May 13, 2023. Around the World in 80 Ways, eating very, very well all the Way. 80 recipes based on traditional healthy cuisines around the globe. From places and times that never heard of diabetes, overweight/obesity and cardiovascular disease epidemics. These very different places had very different diets. But they all have two things in common: no highly processed foods and very low daily glycemic loads. Like this refreshing all-fruit masterpiece that will light up your tongue on National Fruit Cocktail Day.

With Love From Peru: Watermelon-Peach Ceviche

It’s National Fruit Cocktail Day. Who knew? So why is this dish “ceviche” – and not grandma’s fruit cocktail? Because you “dress” the fruit with fresh lime juice, ginger, herbs and – if you choose to accept this mission – a little fresh jalapeño. Just like a fish ceviche in Peru – but the lime juice doesn’t “cook” the fruit like it does the fish. It just provides a bright, tart contrast to the sweetness of the fruit – and somehow brings together the ginger, herbs and chili pepper.

Watermelons and peaches are about to be everywhere. Well, maybe not in Peru. But by Memorial Day here in the States, it’s their time. At their seasonal peak flavors and seasonal low prices. Just waiting for you to toss them together like they do in Peru.

In ten minutes or less. No cooking, no heat. Just chopping. If you can, make it in advance and refrigerate (up to three days) to let the flavors combine and deepen.

This is a great summertime first course. It’s a great hot-weather dessert, too, though you might want to skip the chile pepper when it’s your last course. Either Way, this counts as one or two of your daily fruit servings. Make it like this.

The World’s Greatest Hits
No deprivation diet here. Just a focus on better, low glycemic calories. Because all calories are not created equal. No weird food. Just the most loved meals around. The tasty, satisfying stuff. Bon voyage. Bon appétit.

The goal: a full-day Glycemic Load of less than 80.

Cost-Benefit Analysis
$1.25 for an 8-ounce bowl of cool, fragrant, sweet and tart refreshment. Total active preparation time: less than 10 minutes.

Cost Comparison
McDonald’s 3-ounce “Fruit & Walnut Salad” (5 apple wedges, 5 grapes, 3 candied walnuts): $1.49. Wow. Ounce for ounce, McDonald’s is three times more expensive than your own fresh, refreshing quickie masterpiece. Way Better is Way Cheaper.

Let’s Do The Math
Walk off all 50 calories in your big serving in 10 minutes. Or find an air-conditioned bowling alley and roll a few. 15 minutes will do the trick, regardless of your score.