Thrive Boldly: In Food We Trust: Nourishing the Three Brains

When we eat whole, real foods, we can trust what we’re putting into our bodies. And in return, we can trust our bodies—and our minds—to do what is best for us.

I was deeply influenced by Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence by yoga teacher Matthew Sanford, in which he shares his journey of becoming paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident when he was aged thirteen and reconnecting with his body through yoga when he was aged twenty-five. He writes:

“Your body is more faithful to living than your mind. It will, with every ounce of its energy, move towards being alive for as long as it can."

Every cell in your body wants to be alive.

Every cell in your body wants to thrive.

Every cell in your body is there for you.

This idea—of trusting the body's deep intelligence—aligns with what neuroscience tells us about the three brains:

• The Head Brain (Thinking & Clarity) – Uses about 20% of the body’s energy. Healthy fats, antioxidants, and micronutrients fuel focus, memory, and creativity.

• The Heart Brain (Emotional Wisdom) – Contains over 40,000 neurons, communicating directly with the brain. Magnesium, polyphenols, and healthy fats support emotional resilience, connection, and joy.

• The Gut Brain (Intuition & Strength) – Produces over 90% of serotonin, shaping mood and intuition. Fermented foods, fiber, and diverse plant-based foods nourish the gut-brain connection.

When we eat with trust, choosing whole, real foods that support our three brains, we align our mind, heart, and gut with their natural design.

The Power of Presence in Eating

Sanford’s words also remind me that how we eat matters just as much as what we eat. In an On Being interview with Krista Tippett, he spoke about how trauma can separate us from the body—but deep awareness, through movement, breath, and presence, restores that connection.

Food is no different. When we eat with awareness, we activate the vagus nerve, slow our breathing, and shift from stress mode (sympathetic) to digestion mode (parasympathetic). This allows us to truly absorb nourishment, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Trust Your Body, Trust Your Food

Your mind, heart, and gut are always working for you. They are always on your side. Feed them well, and they will support you in return.

Eat well. Trust yourself. Move forward.