Grounding Food & Why is it Important

Who else feels like some days you are overcommitted and struggle to feel calm and grounded? Our fast-paced lives can leave us always feeling rushed and foggy, especially if we don’t take a moment to pause and take some time for ourselves.

The go-go-go approach we are accustomed to creates a lack of connection with nature which, especially in the upcoming 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.

If grounding is an activity that connects our bodies with nature, then what about "grounding food”? Hopefully, a few of you are familiar with the term grounding, but if not, keep reading!

Usually, grounding is done by setting foot directly on the ground or grass without any base - it is one of the activities that makes our body directly connected to the earth. Grounding may sound a bit ‘woohoo’ but it has been proven to have a positive impact on the body. It’s generally used as a therapeutic activity that helps the body to relax and refresh. I do it without fail when I am getting but 10 minutes of sunlight in the morning – who likes putting on shoes first thing in the morning anyway?

With winter here and a freeze on its way, it’s important to eat warming foods with grounding qualities so that we may better adapt to the changes this season brings. Naturally, food that is deemed ‘grounding’ comes from native nature and many of them literally come from the ground.

Here are some different types of Grounding foods:

Root Vegetables

Carrots
Potatoes
Pumpkins
Sweet potatoes (check out our new sweet potato casserole recipe for a delicious was to incorporate this root veggie into your holidays)
Ginger
Turmeric

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, pasture-raised, grass-fed, etc. You can find these types of foods at the Grub farmers market; Heights Mercantile farmers market and Rice Village farmers market.

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.

Benefits of Eating Grounding Foods

These vegetables contain carbohydrates and various vitamins and minerals to support the immune system, especially in winter. I recommend roasting root vegetables or using them to make warm soups or stews. You can also make tea with ginger and turmeric to warm yourself up.

Besides being able to help warm the body, grounding foods have many other benefits for your health. Consuming foods that come from nature, will help the body have sufficient intake--that way, the body will become more focused. Foods that come from nature can also help control blood sugar, help activate neurotransmitters properly, and reduce anxiety (ginger, garlic, radish, and sweet potatoes, specifically).

Another way to feel grounded with food is to sit down when eating, turn off the TV, put down your phone, and pause to be present. 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.