by Cascade Ice on January 15, 2020
It’s one thing to set healthy goals for the new year, but it’s a whole other challenge to keep them. Our friend Lindsey Catherine, a Scottsdale, Arizona lifestyle blogger, helps us break it down into small ways that can help you make big strides this year. Check out her top tips for making your healthy resolutions last!
Up your Hydration
Water is key this month, well every month. Kick start the year by adding more water into your lifestyle. Plain water, well can be boring. I started adding in flavored waters, Cascade Ice, into my everyday routine. These sparkling water drinks are guilt-free, sodium-free, and caffeine free! Trying to drink a gallon of water a day is pretty hard, but adding these into the mix should help.
Partner with a Buddy
Having a friend, family member, or significant other join in your reaching your goals can make a big difference and it’s free! My friend and I agreed to send each other our daily food and water diary every night before bed. This helps to hold myself and her accountable in our journeys, even if they are different. This also will help with mindless snacking. If you’re hungry, drink more water! If you’re feeling something sweet, drink a Cascade Ice, the flavors are amazing and are perfect for your cravings. My favorite is the Orange Mango and Lemonade.
Be Active
We all know the start of the year gyms are crazy busy and that might deter you from getting in your workout, well don’t let it! Try going at a different time, early in the morning, during your lunch break, or later in the evening. I tend to work out around 6:30 pm when the post work crowd begins to leave. Classes are also a great way to be healthy this month, and most companies run start of the year sales so give that cycle, barre or HIIT class.
All About You
Make sure you goals are about you. All too often we get lost in social media and what she or he looks like. There is no standard to beauty. Don’t worry about impressing other people, especially those you don’t personally know either. To achieve long-term success in your goals do it all for YOU.
How do you make your healthy goals last well past the start of the year? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on October 2, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with lifestyle and review blogger Connie Ott, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips! Read more to learn how she overcomes her neurological disorder on a daily basis by eating healthy nutrients rather than counting calories.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important to me because changing my nutrition has improved a neurological disorder I have that most take medication to manage. I’ve been able to keep it in check by keeping track of my nutrition instead of counting calories.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I’m a huge follower of Dr. Andrew Weil. I use his breathing techniques to take care of anxiety and stress naturally. His breathing techniques have gotten me through spinal taps and other painful procedures.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
My go-to healthy meal is a banana and raw almonds. I’m a vegetarian who eats mostly organic, so finding healthy snacks on the road can be difficult. I always pack organic peanut butter crackers, almonds, and bananas in my luggage along with my filtered water bottle.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Start by changing what you eat. Start tracking food by the nutrients instead of calories, and you’ll be surprised how much sugar you’re eating.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Nothing is off limits (well except meat, but that’s a personal choice). I limit artificial colors, flavors, GMO’s, etc. I’m 100% vegetarian and 80% organic eater, but I do have 20% now and then that falls into the other categories.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I can’t exercise because of my neurological disorder so I am overweight. That doesn’t mean I don’t do what I can to keep moving and stay limber. I stretch in bed, keep my legs in constant motion while lying in bed, and do everything I can to keep from losing muscle tone.
To learn more about Connie’s journey, visit her blog Baby to Boomer Lifestyle to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more!
by Cascade Ice on July 24, 2014
Living healthy doesn’t happen overnight, it takes commitment and perseverance to achieve your goals. Today we’re Kickin’ It with lifestyle & mommy blogger Cassidy Phan. She’s sharing some great tips on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
My father passed away when I was young due to poor health choices. Not only do I want to be around for my family making the best choices possible, it just makes me feel better.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Not one individual in particular, but parents who are able to balance working out, cooking (delicious) healthy meals and keeping their kids involved the entire time.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
My current obsession is a microwaved sweet potato with different toppings like feta and green onions or broccoli. It always surprises me how one little potato can be so filling!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Start small! In the past if I attempt an extremely lofty goal, I end up getting discouraged and just fizz out on momentum. Making smaller, more attainable steps towards the bigger changes helps me keep going.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Only because I am a baby, but spicy food. I don’t think it is wise to completely ban something you might desire. If you have personal objections to a particular food sure, but if you want it in moderation why not? Food is one of my favorite parts of life!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I notice I am feeling my best when I getting a lot of time doing three things:
- Sleeping well
- Drinking water
- Practicing yoga
For me, a great yoga class and a good night’s sleep go hand in hand.
To see more of Cassidy’s tips, visit her Dallas Moms Blog or her personal blog Teh Wifey. You can also connect with her on Instagram and Pinterest!
by Cascade Ice on July 10, 2014
With all the cookouts and barbeques taking place this summer it’s important to eat right and stay healthy. Today we are Kickin’ It with Anjali Shah, Board Certified Health Coach and Healthy Food Blogger at The Picky Eater, and she’s sharing some great tips on how to rock a healthy lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important to me because of how it makes me feel! When I’m eating healthy, exercising well, living a balanced and stress-free life, I feel so much better. I have more energy, I’m able to fit more things into my day, and I’m much, much happier. On a particular day, if I happen to eat a bunch of junk food or don’t get enough sleep I notice the difference immediately.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role models are actually my parents. They were the ones who instilled healthy habits in me from a young age, and the main reason why I grew up to be so health-conscious. My mom was a runner throughout her life, even into her 50s! Additionally, at the age of 63, my dad still exercises daily. He’s super active, plays ping pong and badminton, and cooks the most delicious healthy meals ever.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I like throwing everything into a blender and making a smoothie. I’ll put:
- Kale
- Apples
- Berries
- Spinach
- Almond butter
- Pear slices
- Ground flax seeds
- Organic milk
It’s super filling, packed with protein and tastes delicious!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Start small, don’t try to be “perfect” or do everything at once! My two main tips for families who want to make healthy lifestyle changes are:
- Go grocery shopping and start cooking 2-3 healthy meals at home using tons of vegetables, lean protein, and whole foods
- Try to work in 30 minutes of exercise into your day 4 times a week.
Do activities you enjoy as a family. Whether it’s taking a walk together, going swimming, going on a hike, biking, etc., it will give you a chance to spend time together and be active at the same time!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
For me, it’s more about the ingredients in a particular food item versus a type of food (because I do like indulgences in moderation and I think that’s part of living a balanced and healthy life!) For example, I’d never eat fries from a fast food restaurant (because those are often heavily processed and barely even made with whole potatoes), but at a place where I know there are only 3 ingredients in the fries (potatoes, olive oil, salt) – I will totally have a few! Also, I won’t eat the shelf-stable packaged donuts at the grocery store, but I will definitely have a piece of a donut baked fresh at a bakery or patisserie. The ingredients I try to avoid are basically any ingredients that are heavily processed and that aren’t whole foods.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Yes! Three of my favorite wellness tips that I try to abide by every day are:
- Making sure I get enough sleep at night. Sleep is so important to your overall well-being and it helps maintain a healthy weight too. I try to aim for 7 hours a night.
- Exercising 30 minutes a day. I like running, yoga/pilates, or walking on an incline.
- When I’m feeling stressed, I take 5 minutes of “alone” time to do some breathing exercises and re-center myself. It does wonders in giving me some perspective and making me feel a lot calmer!
To see more of Anjali’s tips, visit her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
