 Question:
I recently asked some friends what juicer they recommended, a couple friends recommended a Vitamix instead. What is the difference between blending and juicing? I am so confused because I often hear about the benefits of juicing. Another friend also mentioned that juice has too much sugar and I know sugar is directly linked to excess belly fat. So what's the deal? Should I get a juicer or a blender? Answer: You are right, there is so much confusion and misinformation surrounding this topic. Juicing is incredibly beneficial if you focus on non-sweet vegetable juices. Please note when we are talking about the benefits of juice we are referring to unpasteurized fresh juices. When we juice we are removing the fibre. Of course fibre is very important and we need to be eating enough every day, however, the benefit of juice is that there is no fibre getting in the way of absorbing the nutrients in the vegetables, so you get an instant infusion of nutrition that you just can't get from smoothies. Digestion uses up a lot of energy, this is the reason we can often feel so tired after eating a big heavy meal. So another benefit of non-sweet vegetable juice is that it requires minimal digestion - minimal digestion means minimal energy expenditure. Less energy spent on digestion means more is left over for other bodily functions like healing and repair. Here are some key points to consider:
Sweeter fruit juices - limit to occasional treat or avoid completely if you are trying to lose belly fat, are inactive, already consume too much sugar, or have diabetes. There is a place for both smoothies and juices in a healthy diet, each with their own unique benefits. Smoothies require a little bit more digestion and a slower absorption of nutrients, but you have the freedom to add in some fruit. While juices allow for instant absorption and a much needed break for your digestive system. If you still have more questions or would like to learn how to best utilize blending and juicing for your specific health goals please feel free to book a complimentary 15min Discovery Call to find out more.
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 Coconut Macaccino Smoothie 2 cups coconut water (approx. one coconut) 1/2 cup coconut meat (fresh or frozen) 3 tbsp Organic Traditions Macaccino Powder (blend of cacao, maca, vanilla, coconut sugar) 2-4 dates, pitted and soaked for at least 20mins (can add soak water to smoothie) - adjust depending on the sweetness you prefer Open young coconut, pour water into blender, and then scoop out and rinse the coconut meat. Add rinsed coconut meat to blender and add remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth. Garnish with strawberry or orange slice.  Last week I was the guest speaker for the screening of 'That Sugar Film' for the White Rock Social Justice Film Society. We had a great turn-out and it was amazing getting to answer everyone's questions after the movie. It is quite inspiring to know that this type of movie can cause such a ripple-effect of positive change. Each and every person that was at the screening will now inspire and educate their friends and family about the consequences of too much sugar in the diet and hopefully that message will keep spreading! As a nutritionist, the negative health effects of sugar is not new information, however, there is something so powerful about seeing the effects instead of just hearing about them, which is why I think this documentary is so essential for bringing this message to the general public in such an effective and entertaining way. This film documents the mental, emotional, and physical consequences of consuming the average daily intake of sugar - coming from hidden sources like sauces and cereal and 'healthy' snack bars and drinks. "THAT SUGAR FILM is one man’s journey to discover the bitter truth about sugar. Damon Gameau embarks on a unique experiment to document the effects of a high sugar diet on a healthy body, consuming only foods that are commonly perceived as ‘healthy’. Through this entertaining and informative journey, Damon highlights some of the issues that plague the sugar industry, and where sugar lurks on supermarket shelves. THAT SUGAR FILM will forever change the way you think about ‘healthy’ food." If you want to find out how you can benefit from eating less sugar and refined carbohydrates book your complimentary 15-min Discovery Call and we can discuss the best way for you to transition to less sugar, what healthy swaps are available, and what type of service will provide you with the most support. |
AuthorShawna Barker BSc., RHN is a nutritionist, college instructor, and raw food educator. Archives
June 2018
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