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Kickin’ It With Today’s Nest Writer Sam Henderson

by Cascade Ice on April 17, 2014

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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.

                                   Sam Henderson

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.


Kickin’ It With Shopping’s My Cardio Writer Becki Singer

by Cascade Ice on April 3, 2014

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Happy April! With spring break officially behind us and those warm weather days quickly approaching, one thought comes to mind when we think about living healthy: hydrate!  This week we are Kickin’ It with Becki Singer, Editor and aspiring style icon at Shopping’s My Cardio. Read on for some of Becki’s tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

melissa tomeoni portland, oregon

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

I think we’re overrun with unrealistic and unhealthy expectations, especially in the fashion world. The older I get, the more ridiculous it all seems. Rather than focusing on an ideal shape or size, I focus on making choices that will make my body happy, things I know will help it run better. If I stick to that rule, I generally end up being pretty healthy.

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

Mark Bittman and Melissa Clark are both food writers at the New York Times, and they’re remarkable advocates for eating well in every sense of the word. If you eat whole foods, in season, cooked with care, it’s hard to go wrong.

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

I make a lentil dish I absolutely love. Put a pot of French green lentils on to cook (don’t salt the water!), then sauté a bit of kale (I add salt and red chili flakes) in olive oil over high heat until it crisps up. Drain the lentils, add the kale, and stir in red wine vinegar and more olive oil. It’s so substantial and filling, and has such great flavor! It keeps for days in the fridge, so I’ll make a big batch and eat it for lunch all week. For more protein, you can add chicken sausage, or a piece of broiled salmon – it’s incredibly versatile.

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

I think the easiest thing to do is start reading ingredient lists. As soon as you see what’s in some of the processed foods you buy, you’ll naturally start to make better choices. Also, if you have access to one, sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture – you’ll get fresh organic produce every week, only what’s in season. If you’re anything like me, it will force you to eat more veggies because you can’t stand to waste what you get!

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

No. I find that anything I completely ban myself from just becomes an obsession. If you want a cookie, have a cookie. Better to have one now than to spend two days craving it, eating 10 other things in place of it, and then binging on a whole box when you finally cave. Or is that just me? 😉

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?

Lately, I’ve been trying to look up more. Even taking 10 minutes to step away from my screens (or books or magazines), breathe and take in the world around me makes an incredible difference in my state of mind.

Want to see more of Becki’s tips? Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or on twitter @shoppingscardio.


Cheers to the Winter Olympics with Festive Drink Recipes

by Cascade Ice on February 20, 2014

As the XXII Olympic Winter Games come to a close, make sure you have one last hurrah for Team USA and their accomplishments! Get some friends together, kick back, and salute all the athletes with some tasty, festive drink recipes inspired by Cascade Ice.

 

The Gold MedalGold Medal

  • 1 oz Peach Mango Cascade Ice
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • 2 oz rum
  • ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
  • Top off the drink with ¾ oz of Cointreau

Combine the Cointreau, rum, Peach Mango Cascade Ice, and lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker. Stir and then strain into a glass. Salute to the gold medal winners! 

 

Olympic FlameOlympic Flame

  • 1 oz Pomegranate Berry Cascade Ice
  • 3 oz cherry-flavored vodka
  • ½ oz triple sec
  • Splash of fresh lime juice
  • Pineapple garnish

Combine the vodka, triple sec, and Pomegranate Berry Cascade Ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a tall glass, garnish with a pineapple wedge and enjoy!

 

 

Russian Treasure Mocktail_Raspberry_Treasure

  • 1/2 oz Black Raspberry Cascade Ice
  • 2 oz half & half
  • 1/2 oz chocolate syrup
  • Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Simply pour all ingredients over ice in an Old Fashioned glass and garnish with maraschino cherry. For something extra delicious, trade out the half & half for extra rich and luscious chocolate milk. Yum!

 

Have fun and enjoy!


Kickin’ It With Examiner.com Blogger Barbara Akowuah

by Cascade Ice on February 13, 2014

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Happy Thursday! How are you keeping active and healthy throughout the week? To get some inspiration, we are kickin’ it with Barbara Akowuah, blogger from Examiner.com. Barbara is a health and style peruser and a lover of all things vintage. Check out her healthy living tips below! 

Barbara Kickin it With Cascade Ice

Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?

Healthy living is vital to living your best life. It’s important to maintain good health in general because it affects all areas of your life, from the way you think to the way you feel. Healthy living subscribes to the idea of nurturing your body so that you can be at your best performance at all times.

Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?

My healthy living role models would be Author and Hypnotherapist Attila J. Polonyi, and Mike Adams founder of Natural News. They both inspire me through the work that they do. They each help and encourage others to live healthier and happier lifestyles!

What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?

When I am on the run and short on time, my go-to healthy snack would be banana or kiwi, avocado and coconut water.

Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?

My advice to families is to pay attention to what you eat and the way food is being prepared. If there are any changes you can make to your diet, even if it means gradually eliminating unhealthy foods, then that would be a great start. Instead of soda, drink water. If that’s too much to pass up on then have an alternative that tastes just as great but is much better for you – like Cascade Ice!

Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?

I am really not a fan of raw foods so I would have to say anything that is uncooked – especially raw meats – would be off limits.

In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?

Exercise is essential. I noticed that when I am not exercising for lengths at a time, I have a tendency to become more sluggish and irritable. Exercise helps me to break away from negative habits and helps lifts my spirits and boost my overall confidence.

What is your favorite Cascade Ice flavor and why? 

I have two favorites – Lemonade and Pomegranate Berry! I like to drink Cascade Ice Lemonade along with my meals as a thirst-quencher. And Cascade Ice’s Pomegranate Berry is what I like to sip throughout the day. It’s one of those drinks you’ll see next to a pile of papers at work – it’s refreshing and keeps me alert!

Cascade Ice Pomegranate Berry and Lemonade

Connect with Barbara through Examiner.com!