Smoothies and juicing have become a staple in the healthy eating habits of people in Canada. Among their many benefits, smoothies and juice are both a delicious way to fuse fruits with veggies and consume more fibre and antioxidants.
We know that getting our recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables is paramount to good health – and seeking out creative ways to incorporate them into our diet can make that easier. But smoothies and juice are not created equal. So, what’s the difference? And is one better than the other?
Smoothies
Smoothies are usually made with blended fruit and veggies. They can be thick or thin, depending on how much liquid you include. The great thing about blending is that you can add pieces of fruit and veggies, skins and all, so they retain their vitamins and nutrients – and there’s less waste! Skins and cores pack the fibre and promote healthy digestion. Blending whole fruits and vegetables fills you up, while also delivering a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Smoothies can be a great snack or even act as a meal substitute if you choose to add other ingredients to adjust their macros. Yogurt, protein powder, nut butters, seeds and even spices are popular smoothie additives. The possibilities are really endless. Ramp up your smoothie game with these healthy and delicious recipes.
Store-bought or restaurant-made smoothies can often contain added sugar and lower quality ingredients, so watch for that if you’re tracking your nutrition. Blending your own smoothies is a sure-fire way to know exactly what and how much of each ingredient you consume.
Juicing
Making your own juice is also a great way to incorporate fruit and vegetables into your daily meals, but you’ll need special equipment. When you juice, the result is a thinner liquid that is generally lower in calories. But that doesn’t necessarily make it healthier.
The process of juicing extracts the water and nutrients from the fruit or vegetable, and discards the fibrous parts. Because this is where fibre and antioxidants live, you’re actually missing out on a healthy opportunity, while creating unnecessary kitchen waste. However, juice can be easier to digest than a smoothie, which could mean that nutrients are also more easily absorbed by the body when consumed in juice form. If you don’t like to “chew” your drinks, or find the texture of a smoothie a bit off-putting, then juicing is a good alternative.
Since additional ingredients aren’t really an option when it comes to juicing, homemade juice does not act as a meal substitute.
Diabetics beware. A juicer creates a concentrated liquid that can be high in sugar in relation to its volume, which can lead to spiked blood sugar levels. This is mostly determined by the produce that you select for your drink. Non-starchy and low-carb veggies, and limited amounts of diabetes-friendly fruits that are lower in sugar are probably the best choices.
While both smoothies and juices can elevate your fruit and veggie intake, both come with benefits and drawbacks. Depending on your texture and taste preferences, you may favour one over the other. Smoothies are a great opportunity to supplement carbs, protein and fat, making it a balanced meal alternative. Making your own juice could allow you to more easily drink and absorb the nutrients in your produce. Both can be equally delicious!
It’s always best to consult with a medical professional or nutrition expert if you’re considering adding new foods to your diet, particularly if you have underlying health issues.