When it comes to juicing or smoothies it's not an either or proposition. Each type of drink has its place depending on the benefits you seek. If you're new to raw foods or even just trying to eat more fresh, organic goodness you're bound to encounter the Juice vs. Smoothie debate. Both methods of preparation are sure to take your mind body spirit to its highest level of functioning, especially if you consume them consistently and choose ingredients for their specific health and energetic or spiritual properties.

Juicing

Juicing removes most or all of the fiber from the plants while retaining the minerals and other nutrients in the juicy life force. This makes juicing especially beneficial for those seeking to give their digestive systems a break for a fast (or as many prefer to call it a "juice feast") or to direct the body's energy into healing, as digestion is the largest consumer of the body's energy.

Juicing is a great option first thing in the morning for those who have little appetite for breakfast or to get a light-weight boost before exercise. There are myriad juicers on the market and certainly some of the most expensive are the best. I've got my eye on a Breville or Champion but for now the little no-name juicer given to me by a dear friend who had a few too many juicers on her hands works just great for me.

Most raw food or detox books contain juice recipes and it's great fun to experiment with new blends. My latest favorite juice recipe is zesty, spicy and super energizing:

1 finger length of ginger root

1-2 small lemons

1 orange

4 ribs of celery

1/2-1 cucumber

1 pear

BIG handful of parsley leaves

BIG handful of kale leaves

BIG handful of spinach leaves

I juice everything whole (chopped to fit through the juicer opening), leaving the pith, skins and seeds intact to obtain greater trace minerals and nutrients. Fresh herbs can be juiced in for medicinal and spiritual purposes. I also sometimes stir in a few grams of MSM.

Why Juice?

* Gives digestion a break.

* Increases water consumption from food vs. actual H20 which can have dubious origins and additives.

* Provides an invigorating jolt of alkalizing, hydrating nutrition to balance mind body spirit.

Smoothies

Smoothies, in particular green smoothies, are the staple of many raw foodists, vegan athletes, high-functioning business people and others who seek an abundance of easy to assimilate nutrients with minimal chew time required. Smoothies also give your digestive system a break to a certain extent while still providing the full fiber content of each fruit, vegetable, nut or seed included. By blending the foods before consuming them your body doesn't have to spend it's precious energy breaking them all down and the energy you save on digestion can be channeled into other pursuits.

Some days I juice, some days I make smoothies. Some days I do both. It really depends on what my mind body spirit tells me is needed at the time. Because I'm in the process of healing an inflammatory condition I frequently choose juicing but smoothies are a wonderful way to incorporate healing superfoods that are otherwise a bit awkward to eat (think powdery spirulina, tiny hemp seeds and masses of greens).

Why Smoothies?

* Easier on digestion than whole foods, especially those that are cooked.

* Increase fiber and water consumption.

* Pack in superfoods and medicinal herbs for enhanced performance, healing and happiness.

* Allows you to consume extra large quantities of alkalizing greens in a single meal.

Whether you are drawn to raw foods for the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual benefits - and who isn't up for all four? incorporating fresh juices and smoothies into your diet will increase your energy on all levels. Here's my latest favorite smoothie - combine all ingredients in a blender and whip it up:

Coconut water or chilled herbal/medicinal tea

Ginger - fresh root or dried powder to taste

2-3 tbs hemp seeds