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I support people on their journey to wellness through nutrition and lifestyle coaching! I am passionate about teaching people how lifestyle choices can be fun, inspiring and positively affect all aspects of their lives. I love guiding people to wellness one meal at a time!! I am also a passionate mama, a yogi and I love to cook!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Cooling Down with Good Ol’ Watermelon!


Who doesn’t like watermelon in the summertime? Well, I don’t know anyone! Watermelon is sweet, cool, refreshing and best of all super tasty. Great for hot summer days! On top of being tasty and sweet, watermelon is actually very good for you!


Watermelon is a great source of potent antioxidants including, vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene.


Lycopene is found in cooked tomatoes, papaya, gogi berries, pink grapefruit and watermelon. It is has been well studied and proven to reduce the potential for developing many types of cancers, in particular prostate cancer.


Vitamin C is another gem when it comes to our health and it is abundant in “our friend” the Watermelon. This essential vitamin is important for a healthy immune system, collagen production and is a potent antioxidant.


Want beautiful healthy skin??? Eat Beta-Carotene rich watermelon!! Beta-carotene is not only just an amazing nutrient for your skin; it is also important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, heart health, to name a few!


So on top of being super delicious and refreshing, especially on a hot summers day, you can be assured that you are doing something great for your health when you are chomping on that watermelon.


Here are my favourite ways to enjoy watermelon;


• Blend fresh watermelon and then add to frozen Popsicle holders and freeze for a homemade Popsicle. Who needs those “high sugar”, artificial dye infested ones that you get at the local convenience store when you can enjoy your own homemade ones that are truly delish!! These are great for kids and adults alike!


• Watermelon Lemonade – blend 1 cup of fresh or frozen watermelon + ½ the juice of 1 lemon (or more to taste) + stevia, raw honey or agave syrup + water. NOTE – add ice if you are using fresh watermelon for a cool drink on hot summer days!!


• Add watermelon to your arugula salad with a vinaigrette, mint and some feta!!! Sweet watermelon with the salty feta, cooling mint and peppery arugula is such a great combo!! My mom makes this salad sometimes in the summer at our family cottage. Who would have thought to put watermelon in a salad? I wouldn’t, but let me tell ya, it sure is yummy!! Thanks to my mamma for the amazing fresh new idea for the classic watermelon ;O)

• Just slice and serve cooled!! Sometimes simple is best. Watermelon is so great on its own as well.


• Freeze pureed watermelon in ice cube trays and add to your water to add some flavour and fun!


PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW – What is your favourite way to enjoy this classic summer fruit??

2 comments:

  1. Watermelon in a salad is very interesting. I have a watermelon at home waiting for me. Thanks for the idea, Jamie :)

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  2. You are very welcome Tara. It is actually thank you to my mom. I dont think i would've thought of that.
    Especially good with the feta....she used sheeps milk feta. So good~
    Let me know how it turns out ;o)

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