American households are increasingly interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes eradicating poor eating habits, and making consistent, conscious efforts to get into better shape.
Over the last few years, an endless assortment of diets, meal plans, and methods for eating healthier have become available. You’ve probably heard friends or family talking about two popular ways to process fruits and vegetables—juicing and blending.
What is the difference between the two, and how can you tell which is better? Let’s start with a breakdown of juicing versus blending:
Juicing is a process that removes all of the water and nutrients from fruits and vegetables, leaving the excess pulp. Since juicing doesn’t contain any fiber, you may find yourself looking for snacks to hold you over throughout the day. However, the benefit of removing fiber is that you are left with 100% of the nutrients, which are much easier on your digestive system, and a great source of nutritional value.
Blending, on the other hand, combines everything together as a whole. When you use a blender to make a smoothie, it leaves no excess pulp behind. Since this method retains all of the fiber found in fruits and vegetables, smoothies will usually fill you up and keep you satisfied for longer.
The big question now is, which one is better for you?
Honestly, there is no right or wrong answer as to which method is better or worse. Juicing may appeal to you more if you have a sensitive stomach, since it doesn’t contain any fiber. Or, you may prefer drinking something more filling like a smoothie. Either way, you’re making a healthy choice! Fruits and vegetables are vital in our everyday diet. So consuming them regularly, whether it is through blending or juicing, can do nothing but help you and your body in the long run.
If you do decide to start making juicing or blending a part of your daily routine, here are some key notes to keep in mind:
- Make sure to purchase the correct machine! You can’t blend with a juicer and juice with a blender, so make sure to find a quality appliance that fits your needs.
- Make your drinks fresh! Usually, it’s best to consume them within 15 minutes of being made, in order to digest all of the nutrients.
Whichever method you prefer, try to stick with it and incorporate it into your diet as much as possible. We all need our daily dose of fruits and veggies to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so why not drink up?
Get creative and play around with different recipes. Who knows, you may even find a new favorite go-to morning breakfast.
Looking for more juicing and blending ideas? Follow our Pinterest board for some healthy living tips and deliciously fresh recipes.
