Watermelon Blueberry Granita Smoothie

So, staying hydrated these days could seem like a chore. Yes, water does seems like it shouldn't be that hard to drink, but sometimes you can only have so much before you start to look for ways to dress it up a bit. A big concern on these overly hot and humid days is staying hydrated and not let your electrolytes and minerals in your body deplete. When you get dehydrated and your minerals and electrolytes are depleted this is when you start to feel lightheaded and lethargic, which leads to overheating or worse yet, heatstroke. So, you hurry up and pound some water, right? Well, yeah, but this may not always help get you hydrated and back to balance right away. You can actually get "water-poisoning" if you drink too much water too fast when you are in this dehydrated state. You will need to allow your body some time to restore the potassium, iron, and b vitamins. That is why the sports drinks are so popular when you feel like this because they do contain many of the minerals and vitamins your body needs to get your equilibrium balanced again. Yet, because of all the processed and toxic sugar in them you are actually defeating the purpose in the long run. This is because when you drink sugar or caffeine your body needs an extra glass of water to make up for it, so what is the answer, or at least a better solution to re-hydrating and staying balanced.... well, I would suggest a more fresh, fruity and processed sugar-free alternative for sure!

And why do I think staying hydrated is so important? Well, to be honest I was once hospitalized for dehydration and heatstroke. I hardly remember the experience because I was so lethargic and sick. It can be very serious because your brain, your organs and nervous system start to shut down. You may loose all sense of consciousness and there can be long-term damage if your electrolytes are not replenished. So, with the past few days of heat wave in most of the US, it is more important than ever to keep yourself hydrated. And don't wait till you are thirsty to start drinking because that is showing you are already lacking hydration. You should start drinking right when you get up and continue all day with a steady flow of water. This is the best defense against the heat! Also, just staying more hydrated in general will help with your skin, detox pathways and digestion, so why not practice it all the time right?!

Watermelon- or water, melon is 92% water. Is a powerful fruit that is packed with vitamins, antioxidant and re-fueling mineral components. It is very good for the kidneys to help clean out the toxins storing up that may cause circulatory issues, cancers and free radicals. It doesn't seem like such a sweet and juicy fruit can really help so much with your whole detoxing system, but it can, and it does. Which is a huge benefit this time of year when it is especially ripe! What a perfect natural option for staying hydrated and nourished this time of year. So besides drinking pure water to stay hydrated, try a watermelon smoothie.

This recipe is quite simple, but you do need a high powered blender to help everything puree together. If you have a vitamix you are in luck, or any other blender will do the job here!

Watermelon-Blueberry Granita Smoothie Recipe

2 cups of chopped seedless watermelon chunks

1/2 cup of either sparkling water, pure water, or coconut milk if you want it creamy

fresh squeezed juice from 1/2 lime

1/2 cup of frozen blueberries

3-4 chunks of ice

optional: mint leaves for blending or just topping

Blend all of the ingredients in your blender and viola you have a juicy, summery, replenishing smoothie that is a great alternative to a glass of water and it will help restore minerals and vitamins you may be lacking on a 100 degree day. Add coconut milk to have a creamy fruit "milkshake". Or, if you do not have frozen blueberries on hand, I bet frozen cherries or other berry will have some of the same benefits to the blending and taste of the smoothie. The watermelon will blend down to be pretty liquidy, but also adds great texture because of its fiber.

Not to mention you are adding extra fiber to your diet with a simple drink will aide in digestion woes. You will not even know that this special little drink could be so great for you. It's a good way to use up some extra watermelon too, especially if you bought a whole one on sale, and you just can only eat chunks of it so quickly before it spoils.

I hope that you stay cool and hydrated this week, and well this summer. Remember that it isn't a laughing matter to your body when you are dragging yourself and need more energy. Water, hydration and antioxidants can help, so get yourself some more watermelon while it's fresh and ripe! Whip one of these smoothies up and start sipping away.... Much love to you!