Juicer vs Blender?  Sometimes we get stuck on technicalities.  My client was surprised (and relieved!) to hear that yes, you can use a blender to make green juice.  The more high-powered blenders — like a Vitamix — will give you a smoother texture but if you don’t have one, a good ol’ Osterizer will do just fine.   Just make sure you cut up the celery into small enough pieces so you don’t burn out the motor…or use a food processor first, then blend.

The idea behind juicing is that you give your digestion a break while getting a load of nutrients.  It doesn’t matter if the vegetables are blended or juiced.  Either way the vegetables are broken down so that it becomes easier for your body to absorb the vitamins and minerals.  It’s sort of like the food has been pre-chewed and so your body has to work less.  A juicer may keep more enzymes in tact or allow for less oxidation but not having a juicer shouldn’t stop you from benefiting from juicing.

A juicer separates the pulp from the juice.  A blender doesn’t.  If you want, you could strain the juice…but I say a little vegetable fiber could do everyone a bit of good so why not keep it in there.  And even though it is a liquid, you should chew while you are drinking.  Sounds goofy, I know, but chewing stimulates the release of saliva (enzymes), which is an important part of the digestive process.

You don’t have to be on a juice fast or cleanse to drink green juice.  You can have it as a snack, drink it with your meal or occasionally have it as a meal.  It’s a great option for dinner on those days when you come home late or had a big or late lunch.  Eating late at night keeps your body busy with the digestive functions during the night.  Nighttime is when the body should be focused on repair and maintenance.

Remember it doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple at first and then experiment a little. Here is a recipe that will take less than 5 minutes to prepare and uses only 5 ingredients + water.

Basic Green Juice Recipe

1 celery stalk

½ large cucumber

2 – 3 leaves (or 5-7 kale stems*)

1/8 inch of fresh ginger (or to taste)

juice of ½  small lemon (or to taste)

1 – 1.5 cups of water

Add all ingredients to blender.  Blend.  And viola!  You’ve got green juice.

*Eating Healthy on a Budget Tip:  When you are preparing (destemming) your kale, keep the stems.  Store them in the fridge for a day or two until you are ready to use them.  Throw stems in your green juice or any smoothie for an added boost.