Are you a fan of farmer’s markets or roadside produce stands this time of year?
Well, if you answered yes, give yourself a pat on the back.

Why?
Buying and eating more produce will do wonders for your mental and physical
health and if you plan on taking advantage of the warmer temperatures
and getting outdoors to move (exercise) more, then you may want to
take something natural to relieve those aches and pains that are sure to come.

The something natural:
Watermelon.
That’s right, the favorite fruit for millions this time of year can reduce
muscle soreness and even improve athletic performance.
Researchers say the fruit contains the amino acid-citrulline, which
helps those who need help fighting the aches and pains that come
with increased activity.

And for those who don’t experience muscle soreness, then eat watermelon
for some of its other benefits, like…
Deeper and longer sleep-
No need for sleep aids, just eat more watermelon to get to sleep
and stay asleep.

Natural Sunscreen-
Concerned those drug store sunscreens may be doing you more harm?
Well, eat more red colored fruits and vegetables. They contain a compound
(lycopene) that acts like natural sunscreen.
Some other fruits: tomatoes, guava, red grapefruit and plums.

More Hydration-
If you’re not able to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, that’s okay.
Eat more water-rich foods to become more hydrated.
Watermelon, plums, peaches, cucumbers, honeydew melon
and cantaloupe.

Okay, so now that you’re more knowledgeable about the benefits of
eating more watermelon, here are some recipes to make it more
appetizing and appealing.
* Watermelon steak-
No, that’s not a misprint, to enjoy it (watermelon) as a steak,
use this recipe.
Cut 1 watermelon into 6 (1″-thick) rectangular steaks, pat dry.
Chill for 2 hours. Whisk 2Tbs. oil, 1/2 tsp. garlic salt; brush over
the “steaks.” Sear over medium heat 5 mins. per side.

* Watermelon Pizza-
Take a break from the filling and high calorie pizza this summer
and try this one instead, the recipe…
Cut 1 watermelon into 1″ thick triangles. Blend 8 oz. of feta cheese, 1/4
cup of olive oil and 2 Tbs. of water until smooth; smear onto slices.
Top with sliced nuts, basil (or parsley leaves) and a little honey or real
maple syrup.

* Grill It-
Your grill isn’t just for corn on the cob, steaks or chicken thighs, today,
you can use it to make watermelon kebabs.
To make:
Cut 1 watermelon into 1″ cubes. Cut some cooked sausage, leftover
beef or chicken into 1″ slices. Alternating thread onto skewers. Brush
with balsamic vinegar or olive oil and grill over high heat about 5 to
8 mins.

And lastly, here are two more tips on watermelon.
* Buying- Not sure how to pick the “right one?”
No problem, look for a melon with a dark green color
and then thump with your finger and listen for a hollow sound.

* Baby Melons-
Mini or “Icebox” melons are quite popular now and if you’re wondering
if they taste the same as their bigger oblong counterparts, they do.
And like most melons today, yes, they too are seedless.

Sources:
* Journal of Alternative Medicine
* Natural Sunscreen Rxs At The Supermarket
(available for sale at Amazon.com/the Kindle store)
* First For Women-June 24th 2024 Issue

Please pass this article on to any and everyone who loves taking
advantage of the warmer temperatures to run, cycle or power-walk
and needs something safer, more natural and cheaper than pain meds.

Share it on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram (stories), Pinterest, Reddit,
What’sApp, Tik-Tok and X (formerly Twitter).

Thank-You!