Refreshing Watermelon Slushy

On one particularly hot day recently, my husband said he was craving a Slurpee. He doesn't have a sweet tooth, so it was pretty uncharacteristic of him. I knew I could create something much tastier... and much healthier. This slushy is energizing and refreshing and the coconut water included contains electrolytes to help you keep hydrated in the summer heat. It also makes a fantastic virgin margarita for expecting mamas! 

 I also accidentally discovered a particularly perfect food for labor while making this slushy... frozen watermelon. 

During early labor it’s good to focus on well-balanced snacks or a meal that includes complex carbohydrates, with some protein and healthy fat to stabilize blood sugar and energy. As labor progresses, your appetite will naturally decrease as you focus on the task at hand. If you’re able to, eating small snacks or even just bites of easily digestible foods can help you to maintain your strength. At this time it’s best to consume natural sugars from healthy sources to provide quick energy, and avoid protein & fat as they slow the rate that your muscles use energy supplied from the sugar. That’s why watermelon is so great for labor! Someone can hold bite size pieces up to your mouth between contractions. It’s very refreshing, hydrating, easy to digest and remains soft when frozen. Consuming watermelon after birth also helps to reduce swelling.

Refreshing Watermelon Slushy

• 1.5 cups watermelon, chopped & frozen

• 2 large strawberries (or 3 small ones), chopped & frozen

• 1/2 cup coconut water (more if needed to blend)

• juice from 1/4 lime, squeezed

Place the frozen watermelon and strawberries in the blender with the lime juice and coconut water. Blend well until desired 'margarita like' consistency is reached. Use more coconut water if needed to blend well. 

*It's very beneficial to have a high powered blender for this. If your blender isn't strong, it helps to blend half of the mixture at a time.