Juicing and 3 Hour Eating

[Djimpactny]

I'm trying to eat every 3 hours but I'm also juicing. My question is can I consider one serving of juice a meal or do I have to actual have food every 3 hours?

[Djimpactny]

Once again, I really appreciate your advice and quick response. Thank you.

[Barb135]

A protein shake is better than nothing, but from the years of studying I've done, fresh/frozen whole food is always best, because you get everything it has to offer...  vegetables have tons of fiber (also known as complex carbs) that tend to slow digestion which helps keep you feeling fuller for hours longer than a glass of juice or a shake will do.  A salad, 2 cups of steamed fresh veggies, a serving of lean protein (lean beef/pork, fish, chicken, tofu (as long as you don't have thyroid issues), beans, eggs) a serving of whole grain and dairy on the side, with fruit for dessert will satisfy the calorie needs, provide the vitamin/minerals, protein and fiber... what more can you ask?   It's all in the food and you actually get something to chew on... lol

Typically, juices have vitamins/minerals, but provide little else the body needs in the way of fat, fiber or protein.

[Djimpactny]

Thanks for the advice. Would a protein drink be enough to qualify as a meal or does there have to be solid food?

[Barb135]

You could consider a serving of juice "part" of a meal.  It's not enough to constitute an entire meal, because it won't have protein and fat or enough fiber. Juicing gives you a lot of vitamins and minerals, but it removes all the filling fiber that you'd normally get from your fruits and veggies.

You need to have some protein with every meal/snack you eat throughout the day.  Protein should make up at least 30% of your calories.  In addition, you need healthy fats, as well, such as those found in olive oil,  coconut oil, avocadoes, etc.