future plans while getting in some movement. Also, a little advance dinner prep work on the weekends can work wonders for weeknight meals. Chop some veggies on Sunday to cook with or snack on during the week and precook some meat to make it easier to put a homemade dinner on the table in the evenings.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I’ve tried vegetarian and gluten-free diets, but feel best when I eat a little of everything. I do steer clear of products with long ingredient lists and make sure I know where my meat comes from, though.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I try to take some time every day to relax for a few minutes. I make a pot of tea and read, play with the dog or take a bath. It keeps me a little less stressed!
Are you loving Julie’s advice as much as we are? Check her out on Twitter and Facebook for more ways to connect!
by Cascade Ice on May 9, 2013
One of the best parts of spring is hitting up the local farmers market for fresh, healthy fruits. Incorporate those antioxidant-rich fruits into your beverages to help you reach your weight goals by swimsuit season!
Cut out the calories, sugar and sodium in your drinks simply by using your favorite fruits and Cascade Ice zero-calorie sparkling waters. Cascade Ice has just the right amount of fizz to give you a boost, minus the all unhealthy extras found in soda! Below are a few low-cal recipes using fresh fruit that your family is sure to love.
Berry Blast Smoothie
Pick out your kids’ favorite types of berries and apples to try the Berry Blast Smoothie.
To create one, mix 1 cup of apple slices, 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup soy or almond milk, a handful of fresh berries and 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Huckleberry Blackberry in a blender. Blend until smooth and top with a few more fresh berries.
Melon Mixer
Time to buy that delicious watermelon you’ve been dreaming about all winter for this fruity treat. Start with 3oz of Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Blueberry Watermelon. Then pour 1oz of club soda. Stir it a bit and add several slices of watermelon and blueberries for the final touch. You’ve just added two servings of fruit to your family’s diet!
Pomegranate Icer
Pomegranates pack a punch of vitamins and anti-oxidants and now that they are in season, it’s a great time for this refreshing drink. First pour 4oz of Cascade Ice
Pomegranate Berry and 1oz of Cascade Ice
Lemonade into a glass with crushed ice. Add fresh pomegranate seeds for the perfect touch and serve! Easy & delicious!
With these invigorating and fruity drink recipes, you’ll be giving your family a healthier beverage that still tastes great!
by Cascade Ice on May 2, 2013
Excited to read our next Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice feature? This week we have Jaime from The Simple Moms blog. Jaime is a product reviewer who loves to find the next big thing for her readers. Read on to hear some of her advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy Living is important not only for our kids but for your own future well-being.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My friend Renee is my role model for healthy living. She always has the right answer and she’s always willing to help. Avoiding additives and consuming real food is her way of living and I am working my way toward adopting her style.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Oatmeal with yogurt and berries has always been my go-to! My kids love it and it gives them some great nutrients.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Take it slow; you don’t have to change everything at once! Change one thing a week or even a month.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Junk food like chips and candy. It just isn’t needed in our home and we don’t ever buy it. If you don’t buy it, you won’t be tempted to eat it!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Getting the right about of sleep is so important for a healthy life. I always aim for at least 7 hours of sleep a night, and 8 for my kids.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I love the Cherry Guava Blueberry because it is so refreshing and it tastes great!
Check out Jaime on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest .
