Smoothies vs. Juices

The other day as I was eating an overflowing green salad for lunch, I had a few things going through my mind.  Of course I was loving my broccoli, kale, spinach and so on, but I was exhausted from all the chewing, plus the time it was taking for me to finish the salad was excessive so I found myself forcing it down rather than enjoying it.

I know I’m not the only one who’s been pressed for time while also trying to eat nutritiously and there are two popular ways to get your veggies in quickly (and deliciously!).  Many people think a green juice and a green smoothie are equal. Here is the difference between the two:

1) Smoothies are made in blenders. You are blending the whole fruits and vegetables into a smoothie.

2) Fresh juice otherwise known as “juicing” is the process of extracting the liquid content of whole foods through a juicing machine which in turn takes the fiber out— all the pulp and skins are then thrown out.

I always opt for a green smoothie over a juice and let me tell you why:

Green smoothies provide whole food nutrition.  That’s the bottom line.  A green smoothie is still a whole food, complete with fiber and all nutrients.  Juices, on the other hand, are not whole foods. The fiber has been removed, along with any nutrients that are discarded with the fiber. ☹ 

Dietary fiber is something most Americans do not get enough of and it is critical for proper digestion and health. It just doesn’t make sense to throw out the most beautiful part of a fruit or vegetable!  So if you’re looking for the most efficient way to get your daily dose of greens, blend up a smoothie, grab and go!