by Cascade Ice on September 4, 2014
Knocking bad eating habits can be difficult, but thankfully we’re Kickin’ It with healthy living blogger Rachael Moshman today. Join Rachael’s journey on Shrinking Momster as she makes healthy lifestyle choices for her and her family. She shares her weight-loss story, recipes and more!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I’m a mom and want to be around for my daughter for a really long time. However, I got a big wake up call from my doctor that I wasn’t living like that was my goal. I realized that in order to be the strong, healthy mom she deserves for many years to come, I needed to lose weight and get my health in control. I started www.shrinkingmomster.com to chronicle my journey to lose weight, get fit and overcome my battle with emotional eating.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Vinnie Tortorich, author of “Fitness Confidential,” has given me lots of great no-nonsense, easy-to-implement advice. Kai Hibbard speaks out about the dangers of reality TV weight loss competitions. I also admire my friend Ruth who makes fitness a priority, no mater what else is going on in her life – she even rocks a Wonder Woman bathing suit while doing it!
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Ham, cheese and veggie omelet with a side of fruit – and not just in the morning. We love breakfast for dinner at our house.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Make small changes in a fun way and get the kids involved. For example, let everyone pick a new fruit or veggie to try at the farmer’s market. Also, get in physical activity every day, such as a walk around the block or dancing around the living room.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I would have said edamame until a few days ago, but that’s just because I thought I hated it. (Then I tried edamame hummus on an airplane and really liked it!) I don’t consider any foods off-limits, unless there is a food allergy or intolerance. Finding the balance in “all things in moderation” is something I’m still working on, though. Making treats just that – an occasional treat – is admittedly a challenge for me.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Make time for yourself. So many of us give to everyone else – our kids, our spouses, our jobs, our parents, our volunteer obligations – and save nothing for ourselves. You have to take care of yourself or you’ll run out of steam and have nothing left to give to anyone. Plus, you deserve to give yourself the same care you give everyone else.
What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why?
It’s a tie between the Coconut Pineapple and the Pink Grapefruit. The Coconut Pineapple reminds me of a pina colada – how can you not relax while sipping those flavors? I’m a Florida native, so I’m partial to all things citrus. I love the sweet and tart mixture of Pink Grapefruit.
To see more of Rachael’s tips, visit her blog Shrinking Momster. You can also connect with her on Facebook, and Twitter.
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!
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.
