Dr. Calica's Apple-Parsley Refresher

This clean, refreshing, fiber-rich smoothie is actually the texture of juice, making it easy to guzzle without compromising gut health, brain health, or blood sugar.

While I usually prescribe this as morning #culinarymedicine to those needing an energy drink or more than one coffee just to function, the truth is there are many benefits to consuming this green drink any time of day!

Health benefits include the following:

• high in polyphenols (which fight inflammation)

• stimulates digestive enzymes

• soluble fiber for healthy bowels

• natural, low glycemic sugars

• high in vitamins and minerals

• promotes good bacteria in the gut, and helps kill bad bacteria

• Quercetin (antioxidant), for histamine regulation

• natural electrolytes

It was so refreshing I couldn't stop drinking it! – Renee

Dr. Calica's Green Drink

Ingredients

• 1 head of fresh Organic Curly Leaf Parsley: include stems, but trim the ends

• Handful Fresh Organic Mint Leaves (optional for those who dislike mint)

• 1 whole Organic Granny Smith Green Apple: unpeeled, core removed

• 1 whole Organic Lemon: unpeeled, quartered, seeds removed

• 2 Tablespoons High Quality Olive Oil (look for these varieties that are especially high polyphenols: Leccino, Arbequina, Mission, Coratina, Koroneiki, Moraiolo, Picual)

• Generous pinch of Celtic Sea Salt

• 1 cup ice

Cover all ingredients completely with any single or combination of the following liquids:

• Filtered Water

• Brewed Green Tea, unsweetened

• Brewed Mint Tea, unsweetened

Method

• Combine ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.

• There should be no texture -- it should be the consistency of juice. Adjust amount of liquid as necessary.

• Pour into a beautiful glass and enjoy!

Aim to drink 16oz per day, and more if you like!

What's Wrong With Daily Use of Energy Drinks?

• Caffeine Overload --> heart palpitations, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, adrenal fatigue, caffeine dependance followed by withdrawal, and can cause seizure's

• High Sugar --> causes acidic blood, mood and energy crashes, inflammation, insulin resistance, weight gain, diabetes

• Circadian Rhythm Disruption --> insomnia, restless sleep

• Anxiety, Irritability, Panic, Brain Fog

• Increased diuresis --> dehydration

What's So Great About the Green Drink?

• It's hydrating.

• It's cleansing.

• Start the day with balanced blood sugar, liver function, and digestion. This makes it easier to make healthier decisions throughout the day instead of chasing blood sugar highs and lows, putting you in a position to be proactive rather than reactive.

• Helps regulate mood, preventing highs and lows.

• If you choose the unsweetened green tea for your liquid, you gain a caffeine boost plus natural L-theanine -- a calming amino acid for both mind and body.

• When you're in a hurry it will hold you over until you can eat (so long as you made extra!)

• Will offset sugar cravings if you consume it at night before bed.

• It's so refreshing before, during, or after exercise, replenishing those electrolytes and blood sugar.

Plus, it's Classy ;)

Cheers!