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"IN THE KITCHEN" | with Health + Wellness Enthusiast Jes Looney

Hey! Welcome to my kitchen, one of my favorite places to be. My name is Jes and I learned early in life that food can be medicine. When I was in my early 20s, I was diagnosed with what is now known as Serrated Polyposis Syndrome, which means my body was growing pre-cancerous polyps at an incredible rate. At the time, the doctors told me there was nothing I could do and I would have colon cancer before I was 40. I was not okay with that and the news send me on a researching journey that has never stopped. I am thankful to say I have cured the growth of my polyps, as well as healed from traumatic birth experiences, adrenal fatigue and much more with the power of whole foods.

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When I think of eating healthy, I don’t think of limitations or diet (although I used to, and it was so damaging). I think of the wonder of plants and foods I get to eat and try. It’s a fun challenge for me to see how many vegetables or superfoods I can eat in one meal. I love to create recipes my family loves using as many plant-based and local sources as possible. Since I know how much nutrition can heal and sustain the body, I love to encourage and empower others to do the same.

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So today, I am giving you a 2 for 1 meal idea for some easy yet super nutritious and tasty dinner ideas for you, your family, or guests. If you know me, I am not a recipe person, I hardly ever use one or follow the ones I do have. I guess I am a kitchen rebel, so it was tricky for me to write these down because I do different things every time ;)

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Let’s start with the chicken, the easy and delicious Verde Chicken I make and use in multiple recipes throughout the week (your 2 for 1 ) is simply dump these ingredients in a crock pot in the morning:

-1-2 pounds of chicken

-2/3 of a 15 oz jar of salsa verde (can be mild or medium; you’ll save the other 1/3 for the end)

- ¼ - ½ cup of local raw honey, couple shakes of garlic salt and paprika seasonings.

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Then set on low for 6-8 hours. When the chicken shreds easily with a fork, add the remaining salsa verde. I like using a lot of salsa, so sometimes I even do 1 ½ jars :) You can use the chicken in tacos, on salads, by itself with Mexican coleslaw and beans - SO many options!

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This time we made lettuce wraps and they continue to be a fan favorite! Food, it’s an experience. This recipe is great because it allows others to explore textures and tastes of food and experience the differences. When one has a mind-body connection to their food, they enjoy it more.

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Now for one of the recipes you can use the Verde Chicken with…

Lettuce Wraps (family of 5)

2 Pounds of Verde Chicken

Lettuce Wraps (Refrigerated section at Fresh Market or 2 stalks of Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce)

1 Onion, sliced long and thin

1 Organic Green Pepper, diced

1 carton of Shiitake Mushrooms

1-2 Cloves of Garlic

Bragg Liquid Aminos* (or soy sauce)

Olive Oil

One bunch of Cilantro, chopped

1-2 Avocados for toppings (optional)

1 Lime

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1. After cutting the onion in long slices, dicing the green pepper and mincing the garlic, combine them all in a large pan and sauté with olive oil. Then move to a bowl.

2. In the pan, sauté the mushrooms. When the mushrooms are done, add the chicken. Also add a circle or two of Liquid Aminos around the pan.

3. Add the onion, peppers and garlic medley back into the pan. Add some more Liquid Aminos if you want to.

4. Turn off the heat, and add the cilantro and the juice of ½ a lime.

5. Open each lettuce wrap, and then add some chicken mixture into each one.

6. Top with avocado

7. Serve with Mexican coleslaw (pictured), black beans, Mexican rice or chips and salsa Ole

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*Why Liquid Aminos? It’s a non-GMO liquid protein concentrate that looks and tastes like soy

sauce. It contains amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They are naturally

gluten free and preservative free as well. You can pick up Liquid Aminos at Walmart or many

natural foods grocers. Typically, we try to limit soy for health reasons, especially GMO soy

because of its potential toxic compounds.

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I hope you enjoyed this recipe! You can follow along with me on Instagram at @nourishinglifebyjes with a focus on HEART, MIND, BODY + SOUL.

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ABOUT | Jes

Jes is a health and wellness enthusiast here in NWA. She loves creating ( and eating) clean recipes. Jes is also a BARRE instructor and Mom of 3. See another blog spot here, with Jes Looney. https://brittneyboatman.com/trustfallsandhighkicks/ycm9n6e975rwwbfy6jwgpscpf4xy6e

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