Don't Ignore Hydration or Watermelon
How many times have you heard "Keep hydrated, especially during the summer months"? But I have to admit that drinking enough water is something I have not taken
seriously. With so much on my mind each day regarding diet and what I eat and marketing and cooking, and work, it never really registered. Now it does. I think back to all my severe attacks of vertigo - they were in the summer.
During my first big display of symptoms five years ago, I had A-Fib (never before and never again) from dehydration.
My heart rate dropped to 39 just BEFORE my recent colonoscopy - I went the last four and one-half hours prior to the procedure without fluid after two days of being flushed out. I had to receive fluids (IV) during the procedure.
I have always been very sensitive to heat - really do not tolerate it. As a kid I would feel "light-headed" if I sat in the sun too long. Hydration may be a key to reducing my vertigo. I am not a physician nor do I work in health care so I am referring you to a comprehensive, non-technical summary regarding hydration and dehydration. I found it very helpful. **(Click Here)**
Water is the key - It's easy, convenient and calorie free. But during these wonderful but hot summer months, there is another source that is a little less boring.
It might be the most anticipated sweet treat of summer and it is enjoyed worldwide. In 96 countries to be exact. Watermelons at their finest are in ample supply now, everywhere from the big box stores to the local farmer's market to trailing down your neighbor's side alley. Front page recipes abound with tasty marinades and harmonious blends using feta, chili powder, mint and lime juice. And there is good reason for all the enthusiasm since eating a crisp, succulent slice of watermelon will put you in tune with all that's emanating from the science of good health. The American Heart Association calls watermelon a life saver since it contains no cholesterol and no saturated fat. It is a lycopene leader (think "maintaining eyesight"), an excellent source of antioxidants, low histamine for all the allergy sufferers and only 80 calories in one cup. A DIET TIP: Eat one slice before dinner as a sort of counter offensive before going in. It serves to both fill you and increase hydration, being 92% water.
Mass appeal for the delights of watermelon is nothing new. This pink pulped member of the Gourd family (a relative of cucumber, squash and your favorite loofah) dates back 5000 years to the Ancient Egyptians and before that to Africa. The black seeds travel well and now it is grown around the world with China (6.3 million tons), Turkey (3.4), Iran (3.3), Brazil (2.5) and the U.S. (1.9) being major producers. Any warm climate receiving 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for the 80 to 120 day growing season can create these bundles of ambrosia. The plants need to be watered every three days after the flowers sprout but that's it until harvest. They are ripe when the underside, where it rested on the ground, turns from white to dirty yellow. Some like to use the "thump" method. It should feel like a hollow door when you knock on it.
So as you strain to get this baby home, just bend your knees and remember all the pleasure that awaits you from this sweet delight of summer. IT'S A GREAT AID TO HYDRATION
RECIPE IDEAS
1. My favorite way to eat watermelon is plain. Just quarter it and slice it. Beautiful.
2.Toss one-inch chunks of watermelon with a little lime juice. Spread out over a large plate.
Sprinkle with Feta cheese and minced mint.
3.Puree watermelon in blender or food processor, with a little water. Place the slush in
freezer trays and freeze for 12 hours. Pour water over watermelon cube and 3 regular ice cubes for a delicious drink. You can also add blueberries to the cubes. Very pretty. You can also just add small chunks of watermelon to iced water, for flavor.
4. Cut watermelon (and other melon and berries) into 1 inch chunks.
Serve with Yogurt Dressing: 1/2 c. plain nonfat yogurt
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. real vanilla
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
The MIgraineur's portion is 2 Tbsp.of dressing.
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