It’s one of summer’s simplest pleasures: watermelon, with its vibrant red flesh, thirst-quenching texture, and promise of freshness. We love it sliced, cubed, or even blended into a smoothie. Yet, behind its “healthy” appearance, lies a lesser-known effect on our bodies—particularly on our blood sugar levels.

A false friend for blood sugar?Concretely? A 150g portion of watermelon eaten on an empty stomach can cause a greater rise in blood sugar than 50g of pure sugar . And a rapid spike also means a sudden drop afterwards, resulting in fatigue, hunger pangs, and sugar cravings… The famous “yo-yo effect” that we could do without.

How to enjoy it without ruining your blood sugar

Watermelon isn’t your enemy. But like all foods high in fast-acting sugars, it requires a bit of strategy. Here’s how to incorporate it into your diet without upsetting your blood sugar levels:

Avoid consuming it on an empty stomach : an empty stomach accentuates the “express peak” effect.
Combine it with a source of protein or good fats : plain yogurt, a few almonds, a spoonful of cottage cheese.
Stay moderate : 100 to 150 g is more than enough to refresh yourself without excess.
Choose watermelon at the end of a meal , not as a standalone snack.
Alternate with low GI fruits : kiwi, apple, raspberry, orange, etc. to vary the pleasures gently.