Useful Information for Better Health from the Western Maryland Health System

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Watermelon Cooler

With summer in full swing, the hot, humid days often leave us feeling parched.  Cool off with this refreshing watermelon cooler that is healthy, low calorie and thirst-quenching.  The recipe is adapted from the Davita website, www.davita.com, which is a great resource for dietitian-approved recipes for people with kidney disease.  But this recipe is a treat for anyone looking to beat the summer heat.  Enjoy! 



Watermelon Summer Cooler
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup seedless watermelon cubes
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
fresh mint leaves to taste (optional)
1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute (optional)
Blend all ingredients in blender.  Pour into 2 cups and garnish with fresh lime wedge. 
Each ¾ cup serving contains only 50 calories and counts as 1 carbohydrate serving for people with diabetes and one low potassium fruit for people with kidney disease.  If non-caloric sugar substitute is used the calories are cut in half and each serving counts as ½ of a carbohydrate or fruit serving.
Hope everyone has a happy 4th of July! Please share your favorite healthy summer drinks. 

-Theresa Stahl, RD, LDN