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?
Laura says
I prefer juicing over smoothies. I am a single mom on an extremely tight budget and I can still manage it daily. I had several minor health issues and juicing helped me tremendously. I have suffered from severe eczema since I was a child. I was covered. It was so bad I had to bandage my hands because they were infected and bleeding all the time. Nothing worked until I tried juicing. I noticed a change in a few days and in a month it was gone. (I also gave up gluten, but when I skip a few days of juicing, the eczema comes back) I add a few tablespoons of Dr. Schulzes Superfood to mine...this adds some veggie protein, tons of vitamins and fiber. It makes the juice feel more like a meal. It takes some getting used to...but the benefits I felt outweigh the taste. :)
Mayan says
Great article, thanks! I don't juice either, but am considering it. I was hoping I could get your opinion on my reasoning:
1. There is such a thing as too much fiber. Excess fiber can cause bloating, gas, etc.
2. Juicing allows you to add a daily nutrient boost. You get a greater concentration of micronutrients in a smaller serving (nutrient density). Having a serving of juice allows you to have meals that are that are filling (macronutrients), but not necessarily nutritional. This allows for a greater variety of meals.
3. Juice is more efficiently absorbed than smoothies. It does not require as much digestion and doesn't have to fight against blockage by fiber of the interference of anti-nutrient proteins.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Mayan. Lisa was just offering her opinion on why she chooses smoothies over juicing. If juicing is what works for you and makes you feel best, that is absolutely what you should do. I, too, have tried both and prefer the texture and the slower entry of sugars into my blood stream (I'm hypoglycemic) that smoothies provide but believe, as well, in the potential benefits of juicing. All the best. ~Amy
andi says
i personally use both, but i have a hard time getting my son to drink a smoothie. it's a texture thing and he literally gags not for the flavor or the sweetness (I start all smoothies with frozen bananas) but simply drinking a thick liquid. its not worth it to me to have him throwing up so I sneak any pure juiced veggies and the pulp into everything I can without him noticing. also I love to drink carrot orange juice and my main reason can be found by watching the "Gerson Miracle" you can eat eight carrots and wait hours for your body to digest the nutrients, or you can drink 8 carrots and the nutrients will be in your blood in 15 minutes. :) Thank you for sharing Lisa!
Beth says
I agree with you! I have a juicer and I use it when my IBS acts up and I need to eat a low fiber diet for a few days. I usually juice celery and cucumbers with a little kale (not much juice in kale), an apple and lemon. I'll add in ginger for an anti-inflammatory property and a kick :-) Otherwise, I try to eat a variety of whole foods every day. I tell my clients (I'm a dietitian) and friends the same thing you spoke of - it's expensive, it's wasteful of the "good stuff" and on top of that, it's a lot to clean up for so little juice. Love your posts :-)
ruby says
My SIL uses a Nutri-Bullet and uses whole foods to make her juice/smoothies. She uses whatever fruit she has on hand, either 2handfuls of Kale or spinach and almond milk/water and ice.Blend until smooth and she gets all the nutrients from the whole foods.
pril says
Amazing read, We just bought a juicer and we love it. we use our deydrator for the pulp to make veggy chips. Delish.
I agree it's a lot of upkeep. The pulp uses are great as well. Adding that to smoothies is a great fiber additive!
My question is this considered real food? drink.. because the tropical fruit juice has corn syrup in it.
lol
lets just say i really hope so or i failed the 10 day challenge!! ;)
Nikki says
You might try the Nutri Bullet. I have one and love it. It is similar to the Vitamix but less expensive. No pulp left, it uses the whole food and simple to clean. Just rinse and go.
DeAnna says
I'm new to your site on a reference from a friend who is a big fan. I have to say I'm a little disappointed in this post as the reasons you listed for not juicing are the same reasons most people give for not eating healthy (other than juice not being a whole food). I understand you were just giving your opinion and experience on the subject but I think you failed your readers in not mentioning any of the benefits of juicing. There are a lot of claims that one of the reasons juicing is so good for you is because it does not have the fiber and is therefore easier for your body to digest and a more gentle way to get vitamins. I've never even tried juicing but I felt like using the expensive and time consuming excuses was a little off base for someone who promotes healthy eating.
Rebcca says
I think the time and money are entirely valid reasons for not juicing. Not many people can legitimately afford $6 for a glass of juice and for many of us time is almost as valuable of a commodity as money is. Personally, I think it's all about trying to do better where you can. If some people have the time and money for it - great! I'm jealous. For some of the rest of us, this is a great critique of juicing.
Salixisme says
I totally agree with everything you have said.... about 10 years ago I dabbled with juicing - bought a juicer, used it maybe half a dozen times.
But as you said it was expensive. you needed to use a ton of vegetables to get even a teeny glass. pretty much all of the fibre was thrown out (And that is part of the reason I eat veg). And the juicer was a pain in the butt to clean... it took ages.
And if you juice fruits what you are basically producing is vitamin enhanced sugar water (aka fruit juice) which will raise your insulin levels and make you fat. far better to eat the whole fruits because the fibre will fill you up more than a glass of juice will.
In the end I gave it away on freecycle. Rather buying a juice I would buy a decent blender and make smoothies any day.
But even then I don't eat (drink) smoothies every day - you can fit far more fruit and veg in a smoothie than you can comfortably eat if you ate them as pure veg... it can result in over-eating and weight gain... (have you looked at the calorie and carb content of most smoothie and juice bar smoothies?)
Phil Meiyup says
sounds like you are lazy, Juicers are charging rhinos not cud chewing cows.
beale says
Wow, Phil, way to contribute to the conversation. Care to tell us about your lifestyle choices so we can all learn from the rhino himself?
diana v says
I too have a Vitamix Nancy. LOVE IT....
the price was a little high but I use it everyday and for so many different things from fruit/veggie drinks to soups and ice cream/sorbet. you can throw in a handful of spinach with fruit & you would never know the spinach is even in there.
well worth the extra time I had to work to pay it off. haha
Nancy Cardoso says
I use a vita mix, no pulp is left over. I t throw in my organic veggies, skin and all. Pure juice.
diana v says
love my vitamix too.
no waste....
Rachel says
Yup, we have a Vitamix too, wouldn't think of doing whole food juice with a regular blender. We Vitamix green juice at least once a day for the entire family, if not 2,3 or 4 times a day.
We all get energy, keeps us healthy from all the sickies out there, usually.
Mark Mancino says
Firstly Lisa I would like to commend you on hanging your head out there with this one and speaking your truth. If people were personally offended by your words, it may be that they are holding on to their paradigms a little too ardently.
Having said this, I do believe that your position on the subject is somewhat ignorant. Unfortunately it is VERY difficult to get the concentrated levels nutrition we need to live in full vitality from our food supply. Even if we follow a strict real food eating plan (and respectfully my standards are even stricter than yours - http://www.therealfoodguy.com/real-food/)we may not get everything we need as even our "organic" soils demonstrate reduced biological activity and mineral content, AND contain greater levels of environmental toxins. These toxins all draw on our nutrient reserves for detoxification and elimination. Thus our demand for concentrated nutrition is higher than ever while our supply is concomitantly lower than ever. It's a double edged sword.
This is where juicing comes in. It is NOT a meal replacement, nor should it be thought of that way. It is a method of fortifying our bodies with concentrated levels of nutrition to compensate for what we are NOT getting with even the strictest of real food plans. By eliminating the fibrous portion of the plant, we concentrate the nutrition and ease the digestive process. I talked a little bit about this in my most recent blog post in case you are interested - http://www.therealfoodguy.com/2013/07/03/nutritional-supplements-part-iv-vitamins-vs-real-food-any-questions/
I hope this comment helps add a little balance to a great post. Just because some of us do not personally agree with Lisa does not mean there is not value in her words. She is promoting real food alternatives and speaking her truth; we should ALL recognize and appreciate that!
I LOVE the journey you and your family are on and the incredible impact you are having on global consciousness. Thanks for sharing your truth so openly and spreading your real food love.
Dawn Barnett says
Very well stated Mark and I couldn't agree more with your position that we are in desperate need of concentrated nutrition, coupled with supporting Lisa and the journey she is taking and leading the important discussion of health and food. I do both, juice and blend. I juice heavily when I start to feel the first signs of getting sick, or when I travel on a plane (both before and after). I am proud to report I havent' been sick since I started this approach four years ago. I recommend drinking the juice of 4 oranges and 4 carrots at the first sign or prevention of sickness.
Cj says
My husband and I just started juicing after making the choice to stop eating packaged foods.
We bought our juicer used and thought we'd try it and see how it goes before we spend big money on one. We got a really nice juicer for under $10.
The first concoction we made was of the two glass variety and as you mentioned, the clean up was a pain in the tush. We know the benefits of juicing and we decided to make enough juice for a few days. So, we pulled out our class half gallon jar and started quadrupling the recipes.
As for the mess that fly's out the back (we're missing that part of our juicer, some of it we take to the horses, depending on what it is. We're considering composting and starting a garden next year. Maybe this year if we can get our rears in gear but it's getting a little late.
Honestly, I do feel better since juicing. There's no way I could eat all the food we put in that juicer. I don't have time. But one thing I noticed since juicing, I do less mindless eating and that is a real good thing.
Charlotte says
I am with ya on all the points you mentioned. We do daily green smoothies as well. I have also started freezing extra smoothie as Popsicles and I give it to my boys (age 15 months and 3 yrs) for a treat in the afternoon. They think its the best thing ever. Mommy points!
DebblesDabbles says
I do juice, & I do smoothies as well. The time argument is not an issue as I veg juice for breakfast and the juicer I have doesn't take long at all to clean up. I hear what you are saying about the pulp and yes I don't get all the pulp but I still do get some. I had great intentions of using the pulp, but as yet haven't. I have found that I have experienced huge benefits from juicing, and so will keep doing it....as well as smoothies!Thanks for sharing as we are able to read, learn and make a decision one way or the other. D
Benjamin says
I have never used a juicer before, and it is for the single reason that you mentioned above - you lose so much of the fiber when you drink your fruits/veggies that way! I get the argument that juicing allows you to eat "more" fruits and veggies in a day, but I disagree when Lisa says it is "better for you." It is different than making a smoothie, not better. I start every single day with a fruit/vegetable smoothie, and I definitely have more energy than I did before I started making smoothies (I've been doing that for 4 years now).
Julie says
If you get more from making smoothies then it may be due to not having health issues like others may have. I personally do both, but I have to say that I've never gotten an energy buzz from making a smoothie. If anything I tend to feel full and tired. However, juicing gives me endless amounts of energy. I've gone on two different juice fasts - one that was mainly green juices with some morning fruit juices and occasional smoothie and the other was mainly smoothies. I still felt tired and lacked energy with the smoothie "fast" and really didn't lose any weight. However, when I went on the juice fast I felt energized when I woke up in the morning (which NEVER happens for me), had sustained energy all day long, had no more migraines, inflammation in my joints disappeared giving me increased range of motion and flexibility, I could actually see better and worked all day without my glasses, and I lost about 12-15 pounds in just 10 days. So, for me, juicing was WAY better then making smoothies.
NMC says
By energy rush, do you mean sugar buzz?!?
Lisa says
I personally can't afford to juice or I would do it everyday. I do smoothies and I get no where near the energy I got from juicing. I was about to have surgery to remove my gallbladder because the pain was so intense it felt like my insides were being ripped out. I did a 7 day juice plan from a reboot site I found from the fat sick and nearly dead movie. I got so ill on my 7th day I quit the reboot thinking it was killing me. I started going to the bathroom like every hour. I couldn't figure out where all this poop was coming from?! In the toilet I kept seeing peas and I kept thinking when did I eat peas?! Lol as it turns out they weren't peas they were gallstones. Just 7 days of juicing saved me from a 9,000 dollar surgery. For a family of four we spent 100 dollars to do the 7 day cleanse. So 100 dollars vs 9,000 totally sounded great to me. I have a cheap black and decker juicer from Walmart and it has 3 parts to clean. It's dishwasher safe so I usually just run it through the dishwasher when I do juice. My blender is actually more work to clean. I do a lot of smoothies now because I can't afford the 100 a week. The blender is a oster and you have to clean the lid, the bottom has to be unscrewed and washed, the blade has to be washed, there's a rubber piece that I have to wash and the main glass part.. It says it's dishwasher safe but it isn't. I've already had to replace the blade and the rubber piece.. And I have to deal with seeds which I hate. I totally would juice everyday if I could. There's no question juicing is better for you. I idea of the juicing is to get more out of a meal. Instead of eating an apple for a snack you can drink four apples, a carrot, kale, beets, 6 strawberries some blue berries.. Get all the benefits from those fruits instantly absorbed into the body. That's why cancer patients are treated and cured of cancer using the gerson therapy diet. The amount of nutrients is key.
Tanya says
Lisa, that is amazing that you cured your gallstones. I used a juicer for 2 weeks straight to heal h-pylori, which causes ulcers. It was a better option than triple antibiotic therapy along with acid reducers and proton pump inhibitors that destroy your gut. I couldn't digest the fiber and I needed to give my stomach a rest. Its definately great for certain health conditions!
Adriana says
Hi Lisa,
What recipe did you use and how big were your gallstones?
Thanks.
Caette says
With regard to the children's food pouches mentioned......we shouldn't be putting anything in any kind of plastic that may stay there for a while.
Nan says
Love my shakeology no fuss .. A perfect meal. Protein vitamins minerals vegan .... check it out myshakeology.com/nhammonds
Jaki Zinger says
Chris, I just looked up the Breville BJE820XL Dual Disc Juice Processor on amazon, it looks amazing and cheaper than the vitamix. If we had know about it we may have gone that way. Good call!
Jaki Zinger says
We LOVE our vitamix! I'm going on a juice fast today actually and I'm just going to 'juice' my fruit and veggies in it so I don't have to buy or borrow a juicer. And cleaning it, oh man I've never had anything this easy to clean!
Fran says
I like to make my own juice as a treat for myself and the kids. Not that it's a hugely regular thing - I agree about the mess and the pricy-ness - but where other kids get soft drink, my kids get freshly made juice. It is hard to find a balance between healthy and restrictive!
Liz says
I do both. I use my NutriBullet every day (can't afford a Vitamix)& sometimes twice a day to make green smoothies. I like it so much that I bought a 2nd NutriBullet to keep at work. I also like that I'm wasting less. But I also like to juice & do so 1-2 times per week.
Brandon says
While I enjoy most of your posts and recipes, etc. I don feel like this post is way too opinionated. I think people need to think for themselves and juicing might be a great healing option for them and a great way to lose weight for a 30 day juice option. I use my Vitamix daily for smoothies and it's the best appliance in my kitchen. My juice gets plenty of action also. There is a difference and it really depends on your goals.
Thanks
Ã…smund Bakkevig says
Hei.
Man you for real?
You say you prefer Smoothie infront of Juice because to make juice you need a juice machine >...<
Hey man i make real jucie in my old blender.
The resaon i like juice better than smoothie is because it is harder to wash the blender after you make smoothie than after you made juice!
If you ever travel to land like Colombia all people there make their own jucie everyday with simple blenders.
It is simple easy and simply just the best jucie you can get!
chris says
I love the Breville BJE820XL Dual Disc Juice Processor. It's the best of both worlds. The same unit will juice or blend. You just swap out the top half of the unit and use the same motor base.
Jaki Zinger says
Chris, I just looked up the Breville BJE820XL Dual Disc Juice Processor on amazon, it looks amazing and cheaper than the vitamix. If we had know about it we may have gone that way. Good call!
J.R says
How long have you been using this blender? Does it really offer a smooth smoothie? I am toying with the idea of purchasing a different blender and when I saw your post, I was intrigued by the "best of both words." At this point I have been using a Ninja blender and a Jack Lalane juicer. I love the juicer, but it is a bit time consuming, due to many parts. I also love making smoothies, but I find that the Ninja just doesn't blend the greens as smoothly as I would like. I was worried that most other blenders would provide the same type of consistency ( a bit too chunky at times), so I haven't pursued buying another (I also don't want to spend a fortune). Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Lawreen Yakkel says
I find it hard to read articles from people who can't or don't use grammar properly. Example from above: "(i.e. 5 or less whole ingredients)" should be (i.e. 5 or fewer whole ingredients). Sorry, I hope writing isn't your day job! :(
J.R says
Most of the people who are reading responses and participating in the discussion on this site are looking to gain more insight into the topic. Your comment has absolutely no relevance to the article.
lisa willard says
Before opening your mouth consider 1. Is it the truth 2. Is it necessary 3. Is it kind. Fail
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Lawreen. I don't think any of us here at 100 Days claim to be technical writers or professional editors. We do appreciate all "constructive" criticism when we receive it. Wishing you peace and a happy day. ~Amy
Barbara says
I am addicted to green smoothies, have lost 30 pounds since March and find myself really really picky about what I eat now when I do have a meal. They have changed my life. I will be turning 60 this year and sit at work pretty much the full 40 hour weekday. In the past seven years that I've been at this job, I gained 50 pounds and was despairing of ever losing it. Started green smoothies in March! OMG and 30 pounds just melted away! And I feel fantastic!
Tami says
Love my Vitamix. Mixes everything nicely, just add some ice and plenty of water unless you like a thick smoothie. Throw in whatever greens you have, add a fruit or two, maybe some flaxseed, and viola! Easy to clean (rinse) out. And I use the whole food, including peels.
Gerber says
You really need to look into a VitaMix. The whole fruit/veggie is pulverized into a 'whole food' drink. Super simple clean up, no pulp. It can make drinks, soups, frozen fruit "ice cream", etc.
I have been using mine for almost 20 years.
gn'Arly says
http://www.nutribullet.com/site/index?gclid=CLKE-4ncj7gCFe1AMgodrQYA1A
Connie Trowbridge says
It's really a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong method. The author is merely explaining why SHE chooses not to juice, not why YOU should choose not to juice. She is just giving her preference and why she has chosen this preference, just like I am about to give you mine...
When I was diagnosed with a less then ideal health crisis, I immediately turned my attention to research on how I could help my body heal. Enter juicing. I juiced every day, 7 days a week for a year. I did this because all my research had shown that juicing is an excellent way of flooding your body with an abundance of nutrients. As someone who didn't use to favor greens, this was a great way to consume mega doses of vegetables and greens. I did it daily for my health. To boost my immune system. Did I FEEL any different? No. Nada. But that's not to say I didn't benefit from it all. Of course daily green juices is wonderful for your body, I just happened to be someone who didn't experience a boost or outward effect from it. I am still more than happy to experience an internal boost.
Fast forward to today, I no longer juice on a daily basis. I've cut back to once or twice a week. I've cut back for several reasons. One of them being the same as the author of this post - Organic juicing is expensive. My grocery budget went up by $200-$250 a month. Secondly, it was time consuming. I own a breville juicer, and to me, (maybe not to you, again this is MY opinion and MY experience) it's a pain in the ass to wash that juicer, every day. I am more content doing it on a once or twice a week basis. Lastly, again in agreement with the author, juicing was more of a snack or pre snack if you will. It went right through me. There was no 'oomph" to juicing, even though I packed my juices. I was always hungry an hour or so later.
To this day I green juice one or twice a week, and make green smoothies about the same. I may not flood my system with as many nutrients as I once did, but you know what, I'm okay with that. Juicing was a compliment to my overall healthy eating, not the ONLY healthy eating habit.
Maybe juicing is perfect for you, your must-have-daily-non-negotiable-habit. Maybe you rather eat 2 pounds of lettuce than juice on a regular basis, maybe smoothies are your calling. Whatever floats your boat, you're entitled to your opinion. Juicing, smoothies, there is no right or wrong choice. Choose whatever methods agrees best for yourself, whichever one makes you feel the best - that is the correct choice.
Sally Anne says
Another great post. I agree 100% with you about not juicing. x
Sherra says
Yes, I prefer smoothies usually as well because of the added protein. I last much longer without cravings if I have protein and yogurt offers that. Of course when I have a swee craving a fruit based smoothie can fit the bill nicely versus an unhealthy snack.
Melissa Zoske says
I have felt the same thing. The whole food is best for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Alison Bowling says
There is nothing wrong with juicing if you practice moderation. Personally I juice every now and then depending on what I have in the refrigerator, time and also how my menu has looked for the week thus far. It's great for a quick meal after gym but I will usually find myself snacking on something before dinner. This is okay if you are prepared with a nutritional, light snack to fill the gap.
Samantha says
I really hope that ppl do some of their own research about Juicing. This article is an uneducated personal opinion.
Lily says
When you juice you push clean produce through the chute of a juicer. This process removes the insoluble fiber (but the soluble fiber remains in the juice). Important micronutrients typically more difficult to absorb become accessible to the human body. These nutrients include digestive enzymes and certain phytonutrients. Also, by creating an all liquid product, the body and consume more of these phytonutrients at once.
Amber says
I prefer my green smoothies, for all the reasons you stated in your post. However, I do love a good green juice too, from time to time! I just like to drink juice occasionally (seems a totally different drink to me than a smoothie), and so I figure a fresh, homemade vegetable juice is probably a much better choice than drinking some bottled fruit juice.
So, for me, it's a treat from time to time. And I figure that's a pretty healthful treat for me to choose....so makes me feel good in more ways than one!
Marie says
VitaMix! "Juices" it (i.e. blends it all up finely) - but uses everything. And easy to clean.
michelle says
that was going to be my comment exactly!!! not only does it make juice you can use this appliance for almost all of your food prepping needs....its not another 1 use appliance.....i can sing the vitamix praises all day