There are many theories on why one is better than the other, but here at Clean Cuisine we support and choose BLENDING over juicing 100%.  The reason for this is our belief in eating whole foods that are fiber-packed and antioxidant-rich. Blending  fruits and veggies into delicious smoothies is the only way to keep them closest to their most natural and unrefined state.

But, let me break down exactly what the distinctions are between juicing and blending for readers who are unaware of the difference.

Here at Clean Cuisine, we love the high-speed blender from Ninja for smoothies and single serve drinks, but if you’re looking for an ALL-IN-1, check out this one by  Luvele.

Juicing:

Juicing is a process that extracts the water, nutrients, and sugars from fruits and vegetables, leaving a concentrated juice that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

So…what’s the problem?

The problem with juicing is that the process of extracting the water and nutrients from fruits and veggies removes many of the antioxidants and ALL of the all-important fiber. Yes, you can ingest all of the vitamins from eight carrots in one glass of juice, but you are also ingesting all of the sugar from those eight carrots. With no fiber to help the body digest the sugars in a slow and balanced way, sugars are rapidly released into the bloodstream, drastically affecting blood-sugar levels.

High blood-sugar levels means 4 things:

Increase risk of disease

Affect mood swings

Increase food cravings

Reduce energy

Fractured Foods are not WHOLE Foods:

Think about it this way: the juice that is extracted from juicing is not even considered a “whole” food. Because juicing extracts the fiber and antioxidants, the juice that is extracted is a fractured food that does not fall in line with Clean Cuisine’s emphasis on eating nutrient-dense “WHOLE” foods.

Additionally, because juice is a processed food it deteriorates very quickly. It does not matter how carefully your juice is pressed; all juice begins to breakdown and oxidize immediately after it is pressed. If you do juice, the only juice you should drink is juice that is served within five minutes of juicing.

Who should be juicing?

There are, however, benefits of juicing in some cases. Without the extra work of breaking down the fiber, the body does absorb the nutrients from juicing at a faster rate. This is particularly beneficial for people with illnesses that affect the digestive system, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those who are recovering from major surgery. But…again…along with the quick shot of nutrients, you are also getting way too much sugar in a single shot. So, Clean Cuisine only recommends juicing if you are at or below your ideal body weight.

One final word…

We can find an abundance of scientific studies to back up all sorts of incredible health benefits from eating “whole” fruits and vegetables, but we can’t find any scientific evidence that supports juicing is as beneficial (much less better for you!) than eating the “whole” fruit and vegetable.

Blending:

Blending is a process that blends the “whole” fruit or vegetable (technically “whole carbohydrates” –the good kind!) into a delicious smoothie that includes all of the nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, and enzymes. Unlike juicing when the pulpy fiber is removed and regularly thrown away (yikes! What a waste!!!), blending includes the fiber, breaking it apart to allow for easier digestion and a slow and even release of nutrients (and sugars) into the bloodstream.

When “whole carbs” entire your bloodstream slowly, they raise your blood sugars slowly, offering solid nutrition, and keeping us healthy on many levels.

Whole carbs means the following benefits:

Fight heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides

Control blood sugar levels

Curb food cravings

Boost energy

Preserve metabolism-boosting lean muscle mass

Improve your mood

Keep you full for hours!

Blended smoothies fill up more room in your stomach than the juice extracted from juicing. You will not be hungry after drinking a delicious smoothie that is filled with whole fruits and veggies.

When I am in a rush, my go-to meal is a green smoothie made with delectable dark greens (like spinach), frozen organic fruits, half of an organic banana, chia seeds, and coconut water (coconut water adds a deliciously refreshing flavor and is an excellent source of potassium and electrolytes). For some great smoothie recipes, click here.

Blending your fruits and veggies is a perfect way to prepare real whole foods that are found in their most natural and unrefined state. Blending breaks down the fiber for easier digestion but keeps ALL of the nutrients.

Whole foods provide these 4 wonderful benefits:

Vitamins to support a healthy immune system

Minerals to assist with proper cell function

Antioxidants to fend off disease, slow aging, and reduce inflammation

Fiber for detoxification, slow absorption of natural sugars, and natural appetite control

Whole food smoothies keep their nutrients for HOURS. They also keep you FULL for hours after drinking!

Which Blender Should You Use?

Here at Clean Cuisine, we are HUGE supporters of the Luvele Vibe Blender System.

My Luvele Vibe Blender was only $398. and out-powers, out-blends and out-performs any other blender we’ve ever used. We use our Luvele Vibe! It has been one of the best investments I have ever made. We use it everyday to make delicious smoothies, soups, sauces, and I even make my own almond milk! It is the most used appliance in my house and the #1 easiest way for YOU to kick start a Clean Cuisine lifestyle in your own home. Even the most timid veggie eaters will have a hard time resisting a deliciously frozen sweet (but healthy) treat!

We also LOVE the  Ninja Professional 1000w with the 2 smoothie drink cups. We use both in our kitchen every single week. The Ninja is typically under $100 and even though there are lots of competition out there, this blender is our favorite for making smoothies and quick whole fruit juices for the kids in the morning.