Welcome Summer! π It’s only been two days since we officially welcomed summer but who has already had a good amount of watermelon so far?
In one of my earliest post, I stressed the importance of staying hydrated for optimal skin health. Most individuals believe that as long as they obtain 8 cups of fluid per day, they have reached the hydration goal. This is not true. Some individuals should strive for a goal of 3 to 4 L of fluid intake per day. It all depends on your lifestyle (i.e. how much physical activity you do, how much caffeine do you have per day, etc.)!
Not a fan of water? Do not worry! Watermelon is a delicious way to help you meet your daily fluid intake. Watermelon is made up of 92% water! π By comparison, our bodies are made up of 60% water. I would still encourage each and everyone of you to strive for water as your main source of fluid intake; however, having a few more slices of watermelon won’t hurt you. π
Watermelon is not only a great source of water but it can be a great source for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lycopene and potassium.
Don’t forget that lycopene can also help with your skin health as lycopene helps to protect skin against the sun.Β Β
Do you suffer from muscle cramps? Bananas are often the choice for individuals when they want to decrease muscle cramps as bananas are a great source of potassium. Did you know that if you eat 2 cups of watermelon, this amount will also allow you to obtain a good amount of potassium?
I will never turn down a slice of watermelon and cannot imagine ever getting bored of watermelon slices. Some individuals need variety to stay motivated.
Are you a fan of avocado toast? Why don’t you add a few cubes of watermelon on top to bump up the water content, lycopene, potassium as well as vitamin A and C content in your meal. π
Try this simple but delicious combination below:
Ingredients:
1/4 c mashed avocado
1 teaspoon lemon juice (I like tart and tangy things; if you don’t like tangy things as much, try 1/2 tsp of lemon juice first)
1/4 c diced watermelon
2 tablespoons white kidney beans
2 tablespoons crumbled feta (I LOVE Krino’s Feta :P)
2 teaspoons chopped mint
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Mash the avocado and white kidney beans together. Add the lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Spread mashed avocado on slices of toast.
- Sprinkle toppings on the mashed avocado (cheese, watermelon and lemon zest).
Food For Thought: Will you be enjoying even more watermelon this summer given the added benefits of hydration and lycopene to protect you against the beautiful summer heat?
I love it and living in Singapore I eat all year round ππ I simple love it π ππ So refreshing and juicy πππ
Agreed! If Toronto, Canada had summer like weather all year round, I’d be eating watermelon everyday! YUM!!! π