Welcome to a new series on Sweet Potato Soul: Beyond the Kitchen with me, Jenné. Every few weeks I’ll take you behind the scenes and share life beyond the kitchen. There’s a lot happening here — including my new cookbook — and this monthly chronicle is my way of sharing more of who I am: updates from my personal life, favorite products, simple tips for better living, podcast picks, and recipes I keep returning to. I’d love for this to be a conversation, so please leave a comment and tell me what’s making you happy these days. Thanks for being here.
What’s New
As I roll out my new cookbook, Vegan Vibes (February 2025), I’ve been balancing busy days with family time, tennis, and yoga. My daughter, Baby J, is my favorite part of any day. I started playing tennis in February 2024 and now compete on a beginner ladies doubles team — this is my first time playing a sport seriously, and we’ve won our last two matches!
Recipes I’m Loving
At 37, I’m feeling spiritually, mentally, and physically strong. My vegan diet, daily movement, prayer, and consistent sleep have made a big difference. Here are a few recipes I’m enjoying right now — great for meal prep or quick enjoyment:
The recipes I’m loving now include High Protein Edamame Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Sweet Potato Latte, and Air Fryer Broccolini. The salads are great for meal prep, while the latte and broccolini are best made just before serving. All of them are easy and satisfying.
Wellness Tip
Start your morning with at least 10 minutes of sunlight exposure. Morning light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep and mood. This benefit applies even on cloudy days — aim for 10 minutes outside when the sun rises. If you’re up before sunrise, go outside when it comes up. On dark mornings, a full-spectrum light therapy lamp can be useful. For more on this, check out the Huberman Lab episode on sun exposure and sleep, mood, and health.
Work These Days
Recently I spoke on a panel at Ad Week in NYC about the importance of human creators in an AI-driven world. It was an honor to join such a conversation — and a reminder of how much human connection matters. I believe AI is a powerful tool when used to support creators, not replace them. What do you think about AI in food and content? Have you used AI to find recipes? Please share your thoughts below.
Products I’m Loving
If you don’t have an Instant Pot yet, consider this your sign to try one. It’s a year-round workhorse for soups, stews, whole grains, beans, pasta dishes, and vegetables — and it saves time compared with stovetop cooking. I recommend a 6- or 8-quart model. For recipe ideas, I’ve gathered a round-up of favorite vegan Instant Pot recipes that make weeknight cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Closing thoughts
Last week I traveled to Maryland for my grandfather’s funeral. Losing him was heartbreaking, and witnessing my family’s grief was deeply moving. As with many Black funerals, there was also laughter, love, and reunion — a celebration of his long life surrounded by family.
As our parents and grandparents age, navigating the American medical system has become more common in our daily lives. I’m grateful for Western medicine and its life-saving role, but health also begins at home. Diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, time in nature, and community are powerful tools for preventing many chronic illnesses. While medicine treats disease, lifestyle choices often address root causes. I share this not to judge, but to inspire those in the Sweet Potato Soul community who want to pursue lasting health.
Listen to this podcast
I recommend Dr. Casey Means, who discusses how the modern food system affects health. She recently appeared on the Joe Rogan Podcast — it’s a thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in food, health, and prevention.
What’s Eating You?
As we continue to improve recipes, videos, and offerings here on Sweet Potato Soul, I want to hear from you. What challenges do you face around eating well? What recipes or content would you like to see? I’m also developing a health and nutrition podcast — tell me what topics you’d like covered. Please leave a comment below and let me know what you want to learn more about.