There is a wonderful trend happening now, a lot of people are into green drinks! I see more and more people post picture of their green juice on social media. But what is often called a juice, is actually NOT. If you made your juice in a blender like the Vitamix or the Nutribullet, then it is NOT A JUICE but a smoothie, or a shake.
Here is the difference:
JUICE
• Is made in a juicer that has two compartments.
• It separates the vegetable/fruit into a pulp that goes into one compartment, and into juice that comes out into your drinking cup.
• You drink the juice.
• You discard the pulp, which contains most of the produce fiber.
*The pulp can be used to make delicious broths.
SMOOTHIE
• Is made in a blender that has one container.
• It blends (or liquefies) the whole vegetable/fruit.
• You add some kind of liquid and/or ice to create a smooth drink
• You can also add powders, nuts, seeds and superfoods
• It is thicker than juice and includes all of the produce fiber.
Since smoothies are high in fiber, they make you feel fuller and can be a meal substitute, especially when you add protein rich ingredients. Since juices are more concentrated and contain more produce, they provide a higher dose of micronutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I like to think of juices as a nutrient “bomb” and of smoothies as a nutrient “kiss”. I recommend to get “kissed” often and get “bombed” occasionally, especially when you feel run down and sick and need lots of nutrients.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT IS IMPORTANT
I highly recommend to use a powerful blender that can break the walls of the plant’s cells and make all the nutrients available for your body to absorb easily.
My top recommendation is the VITAMIX, it will serve you for a many years of healthy living.
If you absolutely cannot afford the Vitamix, the NutriBullet is a good second choice and much more affordable.
The Breville Juicer is an excellent choice that juices all fruits and vegetables including leafy greens.
If you have any questions about juices, smoothies, blenders, juicers and what’s right for you, please e-mail me at contact@healthnutgirl.com
xoxo Rachel
Great post Rachel. Thank you so much for this post and recommendations too.
My pleasure Laura xx
Thank you for clarifying the difference between juices and smoothies! I’ve gone back and forth for years and tried both but never really knew the difference! <3
I know, many people call smoothies juices.
Appreciating the clarification and suggestions of tools to use. Most helpful, Rachel. Now, off to make my morning smoothie.
Enjoy that smoothie Lore.
I used to always juice and then my special juicer sieve cracked , i must get a replacement- now i am a smoothie girl maybe 3 or 4 times a week- love your distinction- between kiss and a bomb xx
Thank you for clarifying this difference Rachel. And you’re so right…the right equipment is imperative to the process.
xoxo, Z~
Great information ! Thank you !
I prefer smoothies because of the “I feel full” feeling. I usually have a smoothie for breakfast. So yummy! A great blog post (as always!).
Back in the 70’s I used to take our Acme Juicer with us when we travelled. I actually still have it and love making fruit and vegetable juices in the spring and summer months. I do make smoothies and always include protein to make sure it is balanced with carbs, fats and protein. Smoothies are quite the rage, indeed, and with the right balance of ingredients, they are a great meal or snack.
I love my smoothies, especially in the morning when I’m sometimes just not in the mood for a full meal. As for juicing, I figure eating the entire fruit is probably the best way to enjoy all of its nutrients and other good stuff.
Thank you for this informative post. I am a great fan of smoothies!
Thanks Rachel! We love smoothies! I love how that can be a full meal all in one. Besides I don’t like throwing anything away, like you would with juicing.
Great blog Rachel! I love these lines, “I like to think of juices as a nutrient “bomb” and of smoothies as a nutrient “kiss”. I recommend to get “kissed” often and get “bombed” occasionally, especially when you feel run down and sick and need lots of nutrients.” I sometimes make a smoothie because it is less clean up than the juicer. Thank you for the affirmation!
Thank you for this post Rachel. I now get the difference, funny I have always preferred juice because am very selective😊 but now I know smoothie is healthier.
Great info Rachel!!!