If you are you looking to boost your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits or need an on-the-go-meal that provides nutrients to keep you full, you should know the difference between choosing to juice or make a smoothie!
So what is the difference?
Juicing
A juice is the liquid of the plant. Juicing removes all of the fiber and some of the protein from the plants. Your body does not have to do any digestive work in order to extract the nutrients, as they are absorbed directly into your blood stream. You can juice any plant that has juice to extract. Fruits, vegetables and herbs are the most common juice ingredients. Juices are particularly good for people who have damaged digestive systems and have difficulty digesting vegetables. Juices are great to have when you want to do a cleanse of your body. This is because your body will not be putting any effort towards digestion, so all that energy can be directed to ridding the body of toxins. It also allows the body to focus on healing while still providing nutrients to your body that would not be present during a water fast. Just remember, when you remove the fiber from the produce, the liquid juice is absorbed into your blood stream quickly. If you are only juicing fruits, this would cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and unstable blood sugar levels.
Smoothies
A smoothie is composed of blended foods. Foods have been broken down into liquid form, while still retaining all of their fiber. Because the fibers are slightly broken down but not removed, your body will still have to do some digestive work in order to digest your smoothie. Smoothies are a little more versatile in the ingredients that work well within them. You can do greens, other veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, superfoods, protein supplements, herbs, spices, really anything you can add to a smoothie!
Smoothies are great for a quick meal on the go and for a meal before or after a workout. They are light enough that they won’t weigh you down but they are substantial enough that you won’t feel hungry again in 15 minutes. You can also pack them full of ingredients that will help with your recovery after a workout. Smoothies are also great for those who are coming off of a fast, as it will help to re-introduce your body to solid foods in a more gradual way. Smoothies help to cleanse out your colon, because they contains the fiber that will help to “sweep” out your intestinal tract. These fibers will bind to toxins and flush them out of your system.
Both juicing and smoothies have their health benefits and taste delicious. Submit your favorite recipe to us in our contact form. WIN a mystery Goodie Bag If yours is posted on our Facebook site!