October’s IFFH theme is Community & Care. This month, we’re focusing on the ways support, connection, and simple daily habits can help make caring for your health feel more manageable. 2026-patient-newsletter-themes

Food fits naturally into that conversation. Preparing a warm meal can be a practical way to care for yourself, and sharing a meal can also create time to slow down and connect with the people around you.

That’s why we chose to feature this Sweet Potato, Kale and Chickpea Soup from Cookie and Kate for October.

The recipe combines sweet potatoes, kale, chickpeas, farro, vegetables, and warming spices in a one-pot soup. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and makes approximately six servings, which also makes it practical for leftovers or sharing with family.

Why We Chose This Recipe

This recipe works well for October for a few reasons:

• It feels seasonal. Sweet potatoes, hearty greens, and a warm soup fit naturally into cooler-weather meals.
• It includes a variety of plant foods. The soup includes vegetables, legumes, leafy greens, and whole grains.
• It is practical. It comes together in one pot and can be stored for leftovers.
• It fits this month’s theme. A simple, nourishing meal is one small way to care for yourself, and it is also easy to prepare for or share with others.

The original recipe uses Thai red curry paste for flavor, along with optional cayenne for additional heat. Cookie and Kate also notes that other cooked whole grains can be used in place of farro.

A Simple Way to Bring Care Into Your Week

Healthy routines do not have to be complicated. Sometimes they look like preparing a meal ahead of a busy week, sitting down to eat without rushing, or making enough to share with someone else.

This soup is a good example of a meal that can fit into that kind of routine while bringing together seasonal ingredients in a warm, satisfying dish.

Get the Recipe Instructions

We love recommending practical, whole-food recipes that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. To view the complete ingredient list, prep times, and step-by-step pressure cooker instructions, visit the original recipe by Cookie and Kate below:

👉 View the original Sweet Potato, Kale & Chickpea Soup recipe from Cookie and Kate

Take the Next Step in Your Health Journey

Nutrition is just one vital piece of the longevity puzzle. If you are ready to stop guessing and uncover what your body truly needs to thrive, our multidisciplinary clinical team is here to guide you.

• Unsure where to begin? Take our quick 12-Question Online Health Quiz to evaluate your current symptoms and instantly receive your personalized root-cause health score.
• Ready for direct answers? Skip traditional medical wait times and claim your complimentary 30-minute Free Discovery Day Consultation at our McCullough Ave campus to sit down with our providers and map out your health transformation.

About the Institute for Functional Health (IFFH):

All healthcare, clinical programs, fitness training, aesthetic procedures, and physical rehabilitation protocols at the Institute for Functional Health (IFFH) are executed at our centralized one-block health campus located at 1602 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212.