by Cascade Ice on April 22, 2020
As we continue to spend our time at home, it’s easy to fall into a trap of mindlessly wandering to the fridge for whatever snacks may be available. But this approach can result in too many calories and unwanted weight gain. Instead, plan out your healthy snacks and stock up with these essentials that are low sugar and filled with energy-boosting protein! Here are some quick snack ideas to make at home:
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are not only nutritious, but the red varieties are especially high in antioxidants, Vitamin C and fiber. Cut them up into easy-to-bite slices and dip them into guacamole or hummus!
Yogurt with Berries
Grab some yogurt (plain greek is the best kind) and your favorite berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or strawberries) and combine them for a nutrient-dense, easy snack. This one is a great source of calcium, protein and antioxidants!
Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese are a perfect pair! Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which helps ward off diseases, and mozzarella is a great source of protein and can help boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Beef Jerky
Pre-packaged jerky available to purchase in stores is often loaded with sugar and sodium. Make your own jerky with grass-fed beef for a high protein snack packed with omega-3 fatty acids to keep your heart healthy.
Protein Smoothie
Grab your blender and combine fruit, spinach or kale, ice, and some protein (whey is a great option), as well as almond or cow’s milk. Protein can help you gain muscle, lose fat and improve your body composition. Plus, it can give you a mid-day boost!
Sparkling Water
Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Reach for a Cascade Ice Sparkling Water the next time you feel like snacking, and hydrate with zero sugar or calories! We offer plenty of options from USDA organic to caffeinated, in many different fun flavor combinations!
What are your favorite healthy snacks? Tell us in the comments below! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Healthy Living
by Cascade Ice on February 5, 2020
Parents already have enough stress making sure they send their kids to school each day with completed homework and a healthy lunch. So, they will be relieved to know that we’ve whipped up a handy list of yummy (and healthy!) snacks that are easy to throw together, and will sure please any crowd. Check out the list below for some easy, quick and healthy after-school snacks that will be sure to fill up those growing tummies!
- Trail mix – Make your own buy letting your kids pick from the bulk bins at your local grocery store. Some energy-boosting options are mixed nuts, yogurt-covered raisins and dried fruit
- Low sugar cereal – Reach for the kind that is made with whole grains, and top it off with yogurt
- Fruit and veggie platters – Chop up various seasonal fruits and veggies and include fun dips like ranch dressing for veggies and caramel sauce or greek yogurt for fruit
- Dried fruit – Packed with vitamins and minerals, dried fruits are easy because they’re “in season” all year long and you can take them on the go
- Quesadilla – Use a whole grain tortilla or pita, mozzarella cheese and deli meat to create your own – just pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds!
- Muffins – Check out these recipes from GoodCook for several different types of muffins that are high in protein, so your kids will stay full longer. You can even make them on a Sunday to have them available for “grab and go” for the rest of the school week
- Homemade popsicles – Keep these low sugar and full of protein by using ingredients like zero-calorie and sugar-free Cascade Ice Water, greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Check out our new homemade popsicle recipes!
- Hummus – This delicious option comes ready to go, and is even sold in individual cups for easy dipping. Cut up some celery, carrots, or crackers and enjoy!
- Ants on a log – This old-school kids treat is the perfect combination of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Just cut some celery, spread peanut butter inside, and place raisins along the top of the peanut butter
- Smoothie – Throw some spinach, fruit, protein powder and milk (almond, oat or coconut milk works too!) into a blender and voila … healthy snack heaven!
- Flatbread pizza – Try this recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen for a savory option with whatever topics you want!
And of course, you can’t have snacks without something to quench your thirst! Cascade Ice Water comes in 18 different flavor combinations, so kids will have fun getting to choose their favorite. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about a sugar rush, as it’s sugar-free, zero calories, sodium and gluten free.
Which snack will you be making for your kids? Tell us in the comments below, and share a photo! Remember to “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
by Cascade Ice on September 11, 2014
We all know you work hard and are busy day-in and day-out, making it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. Today on our blog, we’re talking nutritious snacks that are easy to grab on-the-go. First up? Say goodbye to soda and hello to Cascade Ice’s Organic sparkling waters! With yummy flavors like Mixed Berry, Citrus Twist and our two newest flavors Blueberry and Grapefruit, you won’t miss soda one bit. Check out these two snack pairings and be sure to add them to your grocery list ASAP!
Prepare a few small plastic bags filled with almonds and store in your desk, briefcase or purse. Almonds are a great source for protein, which will help you stay fuller for a longer period of time. Wash ’em down with a refreshing bottle of Cascade Ice Organic Blueberry to give you a little pep in your step!
If you have a little more time on your hands and are craving something sweet, simply grab an apple, peanut butter and some cinnamon. Slice the apple, dip the pieces in either peanut or almond butter and sprinkle cinnamon on top to add a kick of flavor. Pair with a bottle of Cascade Ice Organic Grapefruit to further satisfy your taste buds!
Want to give these ideas a try? Check out Cascade Ice Organic’s Where to Buy map to find a retailer near you! Be sure to follow us on Facebook as well to receive the latest updates on our product availability, contests and more.
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Recipes
by Cascade Ice on August 18, 2011
You have two hours left of your work day and your stomach begins to grumble. You slowly approach the break room and glance over at the vending machine. The shiny packaged snack options are almost calling your name as your dig in your pocket for spare change.
A lot of us experience this afternoon diet disaster, but how much do you really know about those afternoon vending indulgences? We have pulled some of the biggest vending machine downfalls from Fitness Magazine, so you know which vending machine snacks are the worst.
The least healthy vending machine snacks:
- Pop-tarts Frosted Strawberry
- 420 calories, 10g fat, 2.5g sat fat, 40g sugar
- Doritos
- 250 calories, 13g fat, 2.5g sat fat
- Skittles
- 250 calories, 2.5g fat, 2.5g sat fat
- Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers
- 160 calories, 8g fat, 2g sat fat
- Twix
- 280 calories, 14g fat, 11g sat fat
- 3 Musketeers
- 260 calories, 8g fat, 5g sat fat, 40g sugar
It’s amazing how much can be crammed into such a small package! Don’t let the vending machine ruin your diet. Pick snacks that are filling and good for you. Opt for fruit, low-fat cheese or anything with whole grains. They will help you feel full and have more nutritional value than most vending machine options.
How often do you snack throughout the day? What foods will you choose to replace your vending machine snacks?
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Healthy Living
