“What is the difference between juicing and blending?”
“Isn’t juice bad because it removes all the fiber?”
“I tried blending smoothies but they were so thick and didn’t taste good!”
These are comments I hear almost on a weekly basis from clients.
So, I want to take the time here to clear up the confusion and also to make a plug for both! They both can be great sources of nutrition.
Here are the basics
Juicing
- Juicing separates the pulp from the juice.
- Juicing gives a higher concentration of nutrients per ounce.
- With juice you can easily consume 8 or more servings of veggies in an 8 oz cup.
- Juicing removes most of the fiber (but you will still get some).
- Juice by itself can spike blood sugar in some people (those people can drink juice with other foods containing fat, protein, and fiber).
Blending
- Blending retains the pulp, which means you get to keep all the fiber.
- Blending needs to be diluted so it is less concentrated.
- Blended drinks contain fiber so they have a lower glycemic impact on blood sugar.
- Blended drinks provide a lot of versatility in ingredients; you can add veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, oils, protein powder, coffee, etc.
Which is better?
They’re both great!
It depends on your goals.
Juicing is the worlds greatest multi-vitamin/multi-mineral and a powerhouse of phytonutrients because the nutrients are so concentrated. It is excellent for healing, detox, hydration, boosting immune function, and making your skin glow.
Blending gives you a great opportunity to add all kinds of goodies to your drink! Throw in veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds, high-quality fats, yogurt or kefir, protein powder, green powder, spirulina, and so much more.
And then, there is The “JUICY”!
This is my creation that I have for breakfast every day. Not only is it delicious, it is packed with high-impact nutrition! I start by making vegetable juice and then I use that as the liquid base for the smoothie. Then I add all kinds of cool smoothie ingredients such as fruit, oils, and seeds.
Juicy Recipe
Part 1: Juice Ingredients
- 2-3 celery stalks (with the leaves and heart)
- 2-3 cups kale
- 2-3 cups arugula
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 inch of ginger
- 1 inch of turmeric
- 1 beet
- 1 carrot
Part 2: Smoothie Ingredients
- 1/2 banana or 1/2 cup pineapple
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup wild blueberries
- fresh juice of 1 grapefruit or 1 orange
- 1/4 TSP Himalayan sea salt
- 1 TBSP Brain Octane MCT Oil (optional)
- 1-2 scoops collagen powder (optional)
Run juice ingredients through the juicer. Pour the veggie juice into a large jar or Nutribullet Or Magic Bullet type blender. Add all smoothie ingredients and blend together.