Laura is back this week, with a great take on gazpacho. It features watermelon, the ultimate summer fruit! — Denise

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over! I am so happy I met Denise when I did so I could feel healthier for the warm weather. Her healthy eating system has enabled me to 1) fit into my summer wardrobe and 2) feel inspired to be active outside.  My 2-year-old  daughter and I have come up with a great routine in our week. Friday night is “girl’s night,” while dad is cooking away in the North End. I work all week so I really look forward to our special night.

Here’s our routine:

I get into my workout clothes, pack an array of healthy snacks and drinks and we are off — for hours! I just got a new jogging stroller, so we start with a jog through downtown Haverhill, ending at Laila’s favorite park. We practice rock wall climbing and go up and down the slides.

Check out the Bradford Common Music Series!

Around 6pm, we walk up the the Bradford Common to enjoy the free concert series and set up our picnic dinner.  Even though I have only been able to stick to my Friday run, it’s a start and I can feel the difference. I am going to confess one thing… I did join the gym almost 2 months ago but I haven’t been 🙁 I am trying so hard to build in one hour just 2 days a week so I can work on my cardiovascular health. Stay tuned on this one 🙂

I also took Denise’s advice for the month of August and have been eating more raw foods. I start my morning with a healthy, fruit-filled smoothie. Then I pack very light lunches and snacks for work. I love simple salads and her Raw Veggie Hummus with carrot sticks. I was also inspired to make a gazpacho recipe. We always have extra watermelon in the house, especially on Saturdays after we visit the Haverhill Farmer’s Market, and I thought this version would be so refreshing on a hot day. This recipe is fast and easy, perfect for a busy working mom!

Watermelon Gazpacho

Ingredients

• 5 cups large diced watermelon
• ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup vine-ripe tomato, chopped
• 1 Tbs red onion, chopped
• 1 Tbs scallion, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp sriracha hot sauce
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Directions

Place all ingredients in the food processor and puree.  Don’t worry about dicing everything perfectly, just do a rough chop to measure ingredients: the food processor does the rest!

Laura’s Watermelon Salsa
Use this fresh salsa to garnish the gazpacho, grilled fish or serve with tortilla chips!

Choose a sriracha sauce made with natural ingredients, like these!

Ingredients

• 1 cup vine-ripe tomatoes, small dice
• 1/2 cup watermelon, small dice
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup cucumber, small dice
• 1 Tbs scallion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Dice all the salsa ingredients and season with salt and pepper.  Put 2 tablespoons of the salsa in the middle of your gazpacho bowl.  Pour 1 cup of gazpacho around the salsa.  Garnish with a cilantro sprig.

I know you’re busy, but I hope you try this recipe — believe me, it’s worth it!

As for the work out – although I haven’t made it to the gym, I’m proud of myself for sticking to one day a week and then moving on from there. Right now, my outdoor gym routine makes us both happy. WIth my new eating routine and Friday girl’s night, I have the energy  to go up and down those slides with my Laila — weeee!

See you next month!

— Laura

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