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 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 June 12, 2014
It’s no secret that our lifestyle choices affect how we feel, but sometimes it’s hard to know if we’re on the right track to developing healthy living habits. Lucky for us, we are Kickin’ It with Kim Wallace, founder and editor of the lifestyle and natural beauty blog Kimberlyloc.com, and she’s sharing some great healthy living tips we can’t wait to try!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Life is hectic. We need strong foundations in our physical and emotional lives that can keep us grounded when everything around us seems chaotic. Healthy living means knowing what you can come back to what feels right when life seems so wrong.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My dear friend May Lindstrom inspires me every day to take time for myself, whether it be through a relaxing face mask or a soothing cup of hot tea. I also admire my yoga teachers, Kathleen and Wade, who remind me of the importance of detoxifying the body through my practice and who encourage a plant-based diet (though I am an omnivore). It’s all about being mindful of how you treat your body!
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I love small plate-style dining because I love to have a little bit of everything. I can usually put together some sort of hummus, cheese, crackers, veggie and fruit spread in a pinch.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Be mindful of your hydration — drink often, and drink the good stuff. Water, tea, organic juice — make it count! You’ll notice a difference in your skin as well as your eating habits. Dehydration leads to overeating!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t like to deprive myself of anything, but my body doesn’t agree with fast food and my skin knows if I’ve had too much soda. If I have either of these things, I can feel it and see it in my body and skin!
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
As a green beauty advocate, I’m passionate about teaching people how to clean up their personal care products. If we take the time to put nourishing, organic food into our bodies, we should also invest in putting healthy, natural products onto our bodies. Start small. Replace your lip balm with a USDA organic one. Swap your body wash or bar soap for one made with moisturizing shea butter, goat’s milk, olive oil and other natural ingredients. Switch to a nontoxic toothpaste that whitens and brightens just a well as your conventional one without the harsh detergents.
Want to see more of Kim’s health and beauty tips? Check out her website! You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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.
