by Cascade Ice on November 6, 2014
Today we’re Kickin’ It with food blogger, Rachel Farnsworth, who shares her healthy lifestyle tips!
Why is “Healthy Living” important to you?
I suffer from an autoimmune condition called Addison’s disease. It’s so bad it is actually considered a disability. It affects my everyday life and causes my body to react in an extreme way to the smallest of variations. What I put into my body becomes critical to how I feel and my ability to function. A healthy lifestyle is something I strive for because I can see immediate and dramatic results in the way I feel. I don’t want my disability to limit my life.
Who are your “Healthy Living” role models and why?
My healthy living role models are my friends. I have lots of friends that try to eat healthy and take care of themselves. I take tips from their lifestyles and try to work them into my own routine.
What is your go-to healthy meal when you are short on time?
Fish and salad are always my go-to! Fish cooks so quickly, has so many nutrients and I can always throw together a salad.
Do you have any tips for families who want to make some healthy lifestyle changes?
If you are trying to make a change, don’t focus on losing weight. Stay off the scale and just start making some simple changes like incorporating more fruits and veggies and less processed food. It’s a journey that isn’t counted in pounds lost. Instead, focus on how you feel and trying to show your body some love by taking care of it. You’ll get a lot further if you just focus on loving yourself.
Are there any foods that you consider to be off-limits completely?
I don’t have hard and fast rules or limitations. I try not to limit myself by a list of “no’s.” To me, healthy living is more about “do’s” rather than “don’ts”.
In addition to eating right, do you have any other tips to share on overall wellness (i.e. sleep, relaxation techniques, fitness routines)?
I hate exercise. I loathe it. I’ve found that exercise classes at my gym have really helped me to exercise regularly. I go up front so I won’t wimp out and leave when things get tough and the sweat starts to roll. I’ve been going to the gym 3 to 5 days a week for the past 6 months. I haven’t lost a single pound, but I feel better. I don’t worry about weight loss because I’m trying to love my body no matter what it looks like. Loving my body means I need to take care of it, and that means exercise.
To learn more about Rachel and her tips, visit her blog The Stay at Home Chef to find recipes, reviews, DIY tips and much more! Check Rachel out on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
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 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.
by Cascade Ice on February 13, 2014
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!
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!
Connect with Barbara through Examiner.com!
