Refreshing Paleo Watermelon Smoothie (Rich in Antioxidants)

Not All Sugars Are Created Equally

A lot of folks tend to shy away from fruit smoothies for fear of the sugar content found in fruits. Surely a drink that is high in sugar must be bad for you, right? That’s not always true. Not all calories are created equally.

Fruit Sugars Have a Different Effect on the Body

The sugar found in fruits is of a much healthier variety than what you would normally find in refined table sugars.

While their fructose and glucose content is roughly the same, fruits also contain longer chain carbohydrates that take your body longer to digest and absorb. In addition, fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and water. (1)

Unlike the carbohydrates found in wheat, grains, pastas, artificial sweeteners, and other such foods, the carbs in fruit can actually help reduce inflammation in your body and help contribute towards weight management. (2) This makes fruity paleo smoothies a great choice. 

Watermelon – A Low-Calorie Source of Antioxidants

In addition, watermelon also features several other great health benefits. Watermelon contains vitamin A, B1, B5, B6, and C along with magnesium and potassium. It is also a good source of antioxidants which help protect your body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. (3)

This recipe calls for fresh watermelon, but some people like to use frozen watermelon to vary the texture of the smoothie. Both methods of preparation are equally effective, so feel free to use fresh or frozen watermelon. 

Pineapple – A Fibrous Treat That Helps Fight Infections

Pineapple on the other hand, offers many great health benefits as well. These include improved digestion as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the body against infections. (4) Pineapple is extremely high in vitamin C and manganese, and is a good source of dietary fiber and contains bromelain. 

Pineapple, when ripe, is extremely sweet. If you can find pineapple when it is in season, make sure it is fully ripe before peeling and cutting, otherwise, it will make your paleo smoothie slightly tart. Some may opt to add honey to make the smoothie a little sweeter in that case.

Pineapple and Watermelon – A Winning Combination

As you can see, watermelon and pineapple combined provide you with tons of nutritional benefits and also help keep you hydrated. This paleo smoothie recipe is rounded out by adding strawberries and honey, two other foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The end result is a refreshing watermelon smoothie recipe that is sweetened naturally. Feel free to experiment with the amount of honey you add depending on your desired level of sweetness. 

Don’t be afraid to enjoy a fruit smoothie every once in a while. It’s refreshing, full of simple and complex carbohydrates that fuel the body, and chances are, it tastes amazing, too. Paleo treats are supposed to be enjoyed without guilt, and this watermelon smoothie is no exception. No need to worry about gaining weight just because of its sugar content so long as you don’t go overboard with adding other ingredients. At the end of the day, the caloric content of food still matters. Fortunately, most paleo smoothies are already low in calories and packed with flavor. This is one great example of that. 

P.S. – In case you’re looking for some other great smoothie recipes to enjoy, we’ve got you covered; you’ll surely find something you’ll love in one of these lists:

#1 – 40 Best Peach Paleo Recipes (Desserts, Smoothies, and Snacks

#2 – 40 Nutrient-Dense Paleo Breakfast Smoothies

#3 – 9 Superpowered Paleo Breakfast Smoothies

P.P.S. – If you’re not into smoothies, perhaps you’d prefer juicing instead. It’s not as high in dietary fiber as smoothies, but it still contains plenty of micronutrients.