by Cascade Ice on December 19, 2019
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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by Cascade Ice on August 7, 2014
As a working mom it may be hard to stick to a healthy lifestyle, but doing so is a great way to set an example for your kids. Luckily, we’re Kickin’ It with lifestyle blogger Cassie Freeman at Hi Sugarplum! She’s sharing some tips on how to balance food choices to achieve a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I want to teach my kids healthy habits and attitudes about themselves and food, and the best way is to live it myself.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I’m a working mom, so time is short more often than not. I’m guilty of pulling out a frozen pizza or mac & cheese at least once a week, but I’ll serve it with a green smoothie. I figure the spinach and fruit, with Greek yogurt, balances out the junky part of the dinner. #Rationalization
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No foods are off limits completely because then we’ll just crave them more, which will lead to over-eating. I’m big on moderation.
To see more of Cassie’s tips, visit her personal blog Hi Sugarplum. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!
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 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.
