Benefits of Foods that Ground You

Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC

Go, go, go, go! How many of you feel like you are running all day long and never feel calm and grounded? Our fast-paced lives can leave us always feeling rushed and foggy. All the travel by air and by car, speeding on highways as we commute day in and day out. We have lots of commitments. Multiple balls in the air at one time in all areas of our lives – work, home, friendships, family, etc. To-do lists of never-ending responsibilities and possibilities of things we’d like to get to at some time. Email boxes full to the brim. You get the idea. We all have far too much on our plates.

The business to our lives and the lack of contact we have with nature in these colder months can leave us feeling disconnected and unable to concentrate. Imbalance in the body and mind can majorly affect your overall health. Keeping yourself mentally and physically balanced is a vital part of feeling your best. One way to bring more balance to your life is by including foods that stimulate a grounding effect on the body especially during times when we are too busy to get outside, or the temperatures are unfavorable.

Here are some grounding foods to incorporate into your diet:

Nourishing foods are abundant coming from roots and starches. These root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, winter squashes, sweet potatoes, or roots like ginger and turmeric can energetically ground you. Since they are roots that grow in the ground, you can imagine them supporting your own roots. They also contain nutrient-rich carbohydrates and a wide array of vitamins and minerals to support your immune system in the winter. Try roasting root veggies or making warm soups, stews, or chilis to ground yourself. There’s something so soothing about a warm soup in the winter to feel cozy and grounded. You can also make tea with ginger and turmeric to warm up.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are great for grounding because they grow underground. Sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, onions, parsnips, turnips, garlic, radishes and rutabagas are all root vegetables that can be cooked up in warm dishes throughout the fall and winter seasons. Sweet potatoes and yams: These tasty root veggies get a special mention because they’re not only grounding, they can also curb your sweet tooth, which will really help you shake that spacey feeling. Pumpkins and squashes fall into the sweet category too when they are cooked. Avoiding processed sugary treats is a great way to support your body with balanced and focus.

Lean, High-Quality Meats

The high protein content in high-quality meat sources like eggs, fish, poultry, and beef. They can also help stabilize blood sugar, which balances the body and mind. Just be sure to select meats that are as cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly as possible by looking for labels like organic, hormone-free, free-range, grass fed, etc.

Naturally Red Fruits and Vegetables

Tomatoes, strawberries, cherries, apples, pomegranates and greens that grow from the ground like spinach, kale, collard greens and chard. Try them cooked, stewed steamed or sautéed.

For flavoring your food, use warming spices such as ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, coriander and cloves. Also add a dash or two of sea salt into your food for great taste and healthy benefits too.

Another way to feel grounded with food is to pause and breathe before a meal. Taking 5 deep breaths before you eat adds a moment of mindfulness and helps prepare your body for digestion. When your nervous system is calm, you’re able to “rest and digest.” With time and practice, you may find this to be a soothing practice to connect to your body and enjoy food rather than having meals be a time of anxiety.