Watermelons are beautiful fruits that taste like summer! They come in all sizes but are mostly oval or circular in shape depending on the type. You could land on one that is quite sweet and another that is still trying to find its bearing in the sweetness department but they will all satisfy you because it is more than just sugar.
In the opinion of nutritionists and the experts from paper writing service online, a watermelon is one of those fruits that quench more than one need and this sometimes blinds you to how many calories in a whole watermelon. I once went on an unexpected watermelon binge because I just couldn’t put it down!
Watermelon Provides Much Needed Hydration and Fiber
Watermelons are over 91% water and have a good amount of natural sugar and this makes them a great option to quench your thirst. A study from the University of Aberdeen Medical School has pointed out that you are better off eating some watermelon as compared to drinking water or sports drinks when you are extremely thirsty or going through your workout.
Have you tried it though? I did and I liked the results. It was refreshing and quite filling as well.
Apart from water, it contains lots of dietary fiber and this is what makes it filling. It also offers some great nutritional benefits including 20% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, 17% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A, lycopene (which is an antioxidant that combats free radicals thus protecting you against diseases like cancer and heart disease) and potassium which regulates blood pressure.
It also contains important essential rehydration salts including potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium.
How Many Calories Are You Consuming in That Watermelon?
Many people forget to count the calories when dealing with watermelon; but it is understandable because, oh my, have you tasted watermelon in the summer?
Its calorie count in a cup isn’t something you would want to worry about too much though. A 5.4 oz cup of watermelon contains about 46 calories.
That sort of puts your worries to rest because it is a figure that you can easily get rid of in a simple workout. Calorie King actually gives the exact length of time it would take for you to work it off using different common exercises.
A whole watermelon is a different bowl of fruit altogether. Seeing as they come in different sizes, it may be difficult to talk about that particular watermelon you had or are planning to have today. I will use weight measurements though so you can compare.
You do remember the weight of your watermelon, right? Or did you get sucked into the juicy sweetness and forgot about such flimsy requirements? I probably would have too!
According to Calorie King, a 13 lb melon has about 920 calories. This will take you 105 minutes of jogging, 255 minutes of walking, 140 minutes of cycling or a 77-minute swim to get rid of. That is a large number, especially considering the fact that it has a large percentage of carbohydrates, which is what gives it the sweet taste.
Watermelon Is Healthy And Good For Weight Loss
It doesn’t look so bad when you put it in perspective though. The recommended calorie intake for adults is anywhere between 1800 and 3200 calories a day and is largely dependent on gender, age and activity level. There are therefore worse things you will eat and mess up your calorie count for the day.
As you watch your calorie counter watermelon can greatly help you in losing any excess weight. No, it isn’t a wonder food but its components work well for this purpose.
The idea behind weight loss diet plan is expending more than you put in. Controlling portions is usually a resulting challenge but because watermelon has fewer calories, you can have enough to fill you up.
You will also need to replace less healthy foods in your diet with watermelon. Take watermelon instead of chocolate cake for dessert or instead of a pie for your 4 o’clock tea.
You’ll avoid a larger number of calories that way and create a calorie deficit. A deficit of 3500 calories is all you need to lose 1 pound.
Conclusion - Watermelon is indeed awesome!
Watermelon is indeed awesome and contains a good amount of calories to keep your body fueled without causing damage to your recommended calorie count. Its taste is fulfilling and refreshing and is packed with minerals and nutrients.
It may be best to have it whole because making a juice or smoothie may increase the amount of sugar and calories, and this goes against your earlier achievement of consuming fewer calories.
So, the next time someone asks you whether you know how many calories are in that whole watermelon you are cradling you’ll have a perfect answer and more tips for them too.
Please feel free to comment with your questions, opinions and suggestions about this! Read more on health wellness tips section.
