Watermelon Mint Slushie: Perfect for Pregnancy

Summer is coming and that means pregnant gals everywhere are thinking, "How the heck am I going to survive the heat when I'm lugging this huge belly around?" My answer: watermelon.

Watermelon is a pregnant woman's dream. It is sweet, delicious and refreshing. It is jam-packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been found to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. Watermelon provides Vitamins A, C, and B6, plus magnesium. It's also a fabulous source of potassium, which helps to maintain your fluid and electrolyte balance, stabilize your blood pressure, and reduce swelling. In fact, a lack of potassium can cause leg cramps -- a problem for many pregnant women. 

Another appealing thing about watermelon is how water-rich it is. The combination of water plus fruit sugars helps to alleviate morning sickness and dehydration. Of course, it's thirst-quenching for all you nursing moms, too - I know how parched you get. And the mint in this drink may also ease morning sickness.

I've added chia seeds to this drink, too. These little guys add valuable omega-3 fats, protein, fiber and calcium to this drink. They also have fantastic hydrating power: when chia seeds are put into liquid, they swell and hold on to that liquid. That means you stay hydrated longer. Plus, these seeds help your body better absorb the fat soluble lycopene from the watermelon. (You can get chia seeds at any health food store or online. They are pricey, but a very useful "superfood." I throw them in everything, from drinks to yogurt to pancakes.)

The combination of potassium, carbs, protein, water, and a touch of sodium makes this a natural, electrolyte-filled energy drink: think about sipping it during labor!

Ingredients:

(yields about 24 ounces)

• 4 cups cubed watermelon, frozen
• about 5 or 6 mint leaves
• 2-3T chia seeds
• juice of one lime
• pinch of salt

Add all the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.

It will be slushie and cold and frothy, with lovely flecks of mint.

Because watermelon has such a high water content, you don't need to add any liquid to make this very low-calorie slushie. However, if you want an even lower-calorie drink, try freezing some of the slushie in an ice cube tray. Then add the ice cubes to regular or coconut water. Another great drink during labor!