Watermelon is a yummy refreshing fruit soaked with vitamins, low in calories and fat-free.
Who wouldn’t crave it? Just joking, but it isn’t surprising to see many people have watermelon cravings from time to time.
Is there an explanation behind that? Let’s see.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Why Am I Craving Watermelon?
Is there a person who tries juicy watermelon on a hot summer day and didn’t like it?
This delicious red fruit is good for you and will provide you with many health benefits. All parts of watermelon are edible – red flesh, rind and seeds. When we already mention the seeds, let’s bust a childhood myth – it isn’t possible to sprout a watermelon vine if you eat its seeds.
Let’s go back to the topic – what does it mean when you crave watermelon? If you crave it, that means you need something watermelon contains.
Watermelon Nutrition
This yummy fruit offers a significant amount of micronutrients.
It contains approximately 92% water, significant levels of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, then lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids.
These nutrients help your body to function optimally, trigger healthy body reactions, improve heart health, bone health, prostate cancer prevention, have anti-inflammatory properties, and improve circulation.
Watermelon helps with overall hydration and its juice is full of good electrolytes.
The Main Reasons For Craving
- Due to dehydration – The most likely reason behind watermelon craving is dehydration and this fruit is high in water content, so eat it, but increase the amount of water you drink per day.
- Nutrient deficiency – It is possible your body lacks the nutrients that are found in watermelon. In the section below, we’ll list the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients watermelon contains.
- Low sugar level – Watermelon has relatively high sugar levels, which could be the watermelon craving reason.
- Emotional reasons – There are many researches trying to explain how food cravings are linked with our emotional state. We’ll explain that later.
- or simply because you find this food delicious – You might miss its flavor and taste, especially if you didn’t eat it for a long time.
Emotional Reason Behind Craving
All of a sudden, a food craving comes on – whether it is watermelon, chocolate, peanut butter, tacos, etc., and it’s hard for you to even think straight.
Your body tries to tell you that some kind of imbalance happens. It is often associated with nutrient deficiencies, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
Also, food is often associated with what we turn to when, for example, we are sad (then we eat chocolate or popcorn in front of the TV). Some research shows that it’s common to crave something sweet when something is bothering you. Maybe your body is trying to give you a glimpse into your emotional health.
Craving Watermelon During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, everything is different and a bit crazy due to hormone fluctuation. Also, your body requires more water needed to produce amniotic fluid, create more blood, develop new tissue and transport nutrients. It isn’t a bad thing if you crave watermelon, you can eat it, and it’s healthy. Drink more water and keep yourself hydrated.
There’s a theory that watermelon craving can predict the gender of your baby. So, if a watermelon is on your mind all the time, you’re going to get a girl!
Craving Watermelon Before/During The Period
When craving watermelon before your period, that means you need more water to release waste. It will help you to reduce bloating. The same applies during your period – you can eat watermelon (or drink more water) to eliminate waste and keep your digestive system working.
Craving Watermelon After Workout
Exercise, especially intensive exercise, drains you of water and energy, so it’s normal to crave the nutrients watermelon contains.
Except the water that will hydrate your body, the potassium can help you recover faster.
How To Stop Craving Watermelon?
If you have the option to eat watermelon, then eat it. Usually, the best alternative is water and water-rich food. There are more substitutes for watermelons, so try some of them:
- celery
- tomatoes
- strawberries
- apples
- kale
- broccoli
- spinach
- iceberg lettuce
In general, these fruits and vegetables are high in water and great for your body’s hydration.
Can You Eat Too Much Watermelon?
If you eat watermelon in reasonable amounts, it will provide you with many health benefits.
However, if you eat a huge amount of this fruit daily, you may experience issues because of having too much lycopene or potassium. That could cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating.
In addition, watermelon is high in sugar, so it will affect your blood sugar level, which isn’t good.
Is Watermelon Good For Weight-loss?
Eating water-dense food, and that’s watermelon, will help you feel full, but you shouldn’t eat only watermelon – you will have no energy and you’ll lose mostly muscle.
Plus, you should be aware of watermelon sugar content. This fruit is relatively high in sugar. Include watermelon into your diet along with other plant foods. Variety and moderation are the key to a healthy and balanced diet.
Salted Watermelon Margarita Popsicles Recipe
Puree 3 to 4 cups of watermelon chunks in a blender or food processor.
Pour through a fine mesh sieve and press with a spoon to release all the juice.
Combine the sugar and 1 cup of watermelon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, whisking so the sugar dissolves.
Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Stir in the remaining watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila and Grand Marnier.
Fill each popsicle mold with a lime slice.
Pour the watermelon mixture over top.
Freeze according to your popsicle maker’s directions, for at least 4 to 6 hours.
Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Ingredients
Directions
Puree 3 to 4 cups of watermelon chunks in a blender or food processor.
Pour through a fine mesh sieve and press with a spoon to release all the juice.
Combine the sugar and 1 cup of watermelon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, whisking so the sugar dissolves.
Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Stir in the remaining watermelon juice, lime juice, tequila and Grand Marnier.
Fill each popsicle mold with a lime slice.
Pour the watermelon mixture over top.
Freeze according to your popsicle maker’s directions, for at least 4 to 6 hours.
Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt.
These salted watermelon margarita popsicles are perfect for summer and they are easy to make. Enjoy!
To Wrap It Up
We’ve all experienced some kind of food craving, but why am I craving watermelon – you wonder. However, we’ve mentioned some possible causes of this a bit unusual food craving. As long as you eat watermelon in moderation, it’s fine.
