by Cascade Ice on July 10, 2014
With all the cookouts and barbeques taking place this summer it’s important to eat right and stay healthy. Today we are Kickin’ It with Anjali Shah, Board Certified Health Coach and Healthy Food Blogger at The Picky Eater, and she’s sharing some great tips on how to rock a healthy lifestyle.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is important to me because of how it makes me feel! When I’m eating healthy, exercising well, living a balanced and stress-free life, I feel so much better. I have more energy, I’m able to fit more things into my day, and I’m much, much happier. On a particular day, if I happen to eat a bunch of junk food or don’t get enough sleep I notice the difference immediately.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role models are actually my parents. They were the ones who instilled healthy habits in me from a young age, and the main reason why I grew up to be so health-conscious. My mom was a runner throughout her life, even into her 50s! Additionally, at the age of 63, my dad still exercises daily. He’s super active, plays ping pong and badminton, and cooks the most delicious healthy meals ever.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
I like throwing everything into a blender and making a smoothie. I’ll put:
- Kale
- Apples
- Berries
- Spinach
- Almond butter
- Pear slices
- Ground flax seeds
- Organic milk
It’s super filling, packed with protein and tastes delicious!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Start small, don’t try to be “perfect” or do everything at once! My two main tips for families who want to make healthy lifestyle changes are:
- Go grocery shopping and start cooking 2-3 healthy meals at home using tons of vegetables, lean protein, and whole foods
- Try to work in 30 minutes of exercise into your day 4 times a week.
Do activities you enjoy as a family. Whether it’s taking a walk together, going swimming, going on a hike, biking, etc., it will give you a chance to spend time together and be active at the same time!
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
For me, it’s more about the ingredients in a particular food item versus a type of food (because I do like indulgences in moderation and I think that’s part of living a balanced and healthy life!) For example, I’d never eat fries from a fast food restaurant (because those are often heavily processed and barely even made with whole potatoes), but at a place where I know there are only 3 ingredients in the fries (potatoes, olive oil, salt) – I will totally have a few! Also, I won’t eat the shelf-stable packaged donuts at the grocery store, but I will definitely have a piece of a donut baked fresh at a bakery or patisserie. The ingredients I try to avoid are basically any ingredients that are heavily processed and that aren’t whole foods.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
Yes! Three of my favorite wellness tips that I try to abide by every day are:
- Making sure I get enough sleep at night. Sleep is so important to your overall well-being and it helps maintain a healthy weight too. I try to aim for 7 hours a night.
- Exercising 30 minutes a day. I like running, yoga/pilates, or walking on an incline.
- When I’m feeling stressed, I take 5 minutes of “alone” time to do some breathing exercises and re-center myself. It does wonders in giving me some perspective and making me feel a lot calmer!
To see more of Anjali’s tips, visit her website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, 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 29, 2014
One of the of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle is by staying motivated, which is why we’re excited to share with you a new edition of our interview series Kickin’ It with Cascade Ice! Today, our inspiration comes from Teia B. Collier, founder of blog Life According to Teia.
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
Healthy living is a life saver because it makes it possible to do everything else in my life better. Health is an intangible, priceless gift. You don’t really appreciate it until it’s gone. It’s also one way that I give my children the best chance to live full, rich, healthy lives.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My mom is one of healthy living role models. She practices what she preaches about staying active, enjoying your life and feeding your body well. But I also dig Kris Carr, Ellie Krieger and some of the practices that come out of the School of Integrative Nutrition.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
My go-to healthy meal is Cajun Tilapia with garlic greens, onions and carrots. It takes about 15 minutes from fridge to plate!
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
Sure! Life gets busy. Between work, practices and getting it all done, sometimes healthy living gets put on the back burner. Here are three tips that work for us.
1) Manage your portions and pre-pack your lunches and snacks. Make it an assembly line and get the kids involved. It’s fun, cost-effective and keeps you away from fast food.
2) Squeeze in exercise. Squeeze in a dance break while dinner is simmering or dance out the sleepies in the morning. Do squats during commercial breaks. Keep it interesting and keep everyone moving.
3) Stock healthy staples at the house. If it’s already there, we are way more likely to eat it.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
No. I’ve learned that if we operate on the zero-tolerance model, we feel deprived and it’s just not a fun way to live. Everything in moderation, but choose the best options possible.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness?
1) Stay active. Your body is a gorgeous machine made to be moved, loved and used. It needs it, loves it and craves it. Keep it moving. Shoot for 150 minutes of activity every week. Get those endorphins flowing.
2) Breathe and let it go — life is serious, but not that serious — stress is a killer.
3) Sleep — your body heals, repairs and rejuvenates itself when you sleep. If you don’t sleep, well you know how that goes.
To see more of Teia’s tips, connect with her on Facebook or on Twitter.
