5 Weight Loss Mistakes to Avoid

by Cascade Ice on December 9, 2020

This upcoming year, just like every other year, millions of Americans will make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. But, by the 6-month mark, less than half of them will be unsuccessful in losing or maintaining their weight. 

What are the common pitfalls that often cause people to fail at their diet? The answers may be more straightforward than you think! Read on to find out the most common mistakes so that you can avoid being another New Year’s resolution dropout!

You Fall into Marketing Traps

As a society, we often get duped into the idea that fat-free and gluten-free are always a healthier option. However, reading the actual ingredients on products is an important part of weight loss. Unfortunately, sometimes health claims on diet foods are misleading. Instead of falling for fancy marketing language on products, get to know what’s actually in your food and adjust your purchases from there. Remember – not all foods with high fat content or gluten are bad for you! Each person is different. Consult your doctor to come up with a food plan that’s tailored to your body’s needs.

You Drink Your Calories

It’s so easy to forget how much sugar is in that frappucino, or how many calories are in that post-workout sports drink. Instead, make it a rule to only drink water (or a lightly sweetened sparkling water like Cascade Ice), and only the occasional sugary beverage. Unfortunately, sugary, high-calorie drinks contain a large portion of your daily dietary allowances, but won’t leave you satisfied for long. As a result, you end up consuming way more calories and sugar than you even realized. 

You Skip Meals

Most people mistakenly think that skipping meals is an easy way to eat less calories throughout the day when trying to lose weight. However, studies have shown that it can often lead to overeating later on, which completely defeats the purpose! Not only that, but skipping food can cause your metabolism to stall. Instead, opt for a quick, high-protein option if you’re busy and can’t enjoy a full meal, like a protein smoothie or homemade trail mix.

You Pass on the Treats

It’s counterintuitive, but experts agree that if you deprive yourself of your favorite treats completely, you are more likely to binge later on. Instead of completely nixing treats, allow yourself a small one each day, whether it’s salty chips or a piece of chocolate. In the long run, you’ll be happier and less likely to fall off the healthy eating bandwagon.

Your Sleep Schedule is Out of Whack

Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects to living a healthy life, and it correlates directly to your diet goals. Getting regular, uninterrupted sleep each night can regulate hormones and stave off cravings, which in turn can keep you on track. Aim for 7-8 hours each night, and try to stick to the same schedule.How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle? Tell us in the comments below or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Indoor Essentials with Classy and Kate

by Cascade Ice on June 22, 2020

One of our favorite influencers, Katelynn from “Classy and Kate”, recently shared her thoughts on how she’s sprucing up her daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because, like everyone, she is spending more time at home than ever before, she has found it more important than ever to create a relaxing environment, and to nurture healthy habits and hobbies that keep her motivated. 

Katelynn’s daily essentials have been a good planner (to organize her day), books, paint supplies, and props for photoshoots. She’s had fun getting back into old hobbies and spending afternoons with the windows open, sunshine streaming in, and birds chirping outside while she works on various projects. 

She also found a great way to add a little “something” to the days spent at home than a refreshing, light and organic Cascade Ice Sparkling Water? With only 2 ingredients — carbonated water and natural organic flavor – and nine different flavors to choose from, your days at home will never be boring! 

And, if you feel like spicing it up during happy hour at home, check out some of Cascade Ice’s cocktail recipes for inspiration on some low-sugar, low-calorie libations. Cheers and stay healthy!

How have you been keeping things interesting and fun at home? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Let the Good Times Roll with this Delicious Cocktail Recipe

by Cascade Ice on February 26, 2020

It’s Mardi Gras time again, and you know what that means. It’s time to party with your crew in the name of beads, confetti, masks, and of course – cocktails! But if you’re like most of us and you can’t make it to New Orleans for the big celebration this year (oh how we wish we could have a powdered-sugar covered beignet while walking the french quarter), then throw a small get-together or simply make this special cocktail for yourself!

Like all of our recipes, this a low-calorie and low-sugar option that won’t derail your healthy lifestyle. Gather your ingredients and whip up this unique cocktail (or mocktail if you choose) to “laissez bon temps rouler” just like the Mardi Gras revelers do!

Coconut Pineapple Parade Punch

3 ounces Coconut Cascade Ice Sparkling Water 

2 ounces pineapple-flavored vodka 

Juice of 1/2 lime

1 lime wedge

½ cup chopped fresh pineapple

In a large glass, muddle the pineapple at the bottom. Add ice, and fill with Cascade Ice, vodka and lime juice; stir. Garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

Do you celebrate Mardi Gras? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Quick and Easy Ways to Feel and Look Your Best

by Cascade Ice on February 25, 2020

Everyday life can sometimes take over, and our best intentions of eating healthy and staying in shape can take a backseat to the hustle and bustle and stress we encounter each day. But, the good news is, studies show that the way to sustain long-term health is to make small changes in your daily routine, rather than a huge overhaul of behaviours. So what does this mean? It means that you don’t have to sacrifice living an enjoyable life to be healthy. All it takes is just a few small “tweaks”! Here are a few expert-driven tips that will help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals for the long haul.

Walk Every Day

It doesn’t have to be a marathon, or even a long walk on the beach. You simply need to get your blood flowing every day, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator, biking to your friend’s house, or walking the dog around the neighborhood. All of these things will help elevate your mood, burn calories, and relax stiff muscles and joints. Make it your goal to walk each day.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

One of the most important pillars of health is keeping your body hydrated. After all, all the major organs in your body simply wouldn’t work without adequate water intake. Make it your goal to drink at least 9 cups of water everyday. If you get bored with plain water, add a lime or lemon slice, or try one of the unique flavors offered by Cascade Ice Sparkling Water. Need more reasons to reach your hydration goals? Healthy-looking skin and more energy! Who doesn’t want that?

Establish a Regular Sleep Routine

Recent studies have shown that the most important thing when it comes to sleep is not necessarily how much you sleep each night, but having a consistent bedtime as well as having uninterrupted sleep. In fact, irregular sleepers were more likely to be obese, and have diabetes and high cholesterol. 

Any easy way to make sure you’re getting to bed on time is to set an alarm for 30 minutes before your goal bedtime, and turn off all devices, turn the lights low, and lay down. This will give your brain and body plenty of time to “wind down” and drift into a deep sleep.What easy ways do you incorporate into your daily routine in order to stay healthy? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.