The dynamic duo, Wendy Lopez MS, RD, CDE and Jessica Jones MS, RD, CDE (no relation I think) of Food Heaven Made Easy are the final dietitians I’m highlighting for National Nutrition Month AND Women History Month. I reached out to four registered dietitians nutritionists (Andrea Postell, Marisa Moore, Basheerah Enahora, and Wendy & Jessica) passionate about making a difference in their communities, from coast to coast, and all over the world. I asked them to answer 5 nutrition-related questions and to share at least one of their favorite recipes. Yum!
I’m thrilled to feature Wendy and Jessica of Food Heaven Made Easy, an online platform for nutritious living. These lovely ladies are best friends who love to eat, cook and nerd out about anything nutrition related (and in that order). Food Heaven Made Easy started in 2011 and has grown into a megabrand with YouTube videos, cookbooks: 28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot and A Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, hot looking merchandise, meal plans, a Food and Healthy Living Podcast, and much more. Whew!
Here’s a little bit more about Wendy and Jessica….
1.) Why did you become a registered dietitian nutritionist?
Wendy:
My interest in nutrition grew out of personal experiences seeing close ones dealing with chronic conditions. Many close relatives were diagnosed with heart-related conditions, diabetes, and hypertension, and I saw the impact these conditions were having on their quality of life. In college, I also started having health complications and became very concerned. After consulting with different specialists, I was left feeling even more confused and helpless. I decided to take a more active role in my health, and this began with food. Although I didn’t have a thorough understanding of nutrition, I understood the concept of food as it relates to health. I started experimenting in the kitchen, eating less processed foods, adding in more plant-based foods, and within months, my symptoms had drastically improved. Realizing the power of food was a driving force behind my motivation to become a registered dietitian.
2.) If you could be any food what would you be and why?
Jess: I would be an avocado (cliche, huh?) because I could be paired with any meal, can be incorporated into desserts, and can be enjoyed all on my own.
3.) Must have kitchen tools
Jess: Vitamix, garlic press, and electric grill
4.) Favorite meal as a child and favorite meal as an adult
Wendy: Favorite meal as a child: Mashed potatoes w/ fried eggs
Favorite meal as an adult: Mac and cheese! (with a side of greens hahaha)
Yummy! Mac & Cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods too.
5.) The best thing about being a registered dietitian nutritionist?
Wendy: My favorite part about being a dietitian is that I get to engage people in meaningful conversation about one of my favorite topics…food! I love hearing about people’s experiences with food. It’s such an honor to facilitate these conversations in a way that honors their culture, preferences, and health.
Here’s a favorite plant-based recipe Wendy and Jessica shared for you to prepare:
https://foodheavenmadeeasy.com/turmeric-vegetable-fried-rice/
Connect with Wendy and Jessica
