Although juicing sounds appealing, it doesn’t necessarily provide the same benefits as whole foods. Most countertop juicers extract the juices from fruits and vegetables but leave behind the skin and pulp, where most of the performance-enhancing nutrients and fiber are found. What you’re left with is a concentrated source of sugar that contains a large amount of calories in a small volume, which can lead to excess calories and weight gain. And you may not feel as full from drinking liquids as you would from eating whole foods, leading you to consume more.
If you do choose to juice, use a blender so that all of the fiber and nutrients are left in your drink. Or after juicing, add the leftover skin, pulp, and fiber to other foods such as muffins, breads, or pasta sauces so you don’t miss out on their benefits.
Whether you get your fruits and vegetables in a glass or on a plate, make sure you’re getting enough for optimal performance. The MyPlate website has information to help you find how much you need each day of fruits and vegetables.