Dietician Lisa Jones says more and more clients are asking about juicing.
"It's becoming all the rage," she said.
Sharon Spillman started making juices and smoothies 3 years ago after her eating habits went haywire.
"I was always on the go, and - especially for breakfast - I would just grab something as I walked out the door. I wasn't eating anything healthy," Sharon said.
Now, her blender is whirring every morning with healthy ingredients.
"The best shake ever comes from kiwi, add some strawberries," Sharon said. "My husband really loves kale."
Another favorite smells and tastes like apple pie.
It might sound like you can put anything into a blender or juicer, but Jones says there are nutritional musts.
"The rule of thumb is generally having more vegetables than fruit, because you don't want all that sugar - that can add up," Jones said.
For example, a cup of vegetables is about 25 calories - but a similar serving of fruit can be 65 calories or more.
And don't forget two key elements to keep hunger at bay: Protein and fiber.
"Protein stabilizes your blood sugar levels," Jones said. "Fiber helps keep you full longer."
For protein, she suggests yogurt, peanut butter, or protein powder.
Flax and other seeds provide fiber, as well as an antioxidant boost.
Jones says using a blender rather than a juice extractor will also keep the fiber.
Sharon credits her blender breakfasts for bringing her weight down and energy up.
"I just have tons of energy, and am doing things I never thought I'd be doing, like riding a bike for 8 miles," said Sharon.
Jones and other dietitians we spoke with recommend trying to eat the vegetables and fruit first, before going the juice or smoothie route.
They believe it's safe for kids, too, as long as it's a supplement, not a replacement for meals.
