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 April 17, 2014
With the Easter holiday and all the yummy food & treats that go with it just around the corner, we know maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a little more difficult. So for an extra boost of healthy-living inspiration, we are Kickin’ It with Sam Henderson, Food & Lifestyle Blogger at Today’s Nest.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I try to set a good example for my two sons. As a former fitness trainer, I understand the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. I have a lot more experiences to share with them and I want to be around for that to happen. Healthy living also keeps me on top of my game. From business to creativity, being healthy makes it easy to focus on what is important to me.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My uncle. wWen I was a kid, he was the healthiest, fittest guy I had ever seen. He was a farmer and worked long, hard days, but he still made time for workouts in the evening. He liked sweets, but he always enjoyed them in moderation.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
An egg white, spinach, and tomato omelet on whole wheat flatbread. Sometimes I slip a little low-fat swiss cheese in there. It’s so easy and so good.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Get everyone on board. Get everyone’s input when making the weekly menu and shopping list. Make sure it’s viewed as a lifestyle change and not a ‘diet’. Make it fun by challenging yourselves to see how many “super foods” you can fit into one meal while still making it taste great. Surf the web for quick, healthy dishes and avoid ‘ready made’ dishes.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t consider any food completely off limits unless I just don’t like it. However, there are foods that I rarely eat. I believe life is to be enjoyed. Yes, I do occasionally eat a hot dog. I know what’s in it, but sometimes I just have to have one. I think it’s a mistake to deprive yourself of things.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
My number one tip for overall wellness is to create a routine and stick to it. Our bodies and minds like routine. If you get up at 6am, do it every day. Begin each day with a giant glass of water and a quick stretch. Try to get to bed around the same time each night, but before you do, take the time to review your day. Do a mental dump and jot down anything that might require follow up in the morning. This way you will be able to fall asleep easily.
Interested in seeing more of Sam’s tips? Connect with him on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube or on Twitter.
by Cascade Ice on March 20, 2014
Happy first day of spring! With pool party season fast approaching, we could all use a little healthy-living inspiration. This week we are Kickin’ It with Cynthia Smoot, editor of Oh So Cynthia. Read on for some of Cynthia’s tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
What’s important to me is achieving a healthy balance in life. Too much of anything can be overwhelming and not enough of what you need leads to the deprivation of your energy and spirit. Whether its food, work, spending time with friends, or being with my family I am a believer in quality over quantity. I’ve never found focusing on “quantity” to be productive for me.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
Successful working mothers like Cindy Crawford and Angelina Jolie. When I was growing up, women had the option to either stay at home or work. Today’s woman has a lot more pressure to do both. It can be incredibly daunting to have to be a fabulous mother, run your house, be a warrior in the work place, get dinner on the table and still be sexy for your husband at the end of the day. And fitting in time for yourself to work out or get a pedicure? Good luck! It’s physically and mentally exhausting. The need to maintain a healthy life balance is critical to being focused and happy.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time.
Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and granola. Or Taco Bell. Depends on my mood!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Don’t buy food in a bag. Buy fresh produce. It tastes better and is better for you. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store where all the fresh produce, bakery goods and meats are located. Stay away from the center of the store which is full of processed boxed food.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I don’t believe in deprivation. Only moderation. This is why I love products like Cascade Ice. You get all the great taste but none of the sugar or calories. You don’t feel like you are being deprived of anything!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
Getting enough sleep it critical to staying focused and motivated for the day to come. I can’t speak to working out. I haven’t been in a gym in 15 years. I do walk my dog though. I prefer to be outside versus inside in a gym!
Interested in learning more about Cynthia’s lifestyle? Connect with her through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on October 24, 2013
This week, Cascade Ice is “Kickin’ It” with The Healthy Hostess, Ali Hively. Ali is a certified personal trainer, certified nutrition and wellness consultant, personal chef and healthy living blogger. See Ali’s healthy living tips below.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important for so many reasons! Some of the most important reasons are to feel good, to be a good role model for my children and others, and to live life to the fullest.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My peers in the blogging and fitness industry are some of my biggest role models. My husband and family are also healthy living role models.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
When I am short on time, I always make a big salad with anything from the fridge. I start with a big plate of greens and add anything I am in the mood for. Sometimes I top salads with leftovers, fruit, beans, nuts and any veggies I have on hand!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Eat fresh and get moving! When you shop the outer edges of the grocery store, you are able to fill your cart with fresh produce, meats and low-fat dairy. These are the best foods to get you on track for healthy living. The fewer ingredients in a single food, the better it is for you. Also, make sure you are active everyday. Whether it’s a family soccer game after dinner, an early morning jog or even a swim at the pool, make sure the whole family is moving!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t consider any foods to be totally off limits. Everything in moderation – as long as you are realistic about it. For me, I no longer choose to eat fried foods because I have not had them in so long and now they just don’t feel good to eat. But if there is a special dessert, count me in!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
I think the key to overall wellness is finding a good balance of everything.
- Rest is important. Getting enough sleep gives you the energy you need to be active, prepare healthy meals and take care of yourself and your family.
- Create good, lasting habits. Good habits are better than trying fad diets because you are less likely to break a promise to yourself!
- Exercise 5 days a week for your whole life – not just for a certain time period. Exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress and can keep you sane, as well as in shape!
- Surround yourself with fit and healthy people. These type of people like to do active things and are often happier people in general.
- Spend time outdoors – it can give you a new outlook on life. Whether you are taking a bike ride or weeding the garden, make a point to get some fresh air!
Follow The Healthy Hostess on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date on healthy family-friendly recipes, entertaining and party plans, as well as tips about fitness and life as a busy mom.
