A common question to get asked is what is the difference?

A smoothie involves blending pieces of fruit and vegetables together with a base such as water, fruit juice, milk or yoghurt. The consistency can be watery or thick depending on the ingredients chosen.

The whole food is used (minus the pips and skin of some ingredients). This retains all the nutrients and because they are often made of protein sources, they can be energy rich and used as a meal replacement or a nutrient and antioxidant boost.

Juicing is the process of extracting the liquid content of whole foods through a juicing machine. The pulp left behind is indigestible material such as the skin, seeds and pith (containing fiber among other nutrients), which is then discarded. For this reason juices are lower in fiber and protein. However a 150ml portion can still contribute towards 1 of your 5 a day and can also provide a valuable source of vitamins and antioxidants. Compared to a smoothie, juices are more likely to raise your blood glucose levels rapidly and may leave you feeling hungry soon afterwards due to the lack of fiber and protein.

Try pairing your smoothie with a small handful of nuts or seeds to keep you more satisfied.