In honor of Memorial Day, I decided to make my favorite watermelon salad with mint and lime.The mint reminds me of my Grampa, who served in the army in World War II. This is a great side dish or breakfast that is perfect for hot weather. I uploaded a short video that shows how easy it is to make. To watch the video, click here.
Watermelon
The search for refreshing stops here. Watermelon is of course hydrating, but is also high in vitamins and minerals. The red color of watermelon provides the incredible antioxidant lycopene, which was shown to be effective in preventing skin damage from the sun in tomatoes according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology. Watermelon also provides vitamins like vitamins A, B6, and C and minerals like potassium, copper, and magnesium. According to USDA’s supertracker, 1/4 watermelon provides 7g of protein.
Mint
It is incredible how mint grows everywhere like crazy, but it costs $4.00 to buy a tiny organic package of it wrapped in plastic at the grocery store. I highly recommend growing it yourself and throwing it into everything. It is delicious in salads, wraps, smoothies, and the flavor is not overpowering. I love it blended with frozen bananas for a refreshing mint ice cream. This mint can also be used as a great herbal tea.
Lime
I recommend a squeeze of lemon or lime on everything. It adds vitamin C which is necessary for absorption of iron. Many female vegans ask me how I get enough iron and eating nutrient dense foods is my first answer, but I am also intentional about my squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Plants are abundant in minerals like iron, but the delicious vitamin C from lemons and limes adds great flavor to any bland meal and provides the antioxidants and vitamins necessary to help absorb all of my nutrients.
Mary, Me, Gracie, Mama, and Dad in front of the Beering fountain after graduation
Congratulations Graduate!?
I was never fond of sitting down and homeworking.. graduating has been the most epic milestone of my life for sure. What started as the craziest crowd surfing, football cheering, themed party-going all year slumber party ended as a isolated, library loving, caffeine craving, exam odyssey. To all the nights I felt alive and to all the nights I wanted to die.. Looking back, I am glad I took on the adventure, I learned more than I ever thought I would.
You’re Ready.
Hyundai Elantra ❤
Two words, lingering. They should make me ecstatic, but instead leave me feeling overwhelmed and wary. My dad hands me the keys to my new mode of transportation: a gorgeous, sleek, smooth Hyundai elantra. I know I should be jumping for joy, but all of a sudden, the responsibility of life is real, and my father thinks I am ready for it.
How Does It Feel?
Excited AND scared. People keep asking me “so, how does it feel?!” And, I don’t really know. I feel strange. Excited for new beginnings, yet sad about the closure with the wonderful life and friends I had at Purdue. I already had a nightmare that I forgot to study for an exam… glad THAT’S over!! If you ask me how I feel, don’t expect a straight answer, I could start crying (happens every time when I listen to Tay Swift’s “Never Grow Up”) or I could smile with excitement. I feel both.
Now What?
Y’all, I am headin’ to Texas! I am going to the combined Masters and Dietetic Internship program at Texas A&M University. It will be another rigorous adventure! I hope to pass the RD exam, go to Dr. T Colin Campbell’s Plant Based Nutrition Course, maybe even get to see California and go to Living Light Culinary School, who knows! I hope to get a camera and get more recipes up with videos too! Let me know what you think you see me doing in the future- I have no idea really, as long as I don’t have to take life TOO seriously ;-). Teaching yoga and food-demoing? Of course! I’d love to be able to help as many people as I can. ❤
VITAMIN KATIE 