Watermelon and summer go hand and hand! Watermelon is a nutritious and hydrating snack for kids and adults.  But watermelon has even more benefits for athletes. Drinking watermelon juice or eating watermelon eases post-exercise muscle soreness!  Watermelon is:

• Rich in antioxidants
• Can lower blood pressure
• Increases muscle protein
• Improves athletic performance

Watermelon juice is naturally high in L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps get rid of lactic acid and helps in recovering faster from workouts.  Drinking watermelon juice before a workout can help decrease muscle soreness after for 24 hours. The key for athletes is to not over-do it! 1 cup of fresh unpasteurized watermelon juice contains 15 grams of sugar.   Better yet slice up an organic watermelon and eat a few pieces along with a handful of raw nuts before you head to the gym to reap the benefits!! So head to your local Farmer’s Market and buy a watermelon or two!