Question about V8
 

I was wondering if V* juice can be drank in place of eating veggies. I do like vegetables and fruit, however I seem to struggle to even come close to the daily recommended intake. I have began drinking one glass of V8 fusion for breakfast and one glass of low-sodium V8 juice with lunch. I don't mind drinking it but I am wondering if it is really that beneficial. can I count it as acutal servings of veggies and fruit?

Yes ... and no. It is made out of real vegetables, and it does bring along some of those benefits, but it's not the same thing. Real veggies are just going to pack more of a punch: more nutrients, phytochemicals, and fiber that just won't make it into the "juice".

Personally, I don't eat a lot of veggies. I just don't. I should, but after four decades of not eating them, I don't think I'm suddenly going to think, "Wow! Look what I've been missing!" But I do drink V8. I'm not fooling myself that I'm eating vegetables. But it's better than nothing. And it's certainly better than a big ol' glass of orange juice.

I never struggle to reach my veggie quota, I have fruit on my breakfast cereal, fruit mid morning, salad or veggies at lunch with another piece of fruit and loads of steamed or roasted veggies with my evening meal. I would be hungry if I didn't eat them and don't think a juice would have the same impact for me.

v-eight
 

I am the same way about veggies sometimes. I have a V8 every morning at b-fast to help jumpstart my veggie intake, then eat regular veggies in the day. I love the green giant single serve packages and use them for my morning snack to boost my veggie intake-they're lightly seasoned & a full serving. V8 counts as a serving, but there's not the same fiber content (although they so make a high fiber variety now.) You could consider getting a juicer & making your own, but look for one that keeps the pulp, rather than just an extractor.

I drink a v8 every day. I think using any kind of juice to substitute for ONE serving is fine. But you cannot replace the value of veggies and fruits in your overall diet with juices. Thre are too many things that get lost when you juice a fruit - most of the fiber, some of the vitamins, etc.

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Thanks for the advice. I am going to try and get more veggies into my meals and stick with drinking the V8 too

I'd probably drink and extra glass of water, too, b/c V8 has pretty high sodium (unless you are drinking the low sodium version).

BettyBooty's right: if you're worried about sodium, the high octane version of V8 is not for you. (Even if that is what makes it taste so good. :) )

If drinking your fruits and veggies is easier for you, blend or juice your veggies and take them with you. I've been having fruit shakes everyday for a few weeks and it really helps me get my daily servings in (1/4 c blueberries, 1 c strawberries, and a cup of v8 fusion). After I've blended it I put in a nalgene and take it to work (refrigerate). Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I dont think I'm losing very much, if any, nutrients. You could juice some carrots and other veggies and do the same, but I think some nutrients are lost. And, unless already have a juicer, they're pretty expensive.