Thank you National Watermelon Promotion Board for sponsoring this post. Watermelon is the perfect portable food for enjoying wherever life takes you!
This summer has certainly been one for the books for my family. It’s really been one giant countdown to the arrival of our second little girl, who will be making her debut in just EIGHT days! To make sure that I don’t focus all of my energy on preparing for the baby, I’ve been packing in lots of fun activities for my 3 year old daughter and I to enjoy together while it’s just the two of us at home during the day – but I’ve been super mindful about listening to what my body needs during this final HOT month to help me stay nourished and hydrated.
Being 38 weeks pregnant during the sweltering hot summer, it can be really easy to overdo it. Trying to keep up with a 3 year old’s pace can put a drain on my limited energy supply super quick, so I’ve been sneaking in simple and fun ways to help keep this mama and her two babies going with delicious snacks that can be enjoyed at home OR on-the-go, and the key ingredient to help us do that is our favorite summertime snack: Watermelon!
After cutting open our very first watermelon of the summer, I felt like I had been reacquainted with a long lost friend. Sinking my teeth into the juicy sweetness of a fresh watermelon is something I look forward to all year long, and I love that my toddler loves to share a slice with me every chance she gets!
Did you know that watermelon is the best value in the produce section, coming in at only 17 cents per serving?* Plus, the entire watermelon is edible. You can use the flesh, juice AND rind! I’m a BIG fan of getting more bang for my buck, because it means I can utilize the fruit in more fun and delicious ways to share with my family! (*2017 Watermelon Purchase Survey, conducted by MyPoints.com. Inc, August 2007)
On days that my toddler and I are on the go, I reach into the fridge and pull out a few slices of watermelon to put into a container to take with us. To add a little pizzazz to our summertime snack, I like to take a cookie cutter and cut out a few fun shapes to share with my toddler. This helps cut down on juice running down her hands and causing sticky fingers, because the shapes are small enough she can usually eat them with just one bite!
In addition to fueling up on plenty of water, enjoying fresh watermelon during the summer is a great way to stay hydrated while on the go. You can even pre-slice your fruit and pop it in the freezer for a bit before taking it with you to ensure it stays perfectly cold for a longer period of time!
Another fun way my daughter and I are utilizing our beloved watermelon is by making these super easy Coconut Watermelon Ice Pops! We simply fill our ice pop molds with our favorite brand of coconut water and put in a slice of watermelon that we cut out using a cookie cutter before freezing! My daughter has really been enjoying running around outside while enjoying an ice cold popsicle, and she loves when she gets to the watermelon center!
Here’s a free printable copy of the ice pop recipe, though there’s really no right or wrong way to make them! They can be customized and enjoyed however you like!
Coconut Watermelon Ice Pops
Ingredients
- 1 18 oz bottle of your favorite coconut water I prefer one that is naturally sweetened
- 4-5 slices of watermelon - cut into your favorite shapes
- 1 6 pack of ice pop molds
Instructions
- Pour coconut water into each ice pop mold, being sure not to overfill
- Place cut watermelon shapes into coconut water and insert lid
- Note: Watermelon may decide it wants to float in the ice pop molds. If you're trying to get your watermelon to stay centered, use the stick on the ice pop mold to help it stay in place!
- Freeze for 4-5 hours, or until completely frozen all the way through
- Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernMadeSimple or use the hashtag #SouthernMadeSimple and share your love of southern cuisine!
How are you staying happy and hydrated this summer? Have you cracked into a delicious ripe watermelon yet? What ways are you enjoying this beautifully delicious fruit on the go? Share ALL the watermelon ideas with me – I’m always excited about trying a new way to enjoy one of my favorite fruits!
Love watermelon as much as we do? Make sure to enter your own watermelon recipe into the Watermelon Board’s recipe contest here!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Leave a Reply