-HEART HEALTH TK

Sweetpotato protein truffles

November NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH

TALKING POINTS y November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management. Diabetes and heart health are closely linked, as individuals with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease. Managing blood sugar levels is crucial, and incorporating heart-healthy habits like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help. Sweetpotatoes are a blood sugar-friendly option, especially when paired with foods containing protein and/or heart-healthy fats, as they help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide lasting energy. y Try these tips for a heart-healthy Thanksgiving celebration: Incorporate some physical activity into your day, such as a family walk, participating in a turkey trot, or playing outdoor games. Offer to bring a veggie-filled side dish to share or encourage guests to bring healthy options too. Keep healthy snacks on hand to munch on before the meal, like veggie sticks or nuts. Remember to enjoy your meal mindfully and savor each bite! Don’t forget to send your guests home with leftovers to enjoy later. y After Thanksgiving, keeping your leftovers safe and tasty is key! Remember to refrigerate leftovers promptly within two hours of cooking to keep them fresh. Store them in shallow containers for quick cooling and easy reheating. Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving feast for days to come, but be sure to use up leftovers within 3-4 days or freeze them for later enjoyment. Make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers with these heart-healthy tips: y Choose lighter options like turkey breast without the skin. y Load up on leftover veggies for fiber and nutrients. y Use fiber-rich whole wheat bread for wraps or sandwiches. y Incorporate leftover sweetpotatoes into soups or salads for a nutrient boost. y Remember portion control and enjoy your leftovers in moderation to maintain heart health even after the holiday feast!

SOCIAL POSTS Looking for a delicious appetizer for holiday entertaining? Try our Sweetpotato Rounds with Vegan Ricotta and Toasted Walnuts! Perfectly savory, creamy, and oh-so-tasty, they’ll be a hit at any gathering! Planning your Thanksgiving menu? Add some flavor with this Hot Honey Sweetpotato Salad recipe! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also filled with nutrients that are great for heart health. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and a little kick of spice, making it a delicious side dish for your holiday feast. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests! #ThanksgivingMenu #HolidayRecipes #Appetizer #ncsweetpotatoes NEWSLETTER COPY Ah, the holidays are here! Filled with delicious foods and festivities, it’s easy to put our health goals on the back burner during this busy time. With heavier foods, travel, and hectic schedules, it’s important to find balance. Remember to prioritize your health by incorporating nutritious options, staying active when you can, and practicing mindful eating. Don’t forget to take some time for self-care amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. Sweet potatoes can play a role in helping you bring a tasty, but heart-healthy side to Thanksgiving festivities. Here are our top tips for building a balanced Thanksgiving plate: 1. Fill half your plate with colorful non-starchy veggies, like roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or salad 2. Fill a quarter of your plate with complex carbs like sweetpotatoes, whole wheat bread or brown rice. 3. Opt for lean protein options like turkey breast, and limit heavy gravies or creamy sauces. 4. Enjoy your favorite holiday treats in moderation and savor each bite mindfully. Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweetpotato peeled and cut into quarters • 1 ½ cups almond meal • 12 Medjool dates pitted and soaked in lukewarm water for 5 minutes • 1 Tbsp cinnamon • 1 tsp honey • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ¼ cup unsalted almond butter or nut butter of your choice

• ¼ cup sunflower butter or nut butter of your choice • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes for coating (optional) • ¼ cup cocoa powder for coating (optional) • ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips melted for coating (optional)

Directions 1. Boil sweetpotato in a small pot until very fork tender, nearing overly soft. Place aside to dry on a paper towel or kitchen towel lined surface. 2. Add sweetpotato, almond meal, soaked dates, cinnamon, honey, vanilla extract, almond butter, and sunflower butter to food processor (or blender if you don’t have a food processor). Pulse to combine, and then mix until finely chopped and combined. A sticky batter will form. Transfer mixture into a bowl coated with coconut oil spray. Place in freezer to harden for 30 minutes. 3. Remove batter from freezer. Use an ice cream, scooper to form tablespoon sized balls and place in cupcake liners assembled on a sheet pan. Return to freezer overnight to firm before coating. 4. Remove from freezer. Roll as desired in coconut flakes, cacao powder, or dip in melted dark chocolate, returning to cupcake liners. Place in freezer to set for 30 minutes. Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. TEACHING TOOLS For ideas on how to incorporate sweetpotates into your fall meals and snacks check out our Teaching Tool Download “5 Ways Sweetpotatoes Pair Perfectly with Football.”

24

25