Watermelons

This write-up made my night.=)
I love love LOOVVEE watermelons!

image and article from mindbodygreen

5 Reasons Why Watermelon Is Wonderful

By Abby Phon

I LOVE watermelon. It’s refreshing, sweet, light and low calorie. This juicy fruit is an excellent after dinner sweet treat and great in other ways too! I love it in salads, soups, drinks, smoothies, frozen treats! And what picnic or BBQ isn’t complete without this iconic bright pink piece of summertime?

I was in the grocery store with my guy the other day and honestly had no idea how to pick out a watermelon. I smelled it (that didn’t work!) and then tapped on it (then jokingly played them like bongos!). I came home and did some research and my intuition was right on! To pick out an ideal watermelon, knock on them. You want to hear a hollow echo.

Watermelon has always been a fun part of summer but the best part? It’s good for you too! 

Top 5 Reasons to Slurp up Watermelon! 

1. High in Vitamins A & C as well as B6 and essential minerals, means it’s loaded with antioxidants which helps fight free radicals (that can lead to inflammation and illnesses).

2. Besides providing 2 grams of protein and fiber, it’s also a good source of lycopene and beta-carotene (which gives it its beautiful pink color!) and helps fight cancer and heart disease.

3. It’s a low-calorie sweet that helps lose weight and curb your sweet tooth. One slice of watermelon has about 86 calories and less than 1 gram of fat.

4. It works as a great accent to savory dishes such as salads and soups.

5.  There are so many fun ways to enjoy watermelon during the summer – just cut up in cubes or slices, in drinks (see my Watermelon Mint Cooler recipe below!), sorbets, granitas, popsicles, and even as a punch bowl or fruit bowl!

Bonus Tip!  It’s not just for your tummy! Use it as a body scrub for your skin too!

Watermelon Mint Cooler

It’s almost embarrassing how easy this specialty drink is. It’s a great drink to serve on a hot summer day that will really ‘wow’ your guests. Watermelon is hydrating and mint is great for digestion. This is truly a healthy and tasty drink!

INGREDIENTS: (Serves 2)

• 2 cups seedless organic watermelon
• 5 sprigs organic fresh mint (I used the wild mint from my folks garden!)
• 3 ice cubes

OPTIONAL:

• For a fizzy drink: Splash selzer (I personally prefer mine without the fizz)
• To get your cocktail on: ½ cup vodka (no comment!) 
• For a chilled version: serve over ice (which I prefer)  

DIRECTIONS:

Blend watermelon, mint and ice in a blender. That’s it. No really, that’s it!