Organic Chicken Livers

My foray into the Wahls' Protocol thus far has been a trial and error learning experience. I've found that the Wahls' principles are best employed, for my system, with some caveats. I wasn't made to eat meat every day, though I do benefit from very high quality animal proteins on a regular basis, but only if they are organic. Non-organic animal protein palpably makes me feel worse. I mostly crave liver and fish, so that's the animal protein I eat. Dark leafy greens are once again the mainstay of my healthy diet. I feel that alternating animal protein vs. vegetable meals leaves enough room for the consumption of a sufficient amount of greens. With too much meat, I can't get enough greens because the system becomes so heavy.

Organic chicken livers aren't easy to find in my area. I've only seen them at Whole Foods -- once. They are featured in this photo. This dish, loosely based upon Dr. Wahls' recipe, was the most delicious liver I've had. I didn't use bacon, since my cholesterol, historically very low, has risen dramatically since I started eating meat. I did use onions, mushrooms and a little balsamic vinegar, and finished it all off with a bright splash of fresh lemon juice.  Mmmm -- I hope Whole Foods can find me some more organic livers.

Yoda's Swampy Chocolate Smoothie

Despite Dr. Wahl's warning against juicing, it's always made me feel so much better, so I continue to juice. But now mindful of the warned glycemic spike, I make an effort to take my time while consuming juice, and have also added smoothies (approved by Dr. Wahls) as an occasional alternative.

This swampy, chocolatey delight really provides a wallop of a wakeup in the morning, and is chewy enough to push all my supplements down the gullet choke-free. This smoothie is the perfect vehicle for 7 of the 9 required cups of fruits and veggies Dr. Wahls prescribes per day. Here's the recipe:

Yoda's Swampy Chocolate Smoothie

• 6 cups raw greens of your choice, tightly packed in the Vitamix:  spinach is delish in this, but I've also enjoyed romaine
• 1 cup frozen berries of your choice -- I like blueberries
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 Tbsp. Raw Organic Cacao powder
• 1 Tbsp. Organic Hemp Protein powder
• enough coconut water to get everything moving (I used 1 cup chocolate coconut water)
• a drizzle of organic, local honey if you like, or molasses or real maple syrup -- be careful not to add too much: you just want a complement, not a dominant flavor

Grind it all up until smooth. You may find a couple of ice cubes at the end will enhance the texture. I've sometimes enjoyed this basic smoothie formula with a dollop of almond butter and/or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Even a pinch of sea salt might be nice with the chocolate. 

This makes more than a glassful, so you can share some or put a bonus lidded bottle-full in the fridge for a late-morning pick-me-up. Smoothie mornings are great for getting right to work. Doesn't my smoothie look exactly like something Yoda would have scooped out of his swamp for you? This glassful isn't pretty, but healthy and productive, it will make you. Listen to Yoda.