by Cascade Ice on February 21, 2013
Cascade Ice is excited to post the first interview in our brand new series, Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice! We’ll be interviewing notable healthy living advocates around the country to get their best tips and tricks, and post them here for all to benefit.
For our first post in the series, we are lucky enough to hear from Karen Borsari, an editor at SHAPE Magazine! Karen shared some fabulous advice and great meal tips to encourage Cascade Ice fans to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Read below to hear more from Karen!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
How could it not be? I want to get the most out of life and I know I need to take care of myself in order to do so. I never want to miss an opportunity because I don’t feel well, am too tired, or not physically capable.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My coworkers! It’s awesome to be surrounded by like-minded people. Every day I’m inspired by the healthy home cooked meals I see, the women who hit the gym on lunch break, and the proudly displayed medals from last weekend’s race. We do group fitness classes after work instead of happy hour from time to time and it’s wonderful to realize that fitness is fun and grabbing drinks isn’t the only way to socialize.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Every morning I have PB & J oatmeal because I can make it in minutes when I get to work and it truly keeps me full until lunch. I put half of a cup of old fashioned oats with a sprinkle of salt in a microwave safe bowl and heat for a minute or two, then stir in two tablespoons of peanut butter. I’ll top the mixture with half of a sliced banana, dried cherries or a tablespoon of real fruit preserves.
Stuffed baked potato. I make this on nights I get home late. I’ve even shown up in the office with an unbaked potato when I don’t have time to pack a lunch. All I do is wash and prick a potato and pop it in the microwave for about five minutes. While that’s heating, I look to see what’s in the fridge. Leftover chili? Throw it in the potato. Sausage and peppers? Dice it up and throw it in the potato. Chicken breast and broccoli? Shred the chicken, chop the broccoli, and throw it in!
When I don’t have leftovers, frozen veggies, a can of beans, salsa, and Greek yogurt all make good toppers in any combination. Potato + veggie + protein = a quick, healthy, well-balanced, portion-controlled meal.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
I don’t have a family so I hesitate to give advice here but I would say be sure to sit at the dinner table and take your meals together—TV off. Most people don’t realize what a wonderful and healthy opportunity it is—not just for the body but for your relationships as well.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t have any foods that are off limits but there are a few I know I can’t be trusted with alone. I never snack on cashews when I’m home alone because I know I will finish the whole container but I always indulge if they’re served at a party! I love putting them on salad or enjoying in dishes like cashew chicken.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Also, I program my favorite gym classes into my phone so I almost never miss a workout—but not to the detriment of my social life! At the beginning of the week, I see if there are any conflicts with my social calendar and reschedule those workouts for the morning or at lunchtime. Or maybe it becomes my rest day. I schedule those too!
Keep up with Karen on Google+ and follow SHAPE Magazine on Twitter for more great advice!
by Cascade Ice on February 7, 2013
Do you have a memorable night planned for your Valentine? Or a fun evening with the friends? We’ve got you covered no matter what your plans! Take a look at two tasty and low-calorie cocktail recipes we whipped up in honor of the day of love.
Impress away with a Passion Pucker-Up Cocktail. Mix up this tantalizing drink by pouring 1.5oz of tequila and 3oz of Cascade Ice Raspberry Black Currant over crushed ice into your mixer. Next, add the juice of a lime wedge and a handful of raspberries. Garnish the cocktail with an orange wedge and you’re ready to serve!
Kick it up a notch by trying the Cascade Ice Love Potion. To mix up this irresistible potion, mix 2oz of Cascade Ice Cherry Guava Blueberry with 1oz of brandy and 1oz of gin. Stir in a handful of ice. Once the potion is chilled, pour it into your glass and garnish with some fresh cherries.
You’ll make the night memorable with our divine cocktails for your special Valentine or friends!
by Cascade Ice on February 5, 2013
We are more than halfway through our first ever Cascade Ice Challenge! Our three amazing participants are working hard to finally kick soda to the curb by drinking Cascade Ice. Read a little bit about their stories below to get inspired to make some changes in your own diet.
Ryan Workman
So, tell us: Have you been able to completely cut soda out of your diet?
I’ve cut soda out of my diet and completely replaced it with Cascade Ice drinks. (Congrats, Ryan!)
How has your energy level been now that you’ve traded out soda?
I’ve been a lot more active and I sleep better because of this switch.
Do you have any tips for our fans on how to tackle the hurdle?
When you go grocery shopping, skip the soda aisle so you don’t get tempted! Also, if there is another family member who still drinks soda and has it in the fridge, just stock more of your Cascade Ice so it is the first thing you see when you open the doors!
Jennifer Heeth
Have you been able to completely cut soda out of your diet?
Yes, I have been able to completely cut out soda from my diet! (Go Jennifer!) Sometimes when I go out to eat, I think about getting a soda and find myself at a soda dispenser. But instead of choosing soda, I have an iced tea instead.
How has your energy level been now that you’ve traded out soda?
My energy level has been pretty good. I feel like I definitely have more energy to get more things done throughout the day. I think soda has an addictive quality to it. When you get used to having it, you want it more often. (So true!)
What has been the biggest hurdle in trying to cut out soda? Do you have any tips for our fans on how to tackle the hurdle?
I think one of the biggest hurdles is trying to stick to a “plan.” It takes time, determination and will power to make cutting out soda a habit. A piece of advice I would give is to just stick to it and don’t over-think it! Before you know it, it will be a habit. Try to find ways that work for you to stay motivated and on the right track.
Shannon Ramiro
So, tell us: Have you been able to completely cut soda out of your diet?
Yes, I have been able to completely cut soda out of my diet! I don’t ever want to go back to drinking soda. (Great to hear, Shannon!)
How has your energy level been now that you’ve traded out soda?
My energy level has felt higher. I feel that I am thinking more clearly too. Also, I read in an article somewhere that drinking soda can lead to teeth sensitivity. I have had issues with pain from sensitive teeth for a long time and over the past month I haven’t noticed any tooth pain that I can recall!
What has been the biggest hurdle in trying to cut out soda? Do you have any tips for our fans on how to tackle the hurdle?
The biggest hurdle has been going out to eat. I stuck to drinking water but when my child would hand me a cup filled with his soda to hold for him it was hard not to take a sip, since I used to do that all the time. The other issue was when my mom, whom I live with, bought soda and brought it home. I would put it away in a cabinet where she knew where it was but tried not to see it when I went to see what food we had in our pantry. It can be tough but it’s worth it!
Our participants are doing great, but they can always use some extra support from our great fans. Go to our Facebook page and show your support! It’s the home stretch people, let’s root them on!
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Healthy Living
by Cascade Ice on January 31, 2013
Super Bowl XLVII is this Sunday! Are you ready to watch the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers battle it out? Whether you’re planning to entertain for the big game or just hanging with a small group, Cascade Ice has created two low-calorie, scrumptious cocktails that are sure to be a touchdown with your friends & family!
Start kickoff with a delicious Baltimore Berry Colada. Begin by putting a handful of ice and 2oz of Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Pomegranate Berry in your blender. Then pour 3oz of your favorite rum and squeeze in the juice of a lime. Blend contents, and garnish with an orange slice for more fruity deliciousness!
During half-time, serve up a Niner Nojito. Start with a chilled glass filled 1/3 of the way with ice. Add in fresh mint leaves. Pour in 5oz Cascade Ice Mojito Cocktail Mixer with 3oz of chilled rum! Rim the glass with red sugar crystals and add berries for a bit more flair. Enjoy the rest of the game with your minty cocktail!
No matter who you’re cheering for, these game-day cocktails are the perfect addition to your afternoon.
