Whole Juice vs. Juice

Regular Juice:
A regular ole’ juice has been strained of all natural pulp, fiber and skin from the fruit or veggie being used. There are specific times I love to juice: sometimes in the mornings, during a cleansing period (with lots of green juice) or when I am sick. The reason for this is very specific: I am trying to allow my body a break from heavy digestion. And without all the fiber in the produce, your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the food in order to  absorb the nutrients.  

A strained juice is pure juice and while there are still lots of vitamins, minerals and enzymes ready to be absorbed into your body, it is important to note the impact pure juicing can have on your blood sugar levels.  This is why it is absolutely essential to juice with lots of greens and veggies vs. tons of sweet fruits and not to juice too often.

Whole Juice:
A whole juice (or a more liquified smoothie) is juicing the whole fruit or vegetable- including the skin, fiber and pulp - keeping all the goodness in tact. This is still a great option for those who want to avoid heavy digestion because the blending process breaks the fiber apart, making the produce easier to digest. Yet a whole juice provides a slower stream of nutrients and less of a blood sugar spike (as a result of the fiber).  Whole juice is what I prefer to drink more regularly, as it is a powerhouse of nutrition and super filling too. I usually add in some extra super food yum-ness for added benefits and protein to my whole juices including:

• turmeric powder: anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, blood sugar balancing, glow booster
• chia seeds: plant based protein source, anti-inflammatory, supports cholesterol, anti-oxidant powerhouse, omega-3 and magnesium rich, gluten free
• hemp seeds: highly digestible protein (contains all essential amino acids), perfect omega 3:6 ratio, excellent for those with immune deficiency
• spirulina: 70% protein based (contains all essential amino acids), rich in iodine and minerals, energy boosting B vitamins, boost cardiovascular and joint health
• lots of other good stuff I will share with you along the way!

We talk lots about the above super-foods, along with whole juicing and more in my Thyroid Makeover eCourse, but even if you don’t want to join the course – have you joined the free giveaway to win a FREE Blendtec? If you haven’t, it’s time to get on that!

Common FAQs:
Can I combine fruit and veggies?
I am asked often about food combining re: juicing, and personally I feel it is old science. However since the whole purpose of juicing is to improve health and ease digestive output, for some mixing fruits and vegetables together may impair digestibility. So as with everything you need to listen to your body. You should be using mostly veggies in your whole juices/juices anyway, with only a touch of fruit to add sweetness and cut bitterness. 

Do I have to drink my juice immediately?
In a word, yes. If you want the most optimal nutrient value. Raw fruits and vegetables are naturally abundant in live digestive enzymes. The longer any fresh cut produce sits, the more de-natured it becomes. It is not unhealthy, just better to drink it as fresh as possible. All fresh, raw fruits and vegetables provide enzymes: apples and kale are a few of my personal whole juice staples.

Should I drink my juice with food?
In my opinion, it is best to drink your juice on a completely empty stomach. Doing this allows your body to fully absorb all the goodness you just blended up. I personally like to wake up, drink some lemon water first. Then I make a whole juice and wait at least an hour before eating.

Are whole juices as long-term meal replacement?
Nope. In fact, unless you are on a specific detox or guided cleanse with a healthcare practitioner, I don’t recommend ever using juices as a long termmeal replacement. That said, juices can also pack a caloric punch, so its good to be mindful of quantity and intake as to not over consume.