The kids will love this one: Watermelon Fruit Pizza

August 11, 2017

By Kay MacInnis, Registered Dietitian

What do watermelon and tomatoes have in common – besides being red? They are both sources of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked with heart health, bone health and prostate cancer prevention.

To get the most lycopene from a watermelon, let it ripen fully. The deeper the colors, the more lycopene.

Watermelon is also a good source of Vitamin C.

Try this week’s recipe to get a good dose of lycopene. It’s a pretty healthy dessert, and kids love it!

Watermelon Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

• 2 round slices of watermelon, about 1 inch thick, cut from the center of the melon
• 1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup mandarin orange slices

Preparation

• Combine yogurt, honey and vanilla extract.
• Spread 1/4 cup yogurt mixture over watermelon.
• Top with fresh fruit.
• Cut into wedges and serve.

Nutrition information: 64 Calories, 1 gram fat, 1 mg. cholesterol, 15 grams carbohydrate, 2 gram protein, 13 mg. sodium.

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This is another in a weekly series of healthy recipes from Kay MacInnis, registered dietitian at Providence Health in Columbia, S.C.

Kay promotes health and wellness, helping cardiac and diabetes patients eat their way to healthier lives. She works in consultation with the trained chefs at Providence, combining her nutrition knowledge with their food prep know-how to create delicious, healthy dishes for patients and the public. She also conducts a number of health and wellness events for the public, including the monthly Providence Cooks! classes – our next one is on Sept. 6.

"She doesn't just give you the fish, she teaches you how to cook it."