Healthy Living

Juicing and blending should play an important role in any wellness program that you are using, but which one offers more nutrition for you? There isn’t a definitive answer for that unfortunately. They are both similar and offer you different types of nutrients in different types of ways. Here is the “skinny” on Juicing vs Blending.

We do know that according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, only 14% of adults consume the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables.  That means 86% of adults are in need of a wake-up call.

With a 2,000 daily calorie diet for example, an adult should eat 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day (a total of nine servings).  If you struggle to consume the recommended amount of vegetables and fruit for your dieting needs you should consider investing in a blender or juicer. Juicing and blending are both excellent ways to include more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Which method is better for me?

Blending and juicing are two unique methods with their own advantages and disadvantages. Blending refers to the process grinding up fruits, vegetables and other ingredients to create a semi-thick smoothie that is loaded in beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Blended smoothies are a nutritious and equally delicious treat that can be consumed as a mid-day snack or even a meal replacement (tip: add a scoop of protein powder).

Juicing, on the other hand, is a process in which the liquid juice is extracted from fruits and vegetables. The key difference between these two methods is that fibrous plant matter is separated and discarded in juicing. Juicers have a compartment that holds the fruits and vegetables. When the device is turned on, the ingredients are pressed to extract the liquid. The remaining fibrous material is then discarded (or used in a home composting system), and the unadulterated juice is consumed.

Because there is no fiber in juiced beverages (only liquid), it digests faster and more easily. If you have a sensitive digestive system and frequently experience an upset stomach after consuming fiber, this may prove beneficial. With that said, drinking juiced beverages made largely with fruit juice can trigger blood sugar spikes. The fiber in smoothies acts to slow down the digestion process, resulting in a more gradual release of sugar and nutrients. If sugar spikes are a concern, then blending might be a better method for you.

Some Juicing and Blending Tips:

• A “liquid” medium, such as milk, yogurt or ice cream, is typically added to blended beverages to create a thinner consistency
• Use caution when juicing and blending fruits, as it can greatly increase the sugar content of your beverages. Just a single banana, for instance, has about 14-15 grams of sugar
• Smoothies and juiced beverages are best when consumed 15-30 minutes after making them
• Baby spinach, carrots, kale, cabbage, celery and wheat grass are all highly nutritious vegetables that are perfect for juicing and blending
• If you are serious about your health, invest in a quality juicer and/or blender

Using Juicing and Blending for Weight Loss and Cleansing

It is important to understand that when cleansing and using these methods in weight loss, you can experience mild to severe symptoms including decreased energy, headaches, nausea, rashes, altered bowel movements and miscellaneous discomforts. This process should not be taken lightly. It is always recommended to seek the advice of a medically trained professional.

If you would like to learn more about juicing and blending and how to incorporate that into a healthy weight loss program or cleansing program, please contact us!