Juicing vs. Blending: What’s the difference?

A huge trend in the weight loss and nutrition world is juicing fruit and veggies to create vitamin-packed juice. But is it really healthier than traditional smoothies?

 

 

 

Juicing takes the whole fruit or vegetable and concentrates the water, vitamins, and minerals—but leaves the pulp and peels behind. Sure, it’s great to get in the vitamins, but you’re missing all of the fiber! Fiber keeps your GI tract going, helps lower your cholesterol, and keeps you full in-between meals. Second to the vitamins and minerals, it’s a very important part of the fruit. Without the fiber, you’re missing these great benefits. People who would most benefit from juicing are going to be the people on low fiber diets, such as those with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and Crohn’s.

 

Blending uses the entire fruit or vegetable in the smoothie, usually along with milk or milk substitute and some form of protein, such as peanut butter or yogurt. The best way to keep your blood sugar stable and keep you full until your next meal is to eat a carbohydrate and a protein at the same time—which makes the smoothie option ideal over juicing for anyone on a diet or trying to live a healthier lifestyle.  If your goal is to stay full, keep your blood sugars stable, use the smoothie over juicing for your meal replacement or in addition to your meal. You’ll get the vitamins and minerals you need plus all the benefits of fiber!

 

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

• 1-2 cups of ice
• 1 Banana
• 5 Strawberries
• 1/4 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp lemon-flavored Flax seed oil (optional)
• 4oz Orange juice
• 1/2 cup Spinach (yes, spinach! I promise, you’ll barely be able to taste it)

 

 

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more or less ice according to your tastes.

 

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?