by Cascade Ice on January 9, 2014

Happy Thursday! This week, we are kickin’ it with Lifestyle blogger Tracy Ann Guida, author of My Other City By The Bay. Tracy is a fit foodie from Northern California on a quest to fall in love with Florida. Check out her healthy living tips!

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Ever since I was young, I have always been committed to eating healthy. One of my first role models was Madonna and her dedication to fitness inspired me when I was just 12 years old. I find that when I stick to a healthy eating plan and regular exercise, I feel better and have more energy. While I do allow myself cheat days, I am always sure to run an extra mile or two so I can have that slice of pizza or piece of cake.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
The two that first come to mind are my two friends here in Tampa – Liz Kieffer and Stephanie Sanchez May. These two lovely ladies, who happen to be sisters-in-law, are incredibly dedicated to physical fitness and healthy eating. They both inspire me on a daily basis.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time.
My go-to healthy meal is grilled chicken and steamed broccoli. I always have both on hand.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Replace sugary drinks with healthy alternatives such as fruit infused water and Cascade Ice. My kids love adding fresh fruit to their water such as orange and lemon slices. Always be sure to have healthy snacks on hand such as fruit, veggies, celery sticks with peanut butter, etc. Swap TV time for group walks or bike rides.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I never eat white bread and only have fried food once in a blue moon.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Sleep and hydration are essential. You must maintain your daily water intake and sleep is vital for health and wellness.

What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
I love Coconut Cascade Ice. It reminds me of a tropical drink and I enjoy sipping on it while trying to stay cool in the Florida heat.
Connect with Tracy Ann Guida through her Facebook and Twitter!
by Cascade Ice on January 2, 2014
Happy New Year! Are you making a New Year’s resolution to cut back on sugary, caffeinated drinks and sodas? It’s easy to maintain those healthy New Year’s Resolutions with Cascade Ice’s low-calorie drinks. Let’s begin 2014 curbing unhealthy cravings with the sweet taste of Cascade Ice minus those unnecessary calories!

Coconut Pineapple Smoothie
Start off your New Year right with a Coconut Pineapple Smoothie. To make this fruit filled breakfast, pour 8oz Coconut Pineapple Cascade Ice into a blender with 4oz of ice. Slice fresh pineapple into cubes and add 1/2 to the smoothie. Then add 2oz coconut flakes, 2oz Greek yogurt and 1 tbsp of honey. Blend until smooth.
Raspberry Lime Rickey
Power through the day with a Raspberry Lime Rickey. Pour 8oz raspberries, 8oz Raspberry Lemonade Cascade Ice and 2 tsps of lime zest into a pitcher. Add 2oz fresh lime juice and garnish with sliced limes. Mix well and enjoy!
Peach Mango Sangria
Mix up the low-calorie Peach Mango Sangria for a festive evening without a ton of calories. Pour 8oz of Peach Mango Cascade Ice over 2oz mango and 2oz peaches. Add 4oz dry white wine and 2oz orange liqueur. Stir well to complete the tasty, low-calorie sangria.
With these skinny drink recipes, you will be on your way to a great 2014! Stay tuned for more refreshing and low-calorie recipe ideas throughout the New Year!
by Cascade Ice on December 19, 2013
Before we say good-bye to 2013, we wanted to look back at some of our most popular recipes of the year. We hope you tried and enjoyed many of our unique and festive recipes! Let’s take a look back at the top five recipes of 2013.

Pink Grapefruit Lemonade
For a unique and crowd pleasing lemonade, whip up the Pink Grapefruit Lemonade. Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour 8oz of Pink Grapefruit Cascade Ice over the ice. Take a small fresh lemon and cut it in half. Squeeze the lemon juice from one ½ lemon into your glass and make sure to strain the lemon seeds. Add a couple slices of fresh lemon to compete the drink.

Watermelon Slushie
Watermelon is oh-so-delicious, and ripe for the pickin’ in the fall. In a blender, combine a few handfuls of ice, several seedless watermelon chunks and 8oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Blueberry Watermelon.Then, pour in 6oz of club soda. Blend to desired consistency and enjoy!

Apple Cinnamon Sparkler
This one’s for the kids! Instead of serving soda for dinner, try our Apple Cinnamon Sparkler. Simply mix 4oz of Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple and 2oz of apple juice in a glass with ice. Garnish with a green apple wedge and a cinnamon stick to complete the yummy drink.

Pumpkin Pie Float
For a crowd-pleasing dessert the whole family will love, try the Pumpkin Pie Float. Pour 6oz of Pumpkin Pie Cascade Ice into a tall glass filling it up halfway and add one scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish the float by crumbling a graham cracker and adding a dollop of whipped cream.

Candy Cane-tini
Mix up a Candy Cane-tini to enjoy while serving appetizers during the holidays. To mix, use 3oz of Cascade Ice Cranberry Pomegranate, 2oz of vodka and the juice of a lime. Stir the contents in your shaker with a handful of ice and garnish with a skewer of cranberries or candy cane crumbs.
We enjoyed creating tasty, low-calorie drink recipes in 2013 and are excited to keep the tradition going in 2014!
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by Cascade Ice on December 12, 2013

This week, we are “kickin’ it” with marketing manager and A Fit and Spicy Life blogger Mellissa Solin. Mellissa is a 30-something food-loving, wine-drinking, fitness enthusiast living in the Twin Cities. See her healthy living tips, below!

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is part of who I am, between working out and eating delicious and nutritious food. I focus on treating my body the best I can.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I really admire busy women who make fitness and healthy living a priority. As a blogger and marketing manger with a busy travel schedule I strive to keep it all in balance. While this can be difficult sometimes, I know when I put fitness and healthy meals as a top priority it makes me feel so much better. I have more energy, sleep better and stay healthy!
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
A big salad filled with lean protein, sunflower seeds, tons of vegetables and a homemade dressing. Adding a cup of soup is a great way to complete the meal.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Staying healthy doesn’t have to be hard, you just have to plan for it. Make a meal plan with healthy options and do as much prep work as you can on Sunday. If you have healthy choices in the fridge you are much more likely to eat healthy.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I believe you can have everything in moderation! I try to focus on lean meats, healthy fats, complex carbs and the occasional treat. If I’ve been a little too indulgent lately I step up the vegetables and cut out wine.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
As someone who travels a lot for work I focus on getting activity when I can; an extra walk in the airport, taking the stairs whenever possible and improvising with less than adequate hotel gyms.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
The sparking coconut is my favorite. It makes me feel like I am on a beach!
Stay connected with Mellissa Solin by connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.