-HEART HEALTH TK

October FALLING FOR COMFORT FOODS

Maple mustard sweetpotato chicken skewers

NEWSLETTER COPY October brings a trio of celebrations: Halloween, National Dessert Month, and Game Day tailgating. With sweets and comfort foods everywhere, it’s a great time to practice mindfulness in your eating habits. Enjoy your favorite treats, but be mindful of portion sizes and balance them with nutritious options. Incorporating heart-healthy foods like sweetpotatoes can make indulgent dishes more nutritious. For example, try Sweetpotato Protein Truffles for a festive and healthier Halloween treat. On game days, opt for healthy tailgating options like grilled veggie skewers or sweetpotato nachos. By being mindful of what you eat, you can enjoy the season’s delights while maintaining your heart health.

SOCIAL POSTS October is National Dessert Month! Celebrate with these delicious and healthy Sweetpotato Protein Truffles. October is National Dessert Month and Halloween! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a sweet treat every now and then. When indulging in desserts, try to add more “good” to them. These SweetpotatoCheesecake Brownies are perfect for Halloween with their festive orange and black colors, plus you get nutrients from the sweetpotatoes. Remember, everything in moderation! #NationalDessertMonth #HealthyTreats #ncsweetpotatoes

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup • 2 Tbsp mustard • 2 medium sweetpotatoes • 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into large chunks

TALKING POINTS y Enjoy treats in moderation. y Opt for heart-healthy alternatives like our Sweetpotato Protein Truffles . y Pay attention to portion sizes and savor each bite. y Pair desserts with fruits or nuts for added fiber and heart-healthy benefits. y Share with friends to spread the joy and keep portions in check.

• 2 medium bell peppers • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions 1. Whisk together the maple syrup, mustard, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. 2. Mix in sweetpotatoes, chicken and bell pepper pieces and marinate at least 30 minutes. 3. Thread items onto skewers and cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 ⁰ F. (These can be roasted, baked, or grilled.) 4. Serve warm, or at room temperature

y Did you know North Carolina grows more sweetpotatoes than any other state? Harvest begins in August, peaks in October, and is complete by Thanksgiving. NC sweetpotatoes are available 365 days a year! When selecting sweetpotatoes, it’s important that they are firm to the touch and show no signs of decay. For even cooking, choose sweetpotatoes that are uniform in shape. Reasons Sweetpotatoes are a Heart Healthy Choice: y Sweetpotatoes are full of Vitamin A, essential for vision, bone development, and immune function. Pairing sweetpotatoes with foods containing heart-healthy fats, like nuts, olive oil or avocado, enhances the absorption of Vitamin A. y Sweetpotatoes are a good source of fiber, promoting feelings of fullness and aiding digestion. Diets rich in fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. y Sweetpotatoes are a good source of potassium, which, when part of a low-sodium diet, may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. y Sweetpotatoes contain complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of energy that helps prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. y Sweetpotatoes offer a variety of nutrients and are relatively low in calories.

TEACHING TOOLS For ideas on how to incorporate sweetpotates into your meals check out our Teaching Tool Download “Mix and Match Heart Healthy Meal Builder.”

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