Life and Health Coach
As Hamlet pondered whether it was better to live or die in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, my clients are always pondering whether it’s healthier to drink juices or smoothies (blending). Although this comparison is on the dramatic, I compare these two because for some, making this decision can be a dramatic and difficult process.
At least in the latter, one is not better or exclusive of the other. Both are very good for you. Yet, they are both very different and you would drink them for very different reasons.
Juicing – The juicing process takes out the fiber from the fruits and vegetables so you are left with just the nutrients.
• By eliminating the fiber (predigesting), you get a higher concentration of nutrients.
• It’s hard to eat the amount of vegetables recommended daily (6 to 8 per day) – juicing is the way to get the daily requirement.
• Nutrients are easier to absorb because the fiber is taken out.
• We want to give the digestive system a break. The easier absorption is easier on your digestive system because there is no fiber to break down.
• Good for body repair and renewal
• Great to take in the morning before breakfast because it prepares your digestive system for a full day of work.
Blending – The blending process (or smoothies) leaves the fiber in the fruits and the vegetables.
• Smoothies are high in fiber so they help keep your blood sugar levels down.
• Smoothies are great to use as a meal replacement – they fill you up while giving you all the nutrients you need.
• To make it a meal replacement, blend in Chia seeds, nuts and avocados so you can get your healthy proteins and fats.
• Since the smoothies have fiber, they make the digestive system work.
• You have to chew to make sure the fiber breaks down appropriately in your body.
Benefits of both
• Reduces inflammation
• Detoxifies the blood
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves digestion
• Increases energy
• Repairs cells broken down during the day by free radicals in the environment
So, when trying to decide whether to juice or blend, the question is not whether juicing or blending is better for me but rather, “at this time, do I want to supplement my body with extra nutrients or do I want to replace my meal?”
At least in the latter, one is not better or exclusive of the other. Both are very good for you. Yet, they are both very different and you would drink them for very different reasons.
Juicing – The juicing process takes out the fiber from the fruits and vegetables so you are left with just the nutrients.
• By eliminating the fiber (predigesting), you get a higher concentration of nutrients.
• It’s hard to eat the amount of vegetables recommended daily (6 to 8 per day) – juicing is the way to get the daily requirement.
• Nutrients are easier to absorb because the fiber is taken out.
• We want to give the digestive system a break. The easier absorption is easier on your digestive system because there is no fiber to break down.
• Good for body repair and renewal
• Great to take in the morning before breakfast because it prepares your digestive system for a full day of work.
Blending – The blending process (or smoothies) leaves the fiber in the fruits and the vegetables.
• Smoothies are high in fiber so they help keep your blood sugar levels down.
• Smoothies are great to use as a meal replacement – they fill you up while giving you all the nutrients you need.
• To make it a meal replacement, blend in Chia seeds, nuts and avocados so you can get your healthy proteins and fats.
• Since the smoothies have fiber, they make the digestive system work.
• You have to chew to make sure the fiber breaks down appropriately in your body.
Benefits of both
• Reduces inflammation
• Detoxifies the blood
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves digestion
• Increases energy
• Repairs cells broken down during the day by free radicals in the environment
So, when trying to decide whether to juice or blend, the question is not whether juicing or blending is better for me but rather, “at this time, do I want to supplement my body with extra nutrients or do I want to replace my meal?”
Emy Fernandez is a Health Coach with the Coral Gables Counseling Center. Emy works with people looking to lose weight, by changing their eating habits and assisting them in making a lifestyle change. Contact her to schedule your free consultation at 305-445-0477.
