13 Jul Summer hydration bowls

by Zannat Reza, MHSc RD

 

(Disclosure: A couple of TV spots I’m doing on hydration in July 2018 are partly sponsored by the National Watermelon Promotion  Board. Watch me on Breakfast Television and CH Morning Live. As always, my opinions are 100% genuinely mine.)

When the oppressive heat hits, staying hydrated is key. I don’t know about you, but I crave watermelon in the summer. Cool, refreshing and hydrating, watermelon is 92% water – no surprise there! But did you know that it contains the antioxidant, lycopene which has been shown to be heart healthy, cut your risk of cancer and an eye condition called macular degeneration? As well, watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid (protein building block) that improves blood flow and slashes your risk of stroke.

In Canada, the growing season is so short that most of the watermelon we eat comes from the US. In fact, Canadians eat over 300 million pounds of watermelon every day. Talk about hydration nation!

I’ve created a series of summer hydration bowls, which are really Smoothies 2.0. They do double duty as they are topped with protein and fibre rich foods, like hemp hearts, lentils, roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and nuts. Feel free to improvise and conjure up your own delicious combination.

For a creative entertaining idea, set up a backyard “bar” of smoothies, bowls or wide mouth glasses and a range of toppings. How cute does that sound?

 

Watermelon Gazpacho Bowl

• 4 cups watermelon, cut in 1/2 inch chunks
• 1 English cucumber, chopped into 1/4 inch chunks
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green onions, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup basil leaves
• 1 Tbsp canola
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• ¼ tsp salt
• Pinch of black pepper or a couple of dashes of hot sauce
• (Option to add 1tbsp cricket powder for extra protein.)

 

Directions:

• In a large bowl, place chopped watermelon, cucumber and grape tomatoes.
• Whirl half the watermelon mixture with green onions, basil, canola oil, lime juice and zest, salt, pepper/hot sauce (and cricket powder, if using).
• Pour into a small bowls or small glasses for serving.
• Top with chunky mixture, and canned lentils for a hit of protein and fibre.

For more watermelon recipes, check out the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

 

More recipes you’ll love from thrive360:

Spicy “Pina Colada” Bowl

Strawberry Coconut Hydration Bowl

Purple Power Hydration Bowl

Let us know how your hydration bowls turn out.