4 (Plant-Based) Foods to Help You Get Grounded

The term "change of season" contains a crucial word that might evoke feelings of chaos, anxiety, and doubt. Can you identify the word? (Hint: It's not season.)

Change can certainly be good because it helps to move us forward, stimulate personal growth, and experience new things. However, moving through change can often feel bumpy, unstable, and worrisome, and unpredictability can certainly be intimidating and scary.

I'm not necessarily suggesting that the change of season is daunting or frightening. In fact, many people thrive with the seasonal transition. Autumn offers lots of positive elements like stunning fall colors, pumpkin-themed everything, and crisp, refreshing weather.

However, there's also reduced sunshine, daylight savings time (for some of us), and perhaps a shift in schedules, particularly for those with children in school and sports. Those changes may be overwhelming for some — personally, the (seemingly) abrupt drop in temperatures blindside me every year!

Adapting to the Change of Season

First, be gentle on yourself. Understand that adapting to everything that accompanies a change of season, or any transition, may require time, and remember that experiencing change is only temporary.

Second, identify any lifestyle adjustments you can make to better manage the transition. Consider creating a new healing morning routine to set the tone for your day, such as a short yoga session, deep stretching, meditation, positive affirmations, or a walk outdoors. Establishing a routine, particularly in the morning, can offer stability and a sense of ritual during periods of change.

Choose Whole Foods Whenever Possible

Another lifestyle factor to consider is your diet. To maintain focus and feel centered, reduce your intake of added sugar, processed foods, fried foods, and anything that doesn't make you feel your best. While this might seem clear, we've all faced the dilemma — for instance, choosing between a chocolate chip cookie and an apple. You might know which option is better for nourishing your body, but when it comes to making the choice, which would you pick? If you chose the apple, here's a virtual high-five for you!🙌🏼

I understand that if I have a (vegan) chocolate chip cookie available and there's fruit in the fridge, I'll choose the ooey gooey cookie. However, I'm aware that the cookie will only provide short-lived satisfaction due to the immediate sugar rush, resulting in a quick dopamine boost but ultimately leading to exhaustion, a low mood, lack of focus, and a craving for more sugar. It causes both physical and mental instability.

An apple (paired with some peanut butter!) would provide a gradual energy release because, besides containing natural sugar, apples are rich in fiber, which slows down the sugar's entry into the bloodstream. This results in sustained energy, which is beneficial.

Choose high fiber, whole plant-based foods to maintain stable blood sugar levels, consistent energy, and a positive, focused mindset. Consider the long-term effects of the foods you eat on how you feel. Additionally, keep whole plant-based foods at home for healthy snacking!

Eat for the Season

Do you consume seasonal foods? Opting for seasonal produce can help align your body with the rhythm of the season.

For instance, certain plant-based foods flourish in autumn temperatures. Here's an interesting thought: consuming plant-based foods that thrive in a specific season can benefit your body. Autumn plants, for example, are rich in phytonutrients, or plant nutrients, which give them their vibrant red, orange, and green colors. These phytonutrients provide various health benefits, such as protecting your skin, boosting your immune system, enhancing cognition, and promoting a sense of well-being. All these factors, along with overall health, can help you feel more grounded.

Here's to four autumn-inspired plant-based food categories that can help you feel balanced, grounded, and focused—essentially, prepared to conquer the world!

Foods to Help You Get Grounded

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and turmeric can provide a grounding sensation through their gentle energy boost from natural carbohydrates, including fiber, along with essential phytonutrients like vitamins A, C, and folate. As suggested by their name, root vegetables have roots that extend deep into the earth, anchoring the plant securely and offering a robust foundation for growth. To maximize their benefits, envision yourself absorbing the grounding energy they offer as you consume them.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, and Brussels sprouts are known for their distinct odor, but there's a good reason for it! These vegetables contain sulfur compounds, particularly sulforaphane, which has been shown to help prevent lifestyle diseases like cancer and heart disease. They are also rich in fiber. When the weather gets colder, we might slow down (perhaps cozy up by the fireplace with a good book?) — this can include our metabolism and digestion. High-fiber foods like cruciferous vegetables can help keep everything moving. When things are moving regularly, you feel light yet grounded, right? And remember to drink plenty of water with your fiber!

Leafy Greens

It's the perfect time for greens! Kale, bok choy, red leaf lettuce, spinach, and chard flourish in the fall and are packed with an incredible array of nutrients, including essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients vital for both physical and mental well-being. In particular, they are rich in magnesium and B vitamins, which can alleviate anxiety and stress, helping you feel more centered.

Green Tea

Swap coffee for a matcha green tea latte or, if there's no way you're giving up coffee (I feel you), then enjoy just one cup in the morning and a matcha tea in the afternoon. Alternatively, sip on hot green tea.

Matcha is made from ground green tea leaves and is often blended with water and plant-based milk to create a latte or added to smoothies and baked goods. Green tea in tea bags or loose leaf form uses the whole leaf (not ground) and can have a similar effect as matcha tea.

The most researched active components of green tea include Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), L-Theanine (L-THE), and caffeine. EGCG is believed to offer numerous health benefits. In the context of feeling grounded, EGCG has been shown to have a calming effect, reducing stress. Theanine is known to promote relaxation, lessen tension, stress, and anxiety, enhance sleep quality, and boost alertness or focus.

Visit our green tea blog for a delicious matcha green tea recipe. And, if you're curious about the caffeine in green tea, it contains about 28 mg for an eight-ounce cup.

Please share, which foods make you feel more grounded?