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Kick Off 2014 With Yummy Low-Calorie Drinks

by Cascade Ice on January 16, 2014

As 2014 commences, so do your New Year’s resolutions! How are they coming along? If you decided to cut back on those sugary, caffeinated drinks, then we congratulate you and wish you the best of luck! To give you some inspiration, here are a few yummy recipes that won’t hinder your New Year’s resolutions.

Spiced Apple Smoothie

  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 apple (peeled and chopped)
  • ½ cup Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple
  • 1 cup Greek Vanilla Yogurt
  • ¼ tsp Cinnamon
  • Pinch of Nutmeg (optional)

End the day with a delicious Spiced Apple Smoothie! Peel 1 apple and chop into small cubes and place into a blender. Add 1 cup ice, ½ cup Cascade Ice McIntosh Apple, 1 cup Greek Vanilla Yogurt, ½ tsp. cinnamon and, if you feel like it, a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail 

  • 2 oz. Triple Sec
  • 2 oz. Limoncello
  • 1 handful raspberries
  • Juice of two lemons
  • ½ cup Cascade Ice Black Raspberry
  • Pinch of raw sugar

This is a great drink to have with a group of friends – it’s a party pleaser! Combine the fresh raspberries and raw sugar in the bottom of a glass. Muddle together until it has the appearance of jam. Add the Triple Sec, Limoncello and lemon juice. Add ice to the glass. Top it off with the Cascade Ice Black Raspberry. Stir well and enjoy!

Pomegranate Berry Martini 

  • 2 oz. citrus vodka
  • ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ oz. Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry
  • 1 oz. simple syrup

If your day needs a little something special, try this Pomegranate Berry Martini! Shake all the ingredients well in a martini shaker full of ice, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange peel and serve!

These recipes will not only taste delicious, but they will aid in your quest to drink less sugary drinks!


Kickin’ It With “My Other City By The Bay” Blogger Tracy Ann Guida

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!


The Healthiest Halloween Candy

by Cascade Ice on October 24, 2011

Halloween is fast approaching, meaning that candy is everywhere. It’s hard to not want to join in all the fun, so we grabbed the healthiest Halloween candy options from Real Simple so you can have a sweet treat!

Reese’s vs. Snickers: In the fun size version, Snickers contains less fat and saturated fat.

Peanut M&Ms vs. Skittles: Skittles may have less calories, but Peanut M&Ms rate lower on the glycemic index. This means that the sugar will be released more slowly into your body and leave you satisfied for a longer period of time.

Milky Way vs. Pay Day: Go for the Milky Way! Milky Way has 50 percent of the fat and sodium of Pay Day.

Carmel Apples vs. Candy Apples: This is a trick! These treats are both pretty good for you in comparison to other candies. They both have fiber because of the apple, although Candy Apples are typically slightly lower in calories (about 70 calories less) than Carmel Apples.

Be sure to have some Cascade Ice to substitute soda and other sugary drinks this Halloween. Orange Mango and the Apple Tini Mixer can make for some ghoulishly fun party drinks!

For the full list of candy comparisons click here.


Healthy Habits for Back-to-School Lunches

by Cascade Ice on August 22, 2011

It’s that time of year again! Youngsters are gearing up to go back to the classroom with that spiffy new lunchbox in tow. However, packing a healthy lunch can be a challenge, especially if you have a picky eater!

A recent study from the University of Texas at Austin has revealed that most packed lunches aren’t safe. Most parents do not included ice packs in their child’s lunchbox, and the ones who do don’t provide as much as they should. Even if your child’s perishable items (like yogurt, cheese and deli meats) stay cool, they most likely aren’t staying cold. This temperature difference can cause a breeding ground for germs and cause your child to come home sick.

There are easy steps you can take to preventing this. Put your child’s beverage in the freezer the night before, it will serve as a second ice pack. Refrigerate items that may not necessarily need it, like oranges. Once again, it will help keep the lunchbox cold. Also, make sure to purchase a well insulated lunchbox for your kiddo. Thin plastic and tin lunchboxes may be cheaper but aren’t nearly as healthy.

How do you keep your child’s food from spoiling between home and school? Which of these tips will you use this school year?