Trust Your Gut: How Food Shapes Our Deepest Decisions

The Lunch Test

There’s a story about a seasoned businessman. He had a unique method for choosing his business partners. Before sealing any deal, he’d take them to lunch.

Same table. Same restaurant. Same meal. The only thing that changed? The person sitting across from him.

It wasn’t just about small talk or breaking the ice. For him, the meal was a kind of test—a way to read the energy in the room and, more importantly, to tune into his own body.

He believed the body had its own language. If the food settled well and the conversation flowed with ease, it was a green light. But if something felt off—tension, discomfort, or even a subtle unease—he took it seriously.

That was his sign to slow down, to reassess.

Beyond the Brain

Now, this might sound a little woo-woo at first. But there’s real science behind it.

The gut is often called the “second brain.” It holds millions of neurons that constantly send signals to the brain. In other words, our digestive system is in direct conversation with our mind.

So what we eat doesn’t just affect how we feel physically—it can also change how we think, how we process emotions, and how we make decisions.

For instance, eating heavy, processed foods can cloud the mind. In contrast, whole and nourishing meals can bring clarity.

So it’s not just about calories or nutrition labels. It’s about connection—the one between body and mind.

A Quiet Guide Within

This businessman understood something that many of us tend to overlook: the body can sense what the mind can’t explain.

When we take time to slow down and check in with ourselves, we can often feel what’s aligned and what’s not. And while logic is useful, there’s a quieter, deeper wisdom available to us too.

But here’s the thing—this kind of listening doesn’t work well if the body is depleted. A tired, stressed, or inflamed system can send mixed signals.
A nourished and rested one? That’s when clarity comes through.

In fact, the more we care for ourselves, the easier it becomes to trust that internal guidance. Over time, you may start noticing how certain meals lift your mood, while others seem to weigh you down.

These aren’t random moments. They’re signs.

And this isn’t magic. It’s awareness.

More Than a Meal

At the end of the day, food isn’t just fuel. It’s a form of communication. It tells our system how to move, feel, rest—and how to connect with others.

It shapes our energy, influences our conversations, and can even steer the course of a decision or relationship.

So, whether you’re sharing bread with a close friend or sitting across from someone during a big meeting, remember: what you eat matters more than you think.

Therefore, next time you’re unsure about something—or someone—try slowing down. Share a meal. Listen to how your body responds.

It might just know the answer before your brain does.

Beso,
Gabby

PS: Curious to learn more about the gut-brain connection? This Harvard Health article is a great place to start.