Grounding Food for Times of Unrest
When the world feels unsteady, we feel it in the body too. Anxiety, depression, scattered thoughts — it can show up in a lot of different ways.
A friend asked me recently what grounding foods she could eat to help stay calm during this period of unrest. Instead of offering recipes — because we all eat differently — I’d like to share a few simple guidelines rooted in Ayurveda.
And to be clear: we’re not going for perfection here. Let’s not add more stress to our lives. These are guidelines, not rules. In Ayurveda, anything can be medicine when it’s approached with awareness and care.
So with more steadiness as our goal, here are a few ways to think about grounding food, using what you already know how to cook.
1. Choose warm, easy-to-digest carbohydrates
Warmth and simplicity help calm the nervous system.
Good options include:
warm oatmeal or cream of rice
basmati, red rice, or quinoa
Add a little ghee and gentle spices like cardamom to make these meals more nourishing and easier to digest.
2. Lean into root vegetables
Root vegetables help the body feel anchored.
Try:
sweet potatoes
carrots
beets
turnips
Roast or steam them, and season simply with olive oil and spices like cumin, coriander, a little bit of pink salt, and black pepper.
3. Include Healthy fats
Healthy fats support the nervous system and the body’s ability to manage stress.
Include things like:
ghee
coconut oil
avocados
soaked nuts and seeds
A small amount goes a long way.
4. Warm drinks instead of cold
Warm beverages are more grounding than cold ones. Any simple herbal tea will suffice. Or you could just drink warm water.
But for mind in particular, you might try:
brahmi tea (look for it at your local health food store)
5. Choose stewed fruit over raw
Cooked fruit is easier on digestion and more grounding.
Stew apples, pears, or other fruit with:
cinnamon
clove
a touch of maple syrup
This can be a comforting breakfast or a sweet, guilt-free dessert when things feel heavy.
Foods you may want to reduce in unsteady times:
lots of raw or crunchy food
processed or fast food
bubbly or cold drinks
fried or overly spicy food
yogurt (this time of year, yogurt is no good)
I hope this feels supportive, friends. Take what’s useful, leave the rest. Be gentle with yourself and stay strong!
p.s. I’d be remiss if I didn’t add - if you want personalized support — whether around food, daily rhythms, or tools for managing stress — I work with clients using diet, lifestyle, and herbal support. Curious? Find out more here.