Get More Greens…Try a Green Smoothie or Green Juice

Making it a point to eat more green vegetables would make a great new years resolution or just a general great addition to your diet.  I feel like I notice increased energy and more radiant skin when I have been drinking my greens everyday.  Who doesn’t want that?

I am a fan of both smoothies and juicing and like to switch them up depending on my mood or how much time I have.

Reasons I love smoothies…

1.  It is so easy to throw some ingredients into a blender hit go and bam done.

2.  I love that I can make a big batch and keep some smoothie in the fridge for a couple days and do not have to worry about it loosing its nutritional benefits.  You could even make a couple weeks worth and store them in the freezer to use for later.

3.  They contain benefitial fiber.

4.  They are more filling than a juice.

Reasons I love juices…

1.  They are a great way to get nutrients from a ton of different produce all at once.

2.  Without the fiber your body can rapidly benefit from the absortion of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

3.  The lack of fiber is especially helpful if you have a sensitive digestive system or illness that inhibits your body from processing fiber.

4.  They taste great and make me feel good.  I feel juices give me a greater energy boost then smoothies.

Tips for smoothies and juicing…

*  If you are using the skins of fruits and vegetables always try to choose organic.

*  Try to pick the freshest produce available.  Frozen fruit can be using in smoothies when they are not in season.

*  Make the vegetables the star of the show.  When juicing I do not like to add a lot of fruit so that I do not spike my blood sugar.  At the most I may add a green apple since they are lower in sugar.  I tend to add more fruit in a smoothie because the added fiber will help control blood sugar levels but I fill my blender with greens so that I am getting at least a couple cups of vegetables with each serving.

*  Consume smoothies and juices on an empty stomach.  This will ensure proper digestion and increase nutrient absorption.

*  Use a variety of different vegetables to ensure you are getting a wide spectrum of nutrients.  I was stuck in a rut of making the same juice recipe but now that I am experimenting more I get more excited to drink my juice.

*  Parsley isn’t just for garnishing.  Fresh herbs like parsley and mint are often overlooked because they are usually just used for garnishing but they make great additions to juices and smoothies.  These herbs can add more nutrients plus they add great flavor.

*  Juicers are an investment depending on which kind you get.  I prefer a masticating juicer that keeps more of the nutrients intact because it doesn’t produce heat. 

*  Do not worry about purchasing an expensive blender for smoothies.  I myself have never used a blender that cost more than $50 and think my smoothies are delicious and blend up nicely. 

Whichever you decide…smoothie or juice…just make it a point to eat more vegetables.  Didn’t your mother ever tell you to eat your green vegetables?  I think she was right.  What is your favorite smoothie or juice recipe?