Sweet Potato Cookies

This recipe is inspired by the Social dimension of wellness.

Social wellness is about relating . It's about attracting and maintaining long-lasting relationships. Further, it involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you by taking the time to listen and learn from others.

“I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love and regretted most of them, but never the potatoes that went with them.” - Nora Ephron

I have certainly gone through many failures be it in business or relationships. However, I have learned to look at these failures as incredibly valuable lessons about myself. I’ve come to learn more about my mannerisms, personality traits, core values, and attitudes towards the world. For example, I’ve learned to become a better communicator through failed relationships. They’ve taught me that communication is the key to understanding one another and understanding is the key to life! I’ve learned the value of give and take as relationships are comprised of both chemistry and compatibility but the two don’t always come together equally. In the end, I’ve learned that when things don’t feel right, it is best to let them go so that better things can fall into place. Lastly, I’ve learned that in life you can have it all but not always at the same time. These lessons have become invaluable to me all because of how I chose to look at my failures. So, my advice to you is to learn from the potatoes in your life!

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." - Marilyn Monroe

Did you know sweet potatoes release “feel good” chemicals? Serotonin and epinephrine help to elevate your mood. Here are ten health benefits of sweet potato:

1. Calming for stomach

2. Anti-inflammatory

3. Full of nutrients

4. Healthy heart

5. Boosts immunity

6. Rich in beta-carotene

7. Good for lung function

8. Detoxifying of heavy metals

9. Regulates blood sugar levels

10. Easily digestible and full of fiber

Recipe of the Day: Sweet Potato Cookies

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato

• 1/2 cup nut butter (can be peanut, almond, or sunflower seed butter)

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2-3 Tbsp maple syrup (depending on desired level of sweetness)

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

• 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)

• 1/4 cup Craisins

• 1/4 cup oat flour (make your own by throwing some oats in a food processor)

• 1 tsp baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine sweet potato, peanut butter and eggs in a large bowl and mix well.

2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and Craisins and stir to combine.

3. Add oat flour and baking soda and stir.

4. Scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (8-12 cookies)

5. Bake at 375 F for 10-12 minutes.