Navigating Summer BBQs + Watermelon SZN.

The Best Ways To Use Watermelon This Summer.

Summer is basically here right?

I mean these days who knows, but the sun is shining as I type this and I am watching my dog chase summer type bugs around our yard so that is enough for me to call it summer. Also my baby pool just arrived so the vibes are all on point!

Anyways! I distinctly remember a summer I was ENTRENCHED IN DIET CULTURE and I literally avoided any meal, acitivity or travel that would take me out of my usual routine. I didn’t go to the beach, I didnt eat with my family, I didn’t drink watermelon margs, I just worked out and stayed home. Looking back at that now, I can never get that time back but I can share with you the reasons I love summer, all summer long and try to get you to avoid making the same mistakes I have. So that is my goal all summer long for you.

Summer to me now means, warm sun, family meals, long walks, hot sand, ocean sounds, friends, sunsets, grilled everything, endless happy hours, rose all day long, the freshest fruit and so many BBQs.

But again, back when I feared food - I feared BBQs too and all these summer things TBH - WTF would I eat right?

Well now, my mindset is totally different, this came with time and a lot work, which I know you know - but depending on where you are in your journey this may still feel like a challenge - and that’s ok. Together, we can work on your BBQ satisfaction.

One thing I find so helpful, bringing a crowd pleasing dish - even when not asked to LOL. What host doesn’t want a delicious extra dish to pass around? Offer before the host asks and he or she will be THRILLED.

I always suggest bringing something that you LOVE to eat so that you can share your love of it with others but also so you know you will have something exciting that will pair well with the grilled proteins and delicious sides that are the staples.

In true HSH fashion, the dish I alwasy love to bring COULD NOT BE SIMPLER. But is also the most delicious thing to ever come out of my kitchen. I am sure you have had this before, but my secret ingredient makes it the best you will ever have.

And no this is not a post to tell you to eat watermelon because it’s mostly water, although watermelon has a TON OF NUTRITION benefits - in my opinion its greatest characteristic is, its flavor!

HSH Watermelon, LIME + Feta Salad

• 1/2 seedless watermelon, cubed

• 1/4 cup low fat feta cheese

• generous handful of mint, chopped

• sea salt, pinch

• 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

• **juice of 1 lime** <--this changes everything.

• optional: zest of half the lime

Mix all ingredients together and let them sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Optional but encouraged add ins to always make this salad taste different:

• sweet campari tomatoes

• red onion

• grilled corn

• diced cucumber

The flavors just go so well together, the salad is hydrating, and freaking DELICIOUS.

Sure to be a crowd pleaser. But don't take my word for it. Try it for your MDW BBQs (at home probz but you can still have fun and enjoy!) coming up! It’s also my bday weekend this year so you know I am making this.

NEXT UP: Let’s just keep talking about my favorite ways to eat one of my favorite fruits!

Another one of my favorite ways to eat watermelon - grilled.

That's right, stick slices of watermelon right on the grill, and either eat just like that, or cube and mix into a salad.

Like this one!

Grilled Watermelon Salad

Ingredients for grilled watermelon:

• Juice and zest of 1 lime

• 1 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp. olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1/2 small watermelon, cut into 1" thick wedges with rind on, seedless as desired

Additional ingredients for salad:

• 1 package arugula (5 oz. clamshell)

• 1 cucumber, diced

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 avocado, diced or sliced – your preference

• Balsamic glaze, drizzle

Directions:

1. Heat grill or grill pan to medium.

2. In a medium bowl, add lime, lime zest, honey, and oil.

3. Brush watermelon wedges with lime dressing and place on the grill. Save any extra dressing for salad.

4. Cook about 1 minute per side, until grill marks created

5. In a large serving bowl add: arugula, diced cucumber, diced raw red onion and avocado.

6. Top salad with grilled watermelon + the excess lime dressing. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serves 4.

Option: to complete this meal, add 1 portion grilled fish or chicken plus whole grain of your choice. Pairs beautifully with wheat berries tossed right into the salad.

Watermelon is so versatile. You can use it in a traditional caprese salad as a fun addition, you can use it in a fruit salsa, pair with yogurt and berries for a delicious dessert OR you can go to watermelon.org and find tons of delicious and creative uses for the most delicious summer fruit!

JUST SAYING but it also makes the perfect addition to any adult bev. Muddle that fruit right on the bottom of your glass, toss in spirit of your choice and add seltzer and some mint leaves. THANK ME LATER. 

Happy ALMOST Loves!

What do you look forward to the most this time of year?!

XOXO

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Written by Jenna Werner

Hey there, I’m Jenna! I'm a Registered Dietitian, online nutrition coach and serious food lover. I'm ready to help you quit dieting forever and fall in love with the way food makes you feel.

Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.