Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, it’s basically summer. Right?

Today we are looking to another day of grey skies and cold damp ground.

Goood morningggg, New York!

Today is the day most people dread – the day after a long weekend. For me, it’s Tuesday. That usually means sleeping in (if I can), hitting the gym, relaxing, recharging. Doing something that fuels me. We all have jobs that are demanding, and I love mine so much, but “me” time is very necessary.

I worked all weekend in my usual fashion: 2 days at the bar, 3 days massaging. Memorial Day afternoon, I cleaned everything in my apartment top to bottom and back. I mean I went hard. So today I rest 🙂 and do errands, and make food, and write. I’m getting new curtains and I’m super excited. #almost30 LOL.

It’s 8:04am. Chilly with the windows open, the sky threatening to open up. I take a shot of apple cider vinegar and dice up the 1/4 watermelon in my fridge. With the first slice I remember why I bought it.

1. My picky-but-trying SO will eat it. 2. It’s full of water and I feel awesome aprés je mangeais. 3. It’s beautiful, delicious, and I can make fun shapes when I cut it. 4. Summer? !?

4 more gorgeous reasons to eat watermelon:

Vitamin A

Is found in watermelon and is important for optimal eye health and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Vitamin B6

Is found in watermelon and helps the immune system produce antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells. The body uses it to help break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C in watermelon can help to bolster the immune system’s defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.

Watermelon Has More Lycopene Than Raw Tomatoes

Lycopene is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that gives fruits and vegetables a pink or red color. It’s most often associated with tomatoes, but watermelon is actually a more concentrated source.

Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that has been shown to have potent anti-cancerous activity. This compound is not naturally produced in your body, so it must be supplied via your diet.

Yes, your immune system! The thing that makes your skin glow, helps prevent disease, scares off cancers, and makes you look pretty both inside and out. That guy could always use a boost. Besides, watermelons are basically all water (around 92%), so they’re SUPER hydrating, and great for restoring muscles after a workout. PS. Have you tried the new WTRMLN WTR in stores? I found it in my local Wild By Nature. My mother swears it prevented a hot yoga hangover and I drink it before a long shift on the floor. #notanAD #greatproduct

Do be careful with how much watermelon you eat as it is still a fruit. The fructose (fruit sugar) content is a bit high and can lead to crashing later. Try packing it as your first snack of the day after a protein filled breakfast for a little energy boost before lunch.

Pro Tip: When eating watermelon and other higher fructose melons (cantaloupe, honeydew), it is best to eat them alone. Try to avoid eating other foods 30 minutes before and after to avoid stomach issues.

(www.watermelon.org)

(www.mercola.com)