by Cascade Ice on June 26, 2014

We’ve almost made it through the first official week of summer and the weather is really starting to heat up! It’s important to remember to stay healthy and hydrated in the summer heat, so today we are Kickin’ It with Jennifer Bullock, parenting and lifestyle blogger at MommyB Knows Best, and she’s sharing some great tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important to our family because we want to be role models for our girls and we want health to be the rule rather than the exception.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I would have to say my healthy living role models are the people I know that are living healthy on a daily basis. The real moms who are creating their own meals and adapting them for their family. These women find time to run and exercise even when they stay at home with their children. These people inspire me.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I think the fastest meal we have is grilled chicken, veggies and a side. We recently started using quinoa and it is super easy to cook and add to our dishes.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
My biggest tip is to make changes gradually. Start with one change to diet or exercise, and then slowly add another change, and another.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t think anything is necessarily off-limits but we do limit treats and try to reward our kiddos with non-food rewards rather than food-based treats.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Sleep and water play a huge part in the goal to being healthy. Recently I’ve been studying PH Balance as well and the effect and benefits are amazing.
To see more of Jennifer’s tips, visit her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!
by Cascade Ice on May 29, 2014

One of the of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle is by staying motivated, which is why we’re excited to share with you a new edition of our interview series Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice! Today, our inspiration comes from Teia B. Collier, founder of blog Life According to Teia.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is a life saver because it makes it possible to do everything else in my life better. Health is an intangible, priceless gift. You don’t really appreciate it until it’s gone. It’s also one way that I give my children the best chance to live full, rich, healthy lives.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My mom is one of healthy living role models. She practices what she preaches about staying active, enjoying your life and feeding your body well. But I also dig Kris Carr, Ellie Krieger and some of the practices that come out of the School of Integrative Nutrition.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
My go-to healthy meal is Cajun Tilapia with garlic greens, onions and carrots. It takes about 15 minutes from fridge to plate!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Sure! Life gets busy. Between work, practices and getting it all done, sometimes healthy living gets put on the back burner. Here are three tips that work for us.
1) Manage your portions and pre-pack your lunches and snacks. Make it an assembly line and get the kids involved. It’s fun, cost-effective and keeps you away from fast food.
2) Squeeze in exercise. Squeeze in a dance break while dinner is simmering or dance out the sleepies in the morning. Do squats during commercial breaks. Keep it interesting and keep everyone moving.
3) Stock healthy staples at the house. If it’s already there, we are way more likely to eat it.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I’ve learned that if we operate on the zero-tolerance model, we feel deprived and it’s just not a fun way to live. Everything in moderation, but choose the best options possible.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
1) Stay active. Your body is a gorgeous machine made to be moved, loved and used. It needs it, loves it and craves it. Keep it moving. Shoot for 150 minutes of activity every week. Get those endorphins flowing.
2) Breathe and let it go — life is serious, but not that serious — stress is a killer.
3) Sleep — your body heals, repairs and rejuvenates itself when you sleep. If you don’t sleep, well you know how that goes.
To see more of Teia’s tips, connect with her on Facebook or on Twitter.
by Cascade Ice on May 15, 2014

Hey Cascade Ice fans! We know that making healthy lifestyle choices can be a challenge, but trust us, you can do it! Sometimes we just need a little inspiration from the pros. Today we are Kickin’ It with Charlotte Hill, Lifestyle blogger at The Boomer Brief.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Both my husband Bob and I are cancer survivors. Eating right, exercising and maintaining our weight are important to preventing reoccurrence.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Kathy Smith and my dear friend Shelley Tyler inspire me. At 60+, Kathy Smith looks amazing, never tires of exercising and her workout videos rock. Likewise, everyone has trouble believing Shelley’s a grandmother (of course, she is only 54). Shelley exercises almost every day and when she’s not working out, she’s planning delicious, nutritious meals to help her family stay fit.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I love a simple salad made by tossing strawberries and blueberries with a banana. There’s no cooking involved.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I try to avoid anything that’s sure to go straight to my waistline like doughnuts. I haven’t had one in about 30 years.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
If you’re like me and sit at a desk all day, it’s important to make yourself take five-minute fitness breaks. Walk down the hall or go outside. Bend over and touch your toes; then reach for the sky and give your waist a twist. Besides burning calories, breaking for fitness can be a real spirit lifter.
Interested in seeing more of Charlotte’s tips? Connect with her on Pinterest or on Twitter.
by Cascade Ice on May 1, 2014

Welcome to the first day of May, Cascade Ice fans! We all know that healthy living is important, but we know it isn’t always easy to make healthy lifestyle choices. Lucky for us, we are Kickin’ It with Lori Pace today, lifestyle and fitness blogger at A Day in Motherhood! She’s got some great tips to get us on track.

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Raising my daughters, I want to set a great example for all around health. Drinking water is KEY to any healthy lifestyle. So anything that encourages us to drink it, like fun flavors, is helpful too!
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
I have a neighbor that conquered breast cancer last year. She has changed her diet, her exercise routine and her view on food to live a healthier lifestyle. Her courage encourages me.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
A protein bar. I can grab and go!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Health starts at the grocery store. If it is not in your house, you will not eat it! So when shopping, make great decisions. They will translate at home.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
Not really. I believe in everything in moderation.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Park far from the door. Walk up the stairs. Make a decision every morning to do something good for you! It goes a long way!
Want to see more of Lori’s tips? Connect with her on Facebook or on Twitter @lomargie.