We’re diving into five of the ingredients from Stressed Out? These 5 Plant-Based Foods Can Help! and Reduce Stress with Natural, Anxiety Reducing Herbs! Did you know that household items like sweet potatoes, turmeric, chia, basil, and spinach are natural stress-relievers? They are! Plus, taking time out of your day to make yourself a healthy, vegan treat can be a stress-reliever in itself! We’re here to show you some delicious vegan recipes you can make with these five stress-relieving ingredients to add to your self-care routine!

Sweet Potatoes 

1. Low-Carb Chocolate and Strawberry Sweet Potato Toasts 

Low-Carb Chocolate and Strawberry Sweet Potato Toasts

These Low-Carb Chocolate and Strawberry Sweet Potato Toasts by Gina Fontana are super simple, cheap, and can actually help relax you! Sweet potatoes have vitamins like calcium that is proven to assist in lowering blood-pressure!

2. Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies 

Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

These delicious gluten-free, vegan Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies by Amarilis Moldes are perfect if you need something a little bit more indulgent! All it takes is 9 ingredients!

3. Golden Milk Pie With Sweet Potatoes 

Golden Milk Pie With Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for something that will take a little more effort and take your mind off things for a while, try out this Golden Milk Pie With Sweet Potatoes by Deniz Kilic! It has all of the stress-relieving nutrients of sweet potatoes combined with the nourishing effects of turmeric golden milk!

Turmeric

1. Raw Turmeric-Dusted Snack Balls

Raw Turmeric-Dusted Snack Balls

Speaking of turmeric, turmeric is closely related to the ginger family, and contains the chemical curcumin. Most people associate turmeric with its anti-inflammatory properties, but the curcumin in turmeric has also been shown to have similar healing properties to pharmaceutical drugs that are taken to treat anxiety disorders. Try out these simple, Raw Turmeric-Dusted Snack Balls by Maria and Alyssa Tosoni for a calming, delicious treat!

2. Almond Butter Turmeric Dressing 

Almond Butter Turmeric Dressing

Feel good about adding a little sunshine on top of your veggie bowl with this Almond Butter Turmeric Dressing by Rachael Hutchings! It’s oil-free and has all of the health benefits of healthy fats and turmeric!

3. Healing Turmeric Smoothie 

Healing Turmeric Smoothie

This Healing Turmeric Smoothie by Marquis Matson @realrawkitchen is so delicious and creamy! Good for the body, good for the mind, good for your taste buds!

Chia

1. Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding

Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding

Who doesn’t love a sweet, gooey treat when they’re stressed! The good news is that chia is amazingly high in all magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, calcium, and even iron and fiber – which has been proven to reduce stress! This Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding by Natalie Yonan is great to not only calm you down after a long day, but also improves your heart health.

2. Maple Cinnamon Chia Bowl

Maple Cinnamon Chia Bowl

Start your day calm and collected with chia! Try this Maple Cinnamon Chia Bowl by Viktoria Radichkova for a healthy, delicious breakfast option!

3. Chia Pudding With Blueberries 

Chia Pudding With Blueberries

Is it a healthy dessert or a super sweet breakfast? You be the judge when you try this Chia Pudding With Blueberries by Judy Moosmueller!

Basil

1. Creamy Cherry Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Cherry Tomato Basil Soup

This Creamy Cherry Tomato Basil Soup by Kat Condon is vibrant, healthy, and contains flavorful and calming basil! Basil can help treat mood-related illnesses by triggering neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for making us feel happy. Enjoy this soup with vegan grilled cheese for double the happiness!

2. Raw Strawberry and Basil Cheesecake 

Raw Strawberry and Basil Cheesecake

Enjoy basil in a sweet treat with this Raw Strawberry and Basil Cheesecake by Emily Fraser! Plus, it’s pretty simple. All that’s involved is melting, stirring, pouring, chilling, and of course, eating!

3. Sprouted Meyer Lemon Basil Hummus 

Sprouted Meyer Lemon Basil Hummus

This Sprouted Meyer Lemon Basil Hummus by Stephanie McKinnie is so refreshing and delicious! It is a lighter, perfumed version of hummus that goes perfectly with warm weather and springtime.

Spinach

1. Ayurvedic Spinach-Mung Detox Soup 

Ayurvedic Spinach-Mung Detox Soup

Feel good about eating this comforting, Ayurvedic Spinach-Mung Detox Soup by Akshata Sheelvant!  It boasts all calcium, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins, not to mention some iron and Vitamin A for good measure. These nutrients help to relieve your stress!

2. Garlic and Spinach Lentils 

Garlic and Spinach Lentils

This Garlic and Spinach Lentils by Dhrubaa Mukherjee is loaded with all of the nutrients spinach has to offer as well as tons of protein from the lentils that will help you stay fuller, longer! This soup is warm, comforting, and perfect for a busy weeknight- especially if you make it in advance and freeze it!

3. Greek Spinach and Orzo Soup 

Greek Spinach and Orzo Soup

This warming, comforting Greek Spinach and Orzo Soup by Adam Merrin and Ryan Alvarez is loaded with nutrients! It is pleasantly and lightly filling, and ideal for when you need a break from rich, hearty dishes and indulgent sweets.

For more information on self-care and stress-relief, check out these 6 Tips for Dealing With Stress by downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

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