{"id":6054,"date":"2019-07-24T14:18:41","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T18:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/?p=6054"},"modified":"2020-07-27T17:51:14","modified_gmt":"2020-07-27T21:51:14","slug":"creative-ideas-watermelon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/2019\/07\/creative-ideas-watermelon\/","title":{"rendered":"10 ridiculously fun ideas for using watermelon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Be honest.\u00a0 Have you been complaining about the summer heat?\u00a0 Ok, I’m guilty too.\u00a0 I wait f.o.r.e.v.e.r. for winter to pass. Yet once summer arrives, I fuss about how sticky and sweaty I am.\u00a0 Sounds like we all need some fun ideas to beat the heat this summer.\u00a0 And we’re going to do that with one of the go-to summer foods. I”ve got some clever and fun ideas for watermelon!<\/p>\n

Before we dive into 10 creative ways to use watermelon, let’s take a peek at some of the many great health benefits this juicy fruit offers.<\/p>\n

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Health Perks From Eating Watermelon:<\/span><\/h2>\n

1) Watermelon is the queen of hydration<\/span><\/h2>\n

I think this is a given, but hey it needs to be said!<\/p>\n

Watermelon is 92% water<\/strong> which is worth celebrating in the summer when the temperature is pushing 30 degrees. Keeping hydrated means better focus, more energy, and a stronger immune system.\u00a0 That’s right.\u00a0 If your child is throwing an unwarranted fit, offer up some watermelon for both a sugar and hydration lift.<\/p>\n

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2) Watermelon nutrient levels crush the charts<\/span><\/h2>\n

Within one cup of watermelon, you will find 17% of your daily value of Vitamin A and 21% of Vitamin C.<\/strong> Both of these vitamins are beneficial for asthma prevention, skin irritations, immunity, and digestion. A perfect pair when your kids are also crushing hot dogs and other summer treats that aren’t digestive friendly.<\/p>\n

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3) Watermelon is an antioxidant powerhouse<\/span><\/h2>\n

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and watermelons are filled with them!\u00a0 In fact, this antioxidant gives watermelons their red hue. Lycopene<\/strong> protects our bodies from damage caused by free radicals<\/strong> (toxic by-products that cause damage to living cells and tissues).\u00a0 We are surrounded by toxins everyday, so we could use a little help from foods like watermelon to minimize damage.<\/p>\n

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Fun ideas for using watermelon:<\/span><\/h1>\n

Alright, so now that we have gotten our excitement out about the many amazing benefits that watermelon brings to the table, we would love to share our delicious and creative snack ideas that we enjoy using watermelon. They are all super easy and your little ones will be just as excited as you and I are!<\/p>\n

So here we go:<\/p>\n

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Watermelon Sticks:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Simply slice your watermelon into a checkerboard and out will come these handy watermelon sticks that are easier to eat and reduce food waste (because kids aren’t getting massive slices they can hardly fit in their mouths).<\/p>\n

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Watermelon Fruit Kebabs:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This one’s a classic. If you have skewers (metal or wood) slide on some watermelon bites along with your choice of banana, grapes, cherries, raspberries, etc. the list goes on.\u00a0 Think out of the box and try something like Recipes from a Pantry<\/a> recipe with a mix of meats, cheese, and watermelon.<\/p>\n

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Watermelon Pizza:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cut up your watermelon into large slices (pizza shaped), then cut into triangles (pizza slices) and top with anything you desire! We recommend smearing on some Greek yogurt and top with blueberries and strawberries. What a treat!\u00a0 Inspired by KitchenKonfidence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Watermelon and Feta Salad:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Talk about a refreshing and juicy salad. It’s so easy, simply cut your watermelon into cubes, cut your feta into cubes as well or crumble, cut up some mint, drizzle with olive oil + lime dressing and just like that you have the tastiest salad of the summer!\u00a0 Here are the secrets to creating a family-friendly salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Watermelon Pops:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the simplest trick in the book! Cut your watermelon into triangles with the skin still on. Stick a popsicle stick through the skin and the watermelon for an easy and refreshing watermelon pop!<\/p>\n

Photo cred goes to KidSpot<\/a><\/p>\n

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Watermelon Smoothie:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

As always, you can get super creative with smoothies. We recommend adding watermelon, banana, Greek yogurt and strawberries for a smooth but cooling treat!\u00a0 Or go for extra red and try this Beet Watermelon Smoothie!<\/p>\n

Ingredients:<\/p>\n