In honor of Stress Awareness Month, we’re looking to foods that have the power to soothe. Sometimes when you’re feeling tense, a conscious indulgence is just what you need to bring you back down to earth.

Soothing Pantry Essentials
Chocolate
A 2009 study measured a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol in subjects that consumed 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate daily for two weeks.
Lavender
The aroma of lavender promotes relaxation. Try baking a lavender shortbread to fill your whole home with this feel-good scent. Scan the code for a recipe.

Sweet Potatoes
The tryptophan in simple carbohydrates can promote production of serotonin, a chemical associated with happiness and a sense of well-being, in your body. Choosing to eat a whole, nutrient-rich carbohydrate like a sweet potato makes this an all-around good decision.

with Lemon Aioli