-HEART HEALTH TK

July NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH PICNIC IDEAS FOR SWEETPOTATOES SOCIAL POSTS July is filled with fun events like the 4th, and popsicles are a must! Cool off with these refreshing Piña Colada Sweetpotato Popsicles for a tropical twist on a classic summer treat. July is hot! Hydration is key in the summer, and this Post-Workout Antioxidant Recovery Smoothie is perfect for staying refreshed. Whether you need a post- workout boost, a delicious breakfast or a snack, this smoothie made with beets, mango, and sweetpotatoes has you covered. Beets are especially beneficial for heart health. They can even help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Try it out for a tasty and nutritious pick-me-up! #SummerTreats #Popsicles #Sweetpotatoes #JulyFun #ncsweetpotatoes

Grilled SweetPotato and blueberry salad

TALKING POINTS y July is National Grilling/Picnic Month and is a perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and delicious meals! Sweetpotatoes are a safe choice, as they have a low risk of food-borne illness when properly mixed with other ingredients or even served alone. Once cooked, they can last 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them perfect for leftovers. To keep your picnic safe, pack perishable items in a cooler with plenty of ice packs, separate raw foods from ready-to-eat items, and use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures. Enjoy your summer picnics with these tips! y Staying hydrated is crucial for heart health as it helps maintain proper blood circulation and blood pressure levels. Dehydration can strain the heart and lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. While hydrating, be mindful of beverage choices; sports drinks, often high in sodium and sugar, can counteract the benefits of hydration, especially if you’re watching your blood pressure. Opt for water or infused waters with berries, herbs, or citrus for a refreshing and heart-healthy alternative. y Grilling is a fantastic cooking method for heart health as it allows excess fats to drip away from the food, resulting in lower fat content. By grilling lean meats, fish, and vegetables, you can enjoy delicious meals with reduced saturated fat, cholesterol, and calorie intake. y Additionally, grilling imparts a smoky flavor to foods without the need for excessive oil or butter, making it a heart-friendly option for summer cook outs. Embrace the grill this season for tasty and nutritious meals that support your cardiovascular well-being.

Ingredients

For the Salad • 3 medium sweetpotatoes peeled & sliced • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt/Pepper to taste • 4 Cups Spring salad mix • 1 Cup fresh blueberries • ⅓ Cup chopped walnuts • ¼ Cup bleu cheese crumbles • OPTIONAL: Lemon slices or wedges for garnish

For the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette: • 6 Tablespoons olive oil • ½ Cup lemon juice • 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard • 2½ Tablespoons honey • Salt/Pepper to taste

TEACHING TOOLS How many fruits and vegetables will you incorporate in your diet this month? For a few ideas we suggest downloading these Teaching Tools: • 10 Ways to Eat More Fruits & Vegetables • Heart Healthy Habits • Fruit and Vegetable Portion Guide 2. To arrange the salad, spread the spring salad mix onto a large platter and top with the grilled sweetpotatoes, blueberries, walnuts, and blue cheese crumbles. Top it off with a delicious homemade Lemon Honey Vinaigrette and garnish with fresh lemon wedges. Enjoy! Directions 1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Drizzle the sweetpotatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the sliced sweetpotatoes on the grill and cook on each side for about 5 minutes or until the sweetpotatoes are tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and let cool.

NEWSLETTER COPY July is National Grilling Month, and with the summer heat in full swing, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill. But remember, meat isn’t the only thing you can grill! Sweetpotatoes and other veggies make delicious and nutritious additions to your barbecue. Simply slice them, toss with a little olive oil, and sprinkle them with herbs like rosemary or thyme for flavor without the extra sodium. For an extra kick, try using smoked paprika or a mix of garlic powder and black pepper. Grilling veggies not only enhances their natural sweetness but also keeps your meals light and heart-healthy. Enjoy the summer by adding these tasty, low-sodium options to your grilling repertoire!

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