Juicing or Smoothies?

So many people now are into juicing and others love to make a smoothie.  Some make a smoothie for breakfast as a fast, take it with you meal.  So which is healthier for you, smoothies or juicing?  Both have advantages.

Juicing

Pros

• 5 A Day -  for those who aren�t into many veggies and fruits, this is a way to help you get your �Five A Day�, five servings of fruits and veggies every day.
• Variety � eating a variety of fruits and veggies is a key to good health.  Juicing makes it easy to vary your fruits and vegetables. 

Cons

• Pulp and fiber � Depending on how you juice, you could be leaving behind the pulp, and along with it fiber and nutrients.
• Limit juicing to 8-12 ounces a day � about a cup or cup and a half.  Why?  To save space for fresh fruit and veggies and all the nutrients fresh produce and fruit provide

Smoothies

 Pros

• healthier than juicing as smoothies are usually blended which preserves the pulp, fiber and nutrients in the pulp.
• Dairy adds calcium and vitamin D � making smoothies with yogurt or milk adds needed calcium and vitamin D to your diet. 
• Protein � yogurt and milk offer a high quality protein and if you use low fat milk or yogurt you get high quality protein with less fat.
• More vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, phytochemicals if the whole fruit or veggie is blended into a smoothie, including the skins improves nutritional value.

 Cons

• High in calories if you use sugared yogurt, juices with added sugar, frozen yogurt, sorbet or ice cream. 
• Bottled smoothies � avoid if you can, as many contain added sugars and extra calories.

So choose smoothies if you like them.  A very healthy way to get in some fruits, veggies and dairy.   Choose juicing if you don�t like fresh fruit and veggies but want to add some to your diet.  But also enjoy fresh fruits and veggies every day.  

For healthy smoothie recipes go to:  Low-Calorie Smoothie Recipes.  For healthy juice recipes go to :  Healthy Juice Recipes for a Juicer or a Blender

Sources: Health benefits of juicing vs. smoothies,  Healthy Juice Recipes for a Juicer or a Blender, Image source:  Smoothie