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.
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It’s that time of year again, where everyone is able to refocus and set goals for the months ahead. But, life inevitably gets busy, so why not do everything you can to make achieving your healthy goals easier on yourself?
Packing a healthy lunch each day is a great way to make sure you make better food and drink choices. Here are a few tips to help you pack a healthy, delicious lunch this year:
Meal prep – Each week, include lunches in your meal planning, even if it’s last night’s leftovers. Knowing what’s to come will keep you from making unexpected (and sometimes less healthy) choices for lunch.
Find the perfect containers – Whether it’s layering a salad in a large jar, or finding the perfect bento box to contain all your favorite healthy lunch foods, the right containers can make all the difference! Check out the selection at Amazon or other online retailers, or even asks friends what they love.
Remind yourself – Forgetting your lunch at home is such a pain! Set an alarm on your phone or leave it near the door so that you don’t forget it when you leave for the day.
Don’t forget a “treat” – Let’s face it, humans are programmed to seek rewards for good behaviour. That’s why it’s actually a great idea to give yourself small “treats” when you make healthy choices over not-so-healthy ones. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water comes in 18 different flavor varieties so you’ll never get bored of the taste, and you don’t have to worry about added sugar or calories! You could even pack yourself a small piece of chocolate. Have fun with it!
What are your health goals for the new year? What type of lunch will you be packing each day? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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When was the last time you tried to eat your favorite food, but your nose was stuffed up and you couldn’t enjoy all of the flavors? Believe it or not, your nose has a bigger role in your ability to taste different flavors than your tongue. This unique human ability to experience countless different flavors is called “neurogastronomy.”
So what exactly happens in our brain when we taste different flavors? According to Dr. Gordon M. Shepherd, the experience of flavor engages the brain more than any other human behavior. He explains that the scent we smell while eating provides as much of the flavor we taste as the act of chewing and sipping provides.
Experiencing different flavors that we deem tasty can also trigger the release of dopamine, causing feelings of happiness. Reward-driven behavior is greatly impacted by the amount of dopamine released in the brain. So, if you’re trying to drink more water, for example, adding a flavor you like to it is a great way to encourage yourself. Cascade Ice Sparkling Water offers more flavor combinations than any other zero calorie flavored sparkling water. If you have trouble meeting your suggested daily water intake, try flavored water to give your taste buds a kick!
What’s your favorite Cascade Ice Sparkling Water flavor? Tell us in the comments below, or share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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The holiday season is the easiest time to fall out of our healthy routines. After all, it’s tempting to overindulge in all the wonderful food, and become sedentary when temperatures drop. Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy all of the best parts of the holidays without putting your health goals on the back burner until the new year.
Remember your motivation
What made you embark on a healthy living journey in the first place? It’s helpful to remind yourself daily of why you make these choices, whether it’s a small goal such as taking a daily walk, or a bigger goal like living a longer life. Try to remember the day you set your goal and how you felt, and what your hopes were. Sometimes our brains need to look back in order to keep moving forward!
Don’t let temporary indulgences turn into derailment
Falling off the wagon happens to everyone, especially during the holidays. Just because you enjoyed some treats or a break in activity doesn’t mean you should beat yourself up over it. Instead, channel your energy into getting back to it when you can!
Mix it up!
Maybe you’re tired of the healthy lunch you’ve been packing for the last several months or you’re getting bored with your typical exercise routine. Try mixing things up with a new recipe for a healthy drink from Cascade Ice Water, a health-conscious indulgence, or a new group exercise class. You’ll be surprised at how a small difference can make a big change for you mentally.
What are some ways you keep on track with your health goals during the holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments below, and “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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