Smoothy Slim
Photo by Karolina Grabowska Pexels Logo Photo: Karolina Grabowska

Which is healthier smoothies or juicing?

The final verdict is that both juicing and smoothies can be beneficial if done in moderation with a balanced diet. However, smoothies come out on top in terms of nutrients and fiber for weight loss and digestion.

How many calories should I eat a day?
How many calories should I eat a day?

How many calories should I eat a day? Adult females need anywhere from 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day and adult males need anywhere from 2,000 to...

Read More »
What juices are good for colon cleansing?
What juices are good for colon cleansing?

Best Juices for Colon Cleansing Aloe Vera Juice. Aloe Vera is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to cleanse the...

Read More »
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Author: Stephanie Urrutia, RD

Recently, juicing has become a staple in celebrity diets and those looking to lose weight. But what ever happened to the good old-fashioned smoothie?

Juices vs. Smoothies: which is more nutritious?

Juice Cleanses

Smoothies provide more nutrients because the vitamin-packed, fibrous pulp and skin hasn’t been removed. A smoothie for a snack or as an addition to a meal can provide a great number of beneficial nutrients, minerals and phytochemicals, especially if a variety of fruits and veggies are used. Adding fruits and veggies of different colors can help vary the nutrients your smoothie provides.Juices can sometimes be less calorie-dense than smoothies, so they can often be added to a regular diet as a snack or health aid. They do contain important nutrients, but not to the extent that the skin and other solid elements of a fruit or vegetable do. If you’re juicing at home, try to use a mostly vegetable base, rather than fruits.Diets consisting of only juices aren’t very sustainable or well-balanced. Juice diets leave you in an extreme calorie deficit and lack sufficient protein, and will typically allow for quick weight loss. This quick drop in weight is caused mostly by loss of water and muscle mass, which is neither ideal nor sustainable and can impact overall health outcomes negatively. When you return to a normal diet after a juice cleanse, it may be difficult to keep the weight from returning.Besides weight loss, juice cleanses can’t actually “cleanse” your body of toxins or harmful chemicals as the name suggests. Your body is already well equipped to do this itself. You’d be better off helping to cleanse your body by drinking water and eating a well-balanced diet.A diet of juices is hard to sustain because it’ll often leave you feeling unsatisfied. It’s natural for the body to cue itself when you need to eat. Incorporating smoothies into your diet can be a great way to create a well-balanced snack out of fruits, vegetables, yogurt, nut butters, etc., which combine fiber and protein to make you feel fuller longer. The fiber will also aid in digestion.The final verdict is that both juicing and smoothies can be beneficial if done in moderation with a balanced diet. However, smoothies come out on top in terms of nutrients and fiber for weight loss and digestion. Whichever option you decide to try, balance the amount of fruits and vegetables you add to maximize nutrient intake.Stephanie Urrutia is a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

How can I shred fat in 3 days?
How can I shred fat in 3 days?

A 60-minute exercise per day is crucial. Whether it is running for 20 minutes three times a day or an hour on the elliptical machine, your body...

Read More »
What is the most detoxing fruit?
What is the most detoxing fruit?

Lemons Lemons – Lemons are the ultimate detox fruit. In fact, one cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving...

Read More »
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?
Common yard weed melts 60lbs of fat?

Made into a potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favorite beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

What should I add first to my smoothie?

Boost your smoothie game Step 1: Liquid. Pour liquids (1 to 2 cups) in first for efficient blending. ... Step 2: Base. Add soft and hard produce, and fibrous foods such as nuts and dried fruits, then frozen fruits. ... Step 3: Ice. The ice goes in last to help pull all the other ingredients down into the blades for even mixing.

Boost your smoothie game

Boost your smoothie game

Sure, you could head to your neighborhood juice shop and order a $7 or $8 smoothie. Blending your own, however, is not only easier on your wallet, but you can customize to your heart’s content and make several batches at a time. Whether you’re making a nutrient-dense meal replacement, a protein-packed workout booster or a sweet, chill treat, the flavor combinations are endless. You can use whichever ingredients you like or need to clear out of your refrigerator or freezer. All it takes is a little bit of thought. A basic smoothie is quick and easy. It contains three essential elements: a liquid, a base (fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables) and a chill factor (ice or frozen fruit). Those simple components inspire all kinds of wonderfully tasty blends. Choose ingredients for nutrition and pleasure (yes, you can have both!) in equal measure, taking into account taste, texture and vibrant color. After all, nobody wants to drink anything that looks and tastes like the place where the plants came to die. To take your blends to the next level, to maximize nutrient density and to amp up the “wow” flavor factor, check out this handy guide to help get you blending like a pro.

[5 smoothie recipes, including a better version of an Orange Julius]

The building-block elements below are listed in the order in which you would add them to the blender. (For personal blenders in which you invert the cup onto a blade assembly, reverse this process.) Included among the elements (in bold) are 6 “wows,” the amounts of which can vary depending on the size of your blender jar and personal preference.

How to use beetroot for hair growth?
How to use beetroot for hair growth?

Beetroot for hair has been known to prevent hair loss as well. ... As A Hair Mask: All you need is the juice of 2-3 beetroots (depending on your...

Read More »
What can I drink to get a flat stomach fast?
What can I drink to get a flat stomach fast?

Green tea which is packed with antioxidants known as catechins . Photo Credit: Istock. ... Cinnamon increases your metabolic rate . Photo Credit:...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Which fruit is best for brain?
Which fruit is best for brain?

Certain fruits such as oranges, bell peppers, guava, kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries, contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps prevent...

Read More »
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat
Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »
Can you drink clean liquor when pregnant?
Can you drink clean liquor when pregnant?

There's no safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol can cause problems for your baby any time during pregnancy, even before you know...

Read More »