Watermelon- A Diet Friendly Food

It is scorching out in my neck of the woods, and nothing is more enjoyable during the summer than a cold treat.

My favorite thing to do this time of year is to cut up some fresh watermelon, put it in a freezable plastic container, and when frozen, eat it with a spoon like Italian ices. Watermelon is mostly just that, water, and naturally sweet. Additionally, you can take the frozen watermelon, puree it in a blender, and refreeze it if you want your watermelon ices a bit smoother. You can even dilute it more with water, freeze the melon puree, then when frozen, scrape it into a dish, and that is a "granita." You can add vodka to this if you're entertaining.

The frozen melon can also be used in smoothies. There is a local drive-in near my house that makes awesome, but oh so fattening watermelon milkshakes in the summertime. I made my own fake version with a cup of skim milk, and the frozen melon, plus a Splenda packet and blended it for a second so it would still be chunky. Not exactly the same, but definitely satisfying. Plus you get some calcium and fruit servings in for the day.

You can do similar tricks with cantaloupe and honeydew melons. Just remember when you start branching out into more of the denser melons and fruit not to pig out.

Over at Brownie Points, blogger McAuliflower has some cool tricks for making a ice cream a bit more diet friendly with ice cubes.

So don't be tempted by those gargantuan cones at Cold Stone, or Marble Slab. Those things have enough ice cream for you and a family of four. Save some money, calories, and gas by staying at home and whipping up your own treats.

Special Bonus: Check out these SQUARE WATERMELONS!