Now before anyone starts jumping to conclusions about juicing or thinks “Geez, there is something wrong with everything” (I hate that feeling)—I want to make one thing clear: There is certainly nothing wrong with drinking vegetable juices. But there are a few reasons why I haven’t personally jumped on the juicing bandwagon myself —even after borrowing a friend's juicer and actually trying it out for a week—which is what I'd like to explain today.
Juice Is Not a Whole Food
Juice Is Not a Whole Food
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First and foremost, my main dietary goal is to eat whole foods or what I call “real food” (i.e. 5 or less whole ingredients). Did you know that when you drink juiced vegetables and fruits you are not eating the whole food?
The first time I saw a juicer in action I was actually a little surprised when I saw all this stuff being spit out the side. It turns out that stuff is the pulp (basically the fiber) and not included in the juice you are about to drink!
Now you could technically bake that pulp into a homemade baked good or something (and still consume it), but I am going to tell you right now I would never be "Betty Homemakerish" enough to keep up with something like that. Plus I felt like the kale, celery, cucumber, and other ingredients I purchased to make the juice could have nicely supplemented several meals for the whole family, when instead the juicer transformed these ingredients into 2 glasses (about 10 ounces each) of not very filling juice.
It's Expensive
If you aren't careful, juicing could seriously blow the roof off your budget. The first day I shopped for juicing ingredients I spent $13—on just 2 servings of organic juice! I suppose that wouldn't be so bad if it could actually constitute a meal, but after drinking our morning juice (my husband tried it with me) we were both still hungry enough for our regular breakfast of homemade granola. So during our week of juicing I found myself buying loads of extra veggies to juice in addition to all the groceries I would have normally purchased anyway. Cha-ching!
It Takes Time
When you drink a daily green juice in addition to eating your regular meals it ends up taking extra time out of your day. Imagine having to make a fresh juice and clean the machine on top of cooking and cleaning those three square real food meals each day.
I say that because a juicer is not just any regular appliance—there are 7 different parts that all need to be washed immediately. Which means unless you are about to start your dishwasher right at that very moment you need to stop what you are doing and wash each and every part of the juicer by hand. Have I ever mentioned that I am not a big fan of hand washing dishes? Well, some days I truly avoid it like the plague—so this is officially reason #3 that juicing is not personally for me.
My Takeaway
Like I said at the beginning there is certainly nothing wrong with juicing, and some say it makes them feel great (we didn't personally notice a difference). BUT—as with most food choices—I feel that variety is key. That means variety in both what you eat and how you eat it. If you find that you are getting so much more green in your body through juicing then that is fabulous, but I wouldn't suggest having that be the only way you get your veggies.
And that's because eating the whole food is pretty important as well. Nature actually does a great job of packaging up the perfect combination of vitamins and minerals in each and every whole food. When you start removing parts (like the fiber) it is just not the same. The takeaway I got from my juicing experiment is that —probably like most people—I have room for improvement and could stand to consume more vegetables. So I am glad to be given that reminder.
Now if I suddenly found myself with health issues or was just overall not feeling very well—I would definitely give juicing another chance. At first I wasn't quite sure what I thought about the taste of a green juice, but it actually grew on me fairly quickly, and I came to enjoy it (and drink it much faster) by the end of the week. But for the foreseeable future I can only see myself being a smoothie girl, and here's why.
Why I Like Smoothies Instead
Why I Like Smoothies InsteadI honestly never made (or probably even drank a smoothie) before our switch to real food, but now they make their way into our diet about once or twice a week.
And these are the reasons I like smoothies so much:
- No special expensive equipment needed —any old blender will do!
- When you blend fruits and vegetables together to make a smoothie you are consuming the whole food.
- As a result, I find smoothies to be much more filling than juice.
- My kids like smoothies (they gave the green juice a fair chance, but were not fans).
- A little bit of veggies can go a long way in a smoothie—when I juiced a bunch of kale it seemed that only a couple tablespoons of juice came out.
So what do you prefer...juicing or making smoothies? And why?
Jessi says
I have some refillable pouches. I LOVE them! This weekend we are taking a 7 hour one way trip to visit my husband's family. This morning I steamed several pears with a few strawberries and will fill my pouches with fresh, no preservatives pearberry sauce for my son to eat on the road.
alice says
I feel the same way. I like vegetable juice, but I don't like all the waste. I'd rather make smoothies and get all the good fiber.
Rebecca says
Thanks for the post Lisa, I enjoyed it. I have always had the thought that the fiber in the fruit was a good way to balance out all the natural sugar in it. I remember reading somewhere that your body had to use a good amount of energy digesting the fiber (pulp) and how that is better for your body than skipping the fiber and getting all the sugar. I think it has to do with the spikes it causes in blood sugar. Anyway, I always enjoy reading your reviews and opinions on diets and fads etc.
YogaBritta says
DIVINE, not diving
Melissa says
First of all, I'd say that I agree with Lisa on about 50% of what she offers (personal opinions, "facts", how she does things, causes)on her blog. Juicing can be done for a variety of reasons, and she makes it clear that she wants to eat more whole foods, which does not fit in that lifestyle.
Second, I personally love juicing. I am a vegetarian and love having variety or simply adding extra vitamins and minerals to my diet. It also fits into my personal lifestyle of fasting one day a week. So although you may not agree with her, take what you want and discard the rest. Lisa is carving out a way of living that may not be for everyone. I've learned alot from her, as well as helping to form my own opinions about topics/issues that I didn't have before. I know I certainly don't agree with her ALL the time, but I take what I think is valuable. Keep up the fight Lisa!
Lisa says
Love reading your posts! I "personally" do juice, simply because I enjoy it, and it's an easy way for ME to get my 6 servings of veggies a day. :) I try to juice "in season" to cut down on the expense. One thing I would like to mention is that applying heat (friction from a blender) to fruits & veggies can denature the enzymes and proteins. As well, oxidation occurs more readily with the chopping blade of a blender, as it obliterates the cell walls of the foods. Neither juicing nor smoothies is a bad thing - they each have their pros and cons. Either one is waaaaay better than a Diet Coke! :)
Lisa says
True that - it's all better than the highly processed stuff!
Kristen says
Love this! I would get so annoyed at my juicer when it failed to make a decent amount of juice out of, say, a crap ton of oranges. I once tried wheatgrass. Once. It made ZERO juice. And so I resorted to chewing on grass like a cow. Not cute, nor fun. My family and I are smoothie drinkers- every morning for breakfast. Our Jack LaLaine juicer collects dust. unless the hubbs wants me to try my hand at fresh oj randomly. And I disagree with the folks that took offense. I think it's nice to see differing opinions in the health food/ whole food debate. Because let's face it...some people think we're a little cray cray for the way we live. It's nice to see there are workable options for everyone!
Leen says
I wish I had thought of borrowing a juicer before registering for one. I hardly use it and mostly because of all the reasons Lisa listed above. The other reason is that supposedly it oxidizes fairly quickly and so you have to drink the juice right away. It really is a big hassle.
Melissa says
sell it!! someone out there would love a discounted juicer!!
Leen says
I'm seriously considering it!
YogaBritta says
I prefer juice to smoothies. I think they both have their place. Sometimes I want to consume the entire whole thing, and sometimes my body wants just the juice. I used to be bothered by the "waste" but now I put it in the compost pile and it makes the most diving black compost. Nothing is wasted.
Pamela Gammill says
I have been trying juicing and have to admit that it seems very wasteful to me. I can't possibly make enough muffins to use up all that pulp. It can be very expensive. So I juice sometimes, but also still make smoothies. In the summer I make lots of salads, all kinds, like beet, apple, and carrot slaw. In the winter I make lots of soups. In the end, I think variety is best.
Ella says
Thanks for this. I've been considering juicing but cleaning the juicer and you describe is enough to know I don't want to mess with it. We like smoothies around here and we'll just continue with that. :)
Abby says
I LOVE juicing, but I use a Nutri Bullet which just puree's the veggies, fruits, nuts, & seeds all perfect for drinking. All the pulp stays in and it doesn't seem too expensive to me since you're getting all the pulp too (which fills you up more of course) and does not "waste" anything. I don't really know if it makes me feel any better, but I love the idea that I'm getting tons of healthy things in my juice concoctions that I might not normally be getting on a regular basis.
Beverly says
Lisa,
I completely agree with you, and have never juiced for the same reasons! Mainly for me, it's because it IS so expensive by the time you buy all organic ingredients. I haven't seen any studies on this, but I would also guess shoving all that produce into a blender & blending the crap out it, must affect the chemical makeup of the food as well. I will always believe that eating whole foods in their natural form is best. Nature always knows best! Thanks for sharing!
Christie says
I've never juiced, but I make smoothies all the time. It is a great way to use up all that kale in my garden and it is the only way my daughter will eat it. And I don't "sneak" it in; my daughter puts it right in and calls it her "salad smoothie". Since it also has grapes, pears and apples in it, she's on board.
Anyways, juicing seems like a lot of work and $. I work at a school and our students use a juicer on occasion to make lemon/lime aides for their "healthy bake sale".
I am team smoothie.
Lisa says
Good for you - I disagree with sneaking veggies (if you can get away with it!)
movistar26 says
I have spoken to several nutritionists on smoothies vs. juicing and they all agreed that the benefits of smoothies far outweigh the benefits of juicing. The only real benefit to juicing is if you have a problem tolerating all that fiber. So Lisa's "personal" choice in this article is pretty right on with what the experts say and I'm so glad she wrote this!
Lisa says
Thank you for the vote of confidence!
Sue Duffield says
Very informative view. Something I can surely use. I agree. Eating the whole food, loaded with the phytonutrients, is best. No doubt. A great counter-culture look at (obviously) a touchy subject. I do know though, that a total life of just juicing is never a realistic answer. And as for me (who travels for a living), can you imagine the gear I'd have to take on the road?? I just go to health food store or organic market, and eat the veggies. Buy 'em, keep 'em in a cooler. Load up. :)
Katie says
I can't agree more with these points!
I see the idea of it fitting into my healthy lifestyle, and am considering a pre-made juice cleanse very soon, but the cost and the cleanup of regular juicing are truly just prohibitive. (Work for a nonprofit org, no dishwasher in my old-but-full-of-character apartment!)
E says
Apparently your quality of life isn't worth 10 minutes of prep and cleaning. You get a toothbrush, scrub under hot water and set aside to dry. It's literally one of the easiest cleanups in the kitchen!
Mirinda says
After watching the Fat Sick and Nearly dead documentary, I thought it sounded interesting....but not something feasible. We bought a Vitamix and have been doing smoothies instead. However, for the past 6 months I've watched a cousin of mine who has an endocrine disorder, juice for 30 days and almost completely come off her meds (one of which is prednisone) She took a break for two months (only eating real, whole foods during that period) then started again. Her endocrinologist just let her know that they need to lower her meds again. There is something to be said for juicing and what it does for you health-wise, obviously. I've also been reading about the Gershon Institute/Therapy- that is interesting research, you should check it out! I have PCOS and am seriously considering trying it for 30 days. And with smoothies we seem to be getting more sugar from tons of fruit in our house- even with making them green! :)
Wendy says
You *are* much better off eating the whole food, I agree. And there is absolutely no proof that juicing detoxes your body or any other nonsense. Want to detox your body? Drink lots of water, eat right and exercise (get sweaty!).
Valerie says
I would love to juice in addition to drinking smoothies but I don't do it for the exact reasons that Lisa states. I think having fresh veg juice is a great way to get added vitamins/minerals etc in addition to what you are already eating, but in my experience (I also borrowed a friend's juicer before investing in one) it was a lot more work and expense than all the juicing articles and blogs I read made it out to be. With three young kids I just don't have the time to chop and clean up, and frankly don't have the storage space in my fridge. My husband, son and I started drinking green smoothies from our Vitamix every morning with protein powder. We love it, but buying organic fruits and vegetables for that alone is expensive enough, and juicing would take so much more. If I had more time, money, and storage I'd totally be on the Juice Wagon. But for now, Vitamix smoothies work for our family.
Lucy says
Smoothies! I make a smoothie every single morning. Some have tons of veggies, some have minimal veggies and more fruit. My blender wasn't good enough to make them super smooth, though, so I got a fancy Nutribullet, and it's my favorite, most used kitchen appliance. :)
My feelings on using a juicer: Ain't nobody got time fo dat! (I hate cleaning...)
Paula says
My husband doesn't eat any vegetables. Then he discovered juicing. He only does it twice a week - makes a pitcher of juice to last a few days. So the work isn't very time consuming because it is only twice a week. He now is "eating" (drinking) vegetables he NEVER would have tried like Kale, carrots, lemons & cucumbers. And for that - it is totally worth the work, expense and all the extra pulp :-).
Rachel says
Paula, I think fresh juice oxidizes...and is best to be drank within 20 minutes of making it or you loose the nutrients and most of the health benefits...
Cynthia says
I love my Blendtec Blender for green smoothies, and easy to clean. Have owned the Vitamix, it does a good job as well, but I like this better. My friend has the new Nutribullet that seems to do a good job as well, and is certainly more cost effective... Yes Love smoothies...
Victoria says
I love making smoothies way more than juicing! They are more filling, you are getting the WHOLE fruit/veggie rather than a small part of it, and I don't feel like I am wasting anything (food or money). I did juice for a while and tried to bake with the remains but it got too time consuming.
Patricia says
I appreciated this article. Sometimes, when I tell people I do smoothies and I do not juice, I get the same reaction as some of the folks who took offense to this article. It honestly confounds me.
Maybe because we are all so conscientious of our decision and protective of something so personal.
There are great reasons to do both!
I LOVE everyone who is making the attempt at eating better. Do what is best for you, your lifestyle and your own health. Be supportive of one another.
Carla says
I'm not sure I understand why you don't consider juice a "whole" food? That's sort of like saying tea isn't a whole food cause it doesn't contain the leaves, or that herbs aren't whole foods cause they're dried. Besides, removing the fiber is a huge plus for some people. I can't digest fiber well, so eating a whole foods diet isn't as effective as drinking and eating a whole foods diet. But it is CRAZY expensive... I don't think anyone will argue that.
Jane says
It's not technically a "whole" food because it is processed and something (pulp, fiber) is removed from it, in the same way a peeled apple is no longer a "whole" food. It's obviously more "real food" than artificially colored and sweetened drinks, but it's also not as healthy as a shake/smoothie where you'd eat the whole peel and all the fiber.
I don't juice because I have no desire for another kitchen appliance to store (and clean) and because I try to avoid drinking my calories. In addition to the cost (due to the large volume needed), I worry about the easy liquid calories and the impact large amounts of juice may have on the teeth. I'd rather drink water and eat a salad, which is more filling than a glass of juice.
Samantha says
Please do some research on Juicing. True accredited research. Not just some blog reading.
analee says
i prefer juice. i would never be able to eat as much kale (raw) to equal the nutrients (i.e. enzymes and iron, etc.) that i get in a cup of juice. and though it is more expensive than not-juicing, i still prefer it. i either grow or buy most of my veggies at a local farmer's market so the price is not too bad.
smoothies also don't cut for me - they make me gag (i also don't like pudding, applesause, or ice cream)! if i can't get it down, then it isn't providing me any nutrients at all. juicing (masticating juicer) is the only way i can get down vitamans from many veggies - as well as getting them into the bellies of my kids. put it in a non-clear cup and they never know it is green.
Karis says
I think this is a great post for people to read before they buy a juicer. I bought one recently and I make juice and smoothies in tandem, dumping all the pulp from my juicer directly into my blender. It works for me, but I can definitely appreciate why juicing isn't for everyone.
Lisa says
Karis that is an interesting idea I never thought of...use all that pulp in a smoothie! I am still not running out to buy a juicer though :)
Marred says
I don't juice either; because I just don't like "juice". People who like to drink juice have at it. Smoothies are just ok. But who knew "juicing" vs. smoothies was such a red hot issue.
Nikki Roberti Miller says
Honestly, it sounds like you used the world's worst juicer. I wish your experience would have been better. Our juicer is only about three parts for washing and the juice that is gleaned is MUCH more than that little glass.
LeeAnn says
I agree! I don't juice either, though I'm not opposed in any way. I would just personally rather eat the actual food rather than take the time and effort to juice it. Nothing wrong with that!
Lauren says
The cost is exactly why I don't do it. I consume a tremendous amount of kale as it is. I don't want to triple my produce purchases just to squeeze out a tiny bit of juice. I like my moneyyyyy.
alex says
I do both, but I must say I prefer smoothies to juice. I have a friend who sometimes puts her juice into her smoothies, which I thought was a good idea. Love your blog!
Joy Martin says
I don't understand why some people were “rubbed the wrong way†with this article. The title of the post is “Why I don't juice.†I think Lisa shared some information that many newbies to healthier eating/juicing/smoothie making, may not have considered. There are a lot of misconceptions and misleading information regarding what is “healthy eating.†Some people may not understand that most of the fiber is extracted during the juicing process. If increasing fiber in your diet using whole foods is your goal, juicing may not be the best option for you. I did not feel like Lisa was attacking juicing, she just simply shared reasons why juicing didn't work for her.
Courtney says
Wow, never saw anyone get all wadded up about juice before. That's a first.
Anyway, my husband wanted to get on a juicing regimen, but I quickly shut that down. He can't have gluten, eggs or dairy, so our grocery budget is already through the roof. To see a week's worth of produce go into one glass was just unbearable.
Kristin says
Wow. No need to get feisty about this. The post is called " why I don't juice" NOT "why you shouldn't juice " it's a personal opinion and reasons. Take from it what you will. No need to get defensive. To each their own.
Kristy says
This post rubbed me the wrong way. To say that juicing is not part of a 'whole food' diet is wrong.
Even in your own definitions on your website, where you state the 'rules' of eating "Real" food, juicing fits right in.
What could have been a more light hearted post ("Do you prefere juicing or smoothies, why or why not, pros and cons of both...") came out somewhat condenscending.
It would have been nice for you to state the PRO's of juicing, and the benefits you get from juicing that you dont get from a smoothie.
Joy Martin says
I don't understand why some people were "rubbed the wrong way" with this article. The title of the post is "Why I don't juice." I think Lisa shared some information that many newbies to healthier eating/juicing/smoothie making, may not have considered. There are a lot of misconceptions and misleading information regarding what is "healthy eating." Some people may not understand that most of the fiber is extracted during the juicing process. If increasing fiber in your diet using whole foods is your goal, juicing may not be the best option for you. I did not feel like Lisa was attacking juicing, she just simply shared reasons why juicing didn't work for her.
Samantha says
I completely agree. This was not an educated post in the least.
Autumn says
Smoothies! Most definitely. I usually have a fruit and spinach smoothie every morning for breakfast with some oatmeal added to keep me fuller longer. I got my Squooshies last week so any left over smoothie I have that won't fit in my to-go cup now goes in a Squooshi for the kids.
Ruth says
Was this post even necessary?
Real food is not adding any preservatives which this clearly doesn't. Juicing is pure vegetables or fruit with a little help with predigestion. And yes, I am one of those that have made awesome kale and zucchini bread from my pulp.
And what about a veggie blender that keeps everything?
Don't lose validity in your cause by attacking the same people interested in your cause.
Joy Martin says
Woah...settle down now. Lisa's point didn't come across as an attack. She was just sharing her reasons why she doesn't juice. All of which were valid points that "newbies" should consider... especially if they are working on a tight budget.
Rachel says
That's right, very valid points that whole heartily NEED to be considered.
Also...NOT ALL JUICERS are the same... To really truly benefit from a juicer you need a Cold Press Juicer...which most do not have.
Big difference from a Centrifugal Juice Extractors (the most common type and the cheap kind)
Lisa says
Ruth - I am sorry to hear that you took offense to my post. As I stated throughout this is why I PERSONALLY don't juice, and I also repeatedly said there is nothing wrong with doing so.
Cynthia says
Ruth she did mention using a blender at the end of the article to 'keep everthing'
E says
oh you keep the Vitamins and Nutrients that are destroyed by the blender? Do you put them in your pocket or?
Claudia says
Exact reason why I don't juice, either. I love my smoothies and they are so much more filling!
Rachel says
Agree!
John M says
When you were born you were not Fat. Food does. I will like to see the physical body of everyone how’s writing a comment here. Juicing is the remedy to loose pounds. Smoothie is to keep the form. Making exercise a little bit everyday is the balance. The most important: Enjoy your life and fell good everyday. Easy to say, very hard to do.