Watermelon, The Flavor of Summer

*This is a paid promotion in partnership with Jamba Juice. All views and opinions are my own.*

Okay – tell me watermelon isn’t the essence of summer? It reminds me of picnics, late nights, and the fourth of July. My dad always bought us a huge watermelon when he did the grocery shopping and cut it up into big chunks. Occasionally he would cut it into wedges with the rind in tact – perfect for my brother and me to have seed spitting contests with in the front yard. Did anyone else grow up doing that?

I don’t know how our front yard wasn’t covered in watermelon vines – but those are some of the best memories I have as a child. Sticky faces covered with watermelon juice and bits, but laughing all the more for it. I also lived in perpetual fear if I swallowed a seed, I’d grow a watermelon in my belly. Ah, the innocence of childhood. Summer, as you know, brings with it insufferable heat – especially here in Texas. Woah Nelly, the heat combined with the humidity here in Dallas is its own beast. When the weather becomes that unwieldy, I tend to turn to cold diets in liquid form. Lots of iced teas and delicious smoothies. Enter the new watermelon flavors now available at Jamba Juice, hooray!

My first experience with Jamba Juice was actually when I first traveled to New York City for my ballet summer intensives. In my wee hometown in north-central Texas, there was no such thing then as a smoothie shop. Mind=blown! Ever since, Jamba Juice remains my favorite smoothie choice.

Smoothie Flavors

This summer, Jamba Juice has unveiled two new smoothies: the Watermelon Breeze smoothie and the Watermelon Chia Restore smoothie. These both were absolutely delightful and refreshing – particularly by the pool.

Watermelon Breeze

This smoothie is made with real whole fruit (strawberries and pineapples) as well a blend of their watermelon juice blend, and raspberry sherbet (contains milk). This smoothie is a non-gluten product with NO artificial preservatives, NO artificial flavors, NO high fructose corn syrup, and 0g trans fat. Can I get a whut whut? Yum! You can view all the nutritional facts here.

Watermelon Chia Restore

Did you know watermelon is packed with iron, vitamins a & c? Chia seeds, in this flavor, are excellent for cardiovascular and circulatory health – rich in powerful Omega-3’s that keep your heart and vasculature nice and healthy. This flavor was delicious (I like chia seeds!) and is made out of whole peaches and strawberries as well as Jamba Juice’s watermelon juice blend, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, almond milk, and honey. View the nutritional facts from this drink (based on size) here.

Hydration Bowls

The watermelon hydration bowl was a big hit in my book. I didn’t even realize Jamba Juice had hydration bowls! This bowl is full of iron, fiber, and vitamins that promote gut health AND make that skin of yours absolutely glow. There are lots of whole pieces of fruit on the surface: blueberries, pineapples, peaches, and strawberries. You’ll also find coconut chips and chia seeds mixed in with the watermelon juice blend. SUCH a refreshing snack that doesn’t pack on the pounds like ice cream. Totally found my new poolside snack.

Fruit Snacks

Lastly, I wanted to share the new delicious on-the-go treats, great for summer and handy to pack in a purse or bag. Jamba Juice’s Organic Fruit Bites are tasty and ideal when I realize it’s suddenly late afternoon and I’ve been too busy to remember to eat. They hold me over without ruining dinner.

These snacks are made with real fruit and vegetables and provide an excellent source of Vitamin C. Additionally, these fruit bites contain no high fructose corn syrup, are non-GMO and gluten-free. Woo!

I also like that Jamba Juice gives the opportunity to order ahead, with a drink ready and waiting for your store arrival. How convenient!

Folds of Honor

Did you know during the month of July Jamba Juice is donating to Folds of Honor, a charity dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the children of fallen or disabled soldiers? As a military spouse, I sadly know loss isn’t uncommon. We know numerous families who have lost a loved one, sometimes without meeting their new baby. It’s unspeakable to imagine and terribly frightening to me every time Charlie flies or deploys. I know the loss of one of my own family members, whose daughter never had enough time with her father – who won’t know his humor or hear his goofy childhood memories. This charity is something incredibly near and dear to my heart, I encourage you all to check it out.

Lastly, Jamba Juice and I have created a unique $2 off any of the watermelon products, so you all can enjoy them as much as I do! Type in code is JAMBADAIQUIRI and get your taste on! This code can only be redeemed online, an even bigger incentive to buy ahead online right? This offer will be available from now until 9/3/18. Let me know what you think and if you try a new watermelon smoothie or go for the bowl, or all of it! Enjoy!