Blending vs Juicing: What's the difference and which is better?
Blending is using a blender (obviously!) and the end result is a smoothie... You're getting the whole product and all of the fiber that's in the product. You use a lot less product with blending vs juicing. Blending, your more likely to stay full from your smoothie, again because of the fiber that is in tact. Your digestive system doesn't work as hard as when you actually 'eat' food, so it's sort of a break in absorbing nutrients and minerals.
Juicing is using a juicer... You use a lot more product and get only the juice from it. All of the fiber is striped, yet all of the juice is what's left. Juicing can be beneficial to give your digestive system a break. If you're like most people, your digestive system works overtime all the time with all of the stuff you put in your body. When you juice, the nutrients are absorbed right away, with very little work to be done by your digestive system.
I personally don't juice... why? Because I don't own a juicer! Maybe one day, when I have a bigger kitchen and make more money, I will get one! This is the only reason why I'm partial to green smoothies :)
Juicing is using a juicer... You use a lot more product and get only the juice from it. All of the fiber is striped, yet all of the juice is what's left. Juicing can be beneficial to give your digestive system a break. If you're like most people, your digestive system works overtime all the time with all of the stuff you put in your body. When you juice, the nutrients are absorbed right away, with very little work to be done by your digestive system.
I personally don't juice... why? Because I don't own a juicer! Maybe one day, when I have a bigger kitchen and make more money, I will get one! This is the only reason why I'm partial to green smoothies :)
Can juicing or blending ever be BAD for you?
Yes, of course! How? If you use too much fruit, it can certainly be bad because of the fructose (natural sugar in fruit). Too much of anything can be bad. I recommend only using at most 1 banana and/or 1-2 cups of another fruit to simply make your smoothie a little sweet.
What products do you recommend and/or use?
Thinkbaby Thinkster Straw Bottle, 9 Ounce, Natural/Orange
- the perfect first 'smoothie' cup for your baby/toddler!
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New Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake, French Vanilla, Large Tub, 29.2 Ounce
If you're pressed for time or ingredients, get this and just add greens (or none if you don't have them!)
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What is a Health Coach?
A Health Coach is a mentor who helps people make healthy lifestyle choices and achieve personal wellness goals. Whether the desired outcome is weight loss, boosted energy levels, or improved digestion, the Health Coach focuses on the individual needs of each client.
Are you taking clients for Health Coaching?
At this time, I am not taking on any new clients for health coaching. I have 2 baby boys and a husband to take care of :) As well as take care of myself! That is why I started this site... To help people and inspire them over a wide range, on my terms, in place of having to do it individually. When I do have the time to begin coaching again, you will be the first to know!
Organic vs Conventional vs Local... What's the difference?
Organic, in food terms, simply means that it's produced without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and as closest to it's origin as nature intended.
Conventional, in food terms, means that it can be produced with synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, etc. The further the product travels to your grocery store shelf, the more chemicals are used to preserve it's freshness. (i.e.: from Ecuador to your grocery store in Philadelphia).
Local, simply means that the product you are buying has been made in your local are. It hasn't travelled long distances to come to your store shelf or farmer's market. It's typically more fresh because it's seasonal. Also it typically does not use nearly as many chemicals (if any) that conventional produce uses because it's not traveling so far to preserve it's freshness.
Conventional, in food terms, means that it can be produced with synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, etc. The further the product travels to your grocery store shelf, the more chemicals are used to preserve it's freshness. (i.e.: from Ecuador to your grocery store in Philadelphia).
Local, simply means that the product you are buying has been made in your local are. It hasn't travelled long distances to come to your store shelf or farmer's market. It's typically more fresh because it's seasonal. Also it typically does not use nearly as many chemicals (if any) that conventional produce uses because it's not traveling so far to preserve it's freshness.
When to buy Organic vs when to buy Conventional:
I buy organic whenever possible, and when my budget allows. There are certain items that I feel you don't have to buy organic, and it's because they have a skin that you can peel and you're not actually eating. For example, these items I don't buy organic: Bananas, Avocados, Pineapple
Here are the most pesticide ridden products and you should buy these organic whenever possible (AKA the Dirty Dozen):
Apples, Strawberries, Grapes, Celery, Peaches, Spinach, Bell Peppers, Imported Nectarines, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Hot peppers, Kale, Collards, Summer Squash
The least pesticide ridden products (AKA the Clean 15): Non GMO Corn, Onions, Pineapples, Avocados, Cabbage, Peas, Papayas, Mangos, Asparagus, Eggplant, Kiwi, Grapefruit, Cantaloupe, Sweet potatoes, Mushrooms
Here are the most pesticide ridden products and you should buy these organic whenever possible (AKA the Dirty Dozen):
Apples, Strawberries, Grapes, Celery, Peaches, Spinach, Bell Peppers, Imported Nectarines, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Hot peppers, Kale, Collards, Summer Squash
The least pesticide ridden products (AKA the Clean 15): Non GMO Corn, Onions, Pineapples, Avocados, Cabbage, Peas, Papayas, Mangos, Asparagus, Eggplant, Kiwi, Grapefruit, Cantaloupe, Sweet potatoes, Mushrooms