Hey look what I found. My old Juice Man Jr. I bought this guy a few years back when I was doing a juice cleanse. You probably have noticed information and recipes for green juices and smoothies popping up all over the place and they are becoming a mainstream approach to healthy eating. I have to be honest, I never took to juicing the way I have to green smoothies. Smoothies have become part of my daily routine. I know loads of people love juicing but I found it messy and not as satisfying as having a smoothie. But hey, since I found my juicer when I was cleaning out the cupboards I took it as a sign to give juicing another try. Plus, summer is the perfect time to start juicing since our bodies naturally crave the light fresh foods of the season.
Here are some facts to help you decided which is right for you when it comes to juicing or blending. And remember it can certainly be both!
Why Juice?
Juicing is a process that separates juice from fruits and veggies from the pulp (or fiber). It’s best when juicing to stick with mostly veggies and if you use fruit choose an apple. Juices also need to me consumed right away.
Benefits of Green Juices
Nutrients are easily absorbed – In the processes of juicing the fiber is removed and the nutrients from the fruits and veggies becomes highly concentrated. With the fiber gone, the body doesn’t have to work as hard to absorb all the good stuff. When our bodies spend less energy on digestion then energy is free for other functions like repair and detox.
Energizing – Once again since your body can readily absorb all the concentrated nutrients you get an energy boost almost immediately. Think green juice buzz.
Cleanse and Alkaline – Juicing is deeply cleansing for the body and a sure-fire way to stabilize your blood pH. Our bodies function best at a neutral or near neutral pH (~7.5). The standard American diet of animal products, sodas, processed foods, coffee, sugar and alcohol all cause acidity in our bodies. Acid = inflammation and most modern diseases are inflammatory in nature. Good news! Juicing (and smoothies) buffer your pH and help keep it in the right balance.
On the downside juicers can be expensive and are a little high maintenance. Also you have to stock a lot of fresh veggies if you are juicing daily, which can get expensive. Finally green juices have to be consumed immediately. And remember when juicing keep the fruit to a minimum no more than 1 piece, preferably an apple.
Why Blend?
Unlike juices, smoothies still contain all of the fiber from the fruits and vegetables – however, the blending process breaks up the fiber and makes it easier to digest but not as easy as a green juice. I find smoothies to be more filling and generally faster to make than juice, so they make excellent snacks and post yoga/workout refreshers. Smoothies have similar cleaning and pH balancing affects as juicing but the nutrient uptake is slower and less potent.
One thing I really love about smoothies is you can get creative. Since you don’t have to stick with just veggies you can put all kinds of goodies in the blender. Super foods, protein powders and nut milks all add variety. Be sure to keep the ratio of veggies to fruit about 60% to 40% in favor of veggies.
Also green smoothies keep longer than juices. You can store them in a mason jar in the fridge for up a day. Finally I find using a blender is more cost effective (juicers can be expensive plus you have to use way more veggies) and a blender is much easier to maintain.
No matter if you juice, blend or both, it is clear that drinking your produce is great way to boost your vibrant wellbeing. If you consistently incorporate green drinks into your routine you will notice a big difference in your energy, radiance and overall health.
Also check out this great info graphic by Kris Carr on Juicing vs. Blending. Love it!
So are you a juicer or a blender?
Wishing you Vibrant LIving!
Kate