You’re Not What You Eat — You’re What You Digest
“Small hinges swing big doors.“ – W. Clement Stone
This one concept changed the game for me — and for nearly every client I’ve worked with.
Because here’s the deal:
You can eat the “cleanest” diet in the world — grass-fed meats, organic veggies, low-sugar, no processed foods…
But if your digestion is off?
You’re not reaping the benefits.
If you’ve ever felt bloated after meals, sluggish in the afternoon, or like your stomach just isn’t doing its job — this post is for you.
Let’s break it all down.
First, Why Digestion Even Matters
When people think about health, fat loss, or performance, digestion usually isn’t the first thing they bring up.
But it should be — because digestion is the gateway to everything else.
Here’s what good digestion does for you:
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It breaks down food into absorbable nutrients (macros + micros)
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It signals to your brain that you’re full and satisfied
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It helps regulate hormones related to hunger, stress, and metabolism
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It ensures your immune system is working properly (70% of it lives in your gut)
If digestion is sluggish, inconsistent, or inflamed — your whole system suffers.
Why “Eating Clean” Isn’t Always Enough
This is where a lot of people get stuck.
You eat whole foods. You avoid sugar. You meal prep and avoid takeout.
And yet…
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You feel bloated after most meals
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You still get random cravings
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You don’t feel energized even after eating “healthy”
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You feel “puffy,” irregular, or tired — especially in the afternoons
So what gives?
Here’s the truth:
Your body has to be in the right state to digest well — it’s not automatic.
And many people are unknowingly sabotaging their digestion with a few daily habits they never thought twice about.
Let’s look at those.
5 Reasons Your Digestion Might Be Struggling
1️⃣ You’re Eating Too Fast
When you eat quickly, your body doesn’t have enough time to release the necessary digestive enzymes and acids.
You skip right past “rest and digest” and stay in a low-grade stress state (more on that in a second).
This leads to:
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Poor breakdown of proteins
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Fermentation in the gut (hello, gas and bloating)
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Missed hunger/fullness cues
Fix it:
➡️ Set your fork down between bites
➡️ Take 15–20 minutes per meal
➡️ Don’t eat in front of a screen — slow eating starts with present eating
2️⃣ You’re Eating While Stressed
Digestion is a parasympathetic function (aka “rest and digest”).
But if you’re eating in a sympathetic state (aka “fight or flight”), you’re literally shutting digestion down.
Your brain can’t prioritize breaking down food while it thinks it’s fighting off a saber-toothed tiger — or a stressful email.
This creates:
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Reduced stomach acid and enzyme output
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Incomplete digestion of protein and fat
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More bloating and slower transit time
Fix it:
➡️ Take 3–5 deep belly breaths before each meal
➡️ Step away from work while you eat
➡️ Keep mealtime quiet, unrushed, and calm when possible
3️⃣ You’re Not Producing Enough Stomach Acid
Contrary to popular belief, most digestive discomfort isn’t from too much stomach acid — it’s from too little.
Low stomach acid leads to:
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Undigested protein → gas and bloating
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Slower digestion overall
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A higher risk of bacterial overgrowth (SIBO, etc.)
Fix it:
➡️ Try 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar in a little water 5–10 minutes before eating
➡️ Eat protein first in the meal to cue stomach acid release
➡️ Add fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, or kimchi 1–2x/day
4️⃣ You’re Not Chewing Enough
Digestion starts in the mouth — not the stomach.
Your saliva contains enzymes (like amylase and lipase) that begin breaking down carbs and fats before the food hits your stomach.
If you skip this step? Your stomach and small intestine have to work harder than they should — and that can slow things down and lead to more bloat.
Fix it:
➡️ Aim for 15–20 chews per bite
➡️ Put down your utensil while chewing
➡️ Focus on texture — chewing improves nutrient absorption
5️⃣ You’re Drinking Too Much Water With Meals
Hydration is essential — but chugging water during meals can dilute stomach acid, slowing digestion and making protein breakdown harder.
Fix it:
➡️ Drink most of your water between meals
➡️ Sip, don’t gulp, during meals
➡️ Try adding minerals to your water (sea salt, electrolytes) for better hydration
5 Small Tweaks, Big Results
These changes might seem simple — but that’s the point.
Digestion doesn’t need to be complicated.
It just needs to be supported.
Try this over the next 3–5 days:
✅ Eat more slowly
✅ Sit upright and breathe before meals
✅ Add a pre-meal ritual (ACV + water or deep breaths)
✅ Chew each bite thoroughly
✅ Keep most of your water intake between meals
Most people report:
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Less bloating
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Better bathroom regularity
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Improved energy and mood
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Fewer afternoon crashes
The Takeaway
Digestive issues are not always a matter of what you eat — but how your body handles what you eat.
When your digestion works, your whole body works better.
And when it doesn’t?
You can feel tired, inflamed, and stuck — even if you’re doing “everything right.”
Start small. Pick one or two tips and make them part of your next meal.
You’ll be surprised how quickly things start to shift.
And if you want help troubleshooting or improving your digestion (especially if you’re trying to lose fat or boost energy), reach out.
This is one of the most overlooked keys to long-term success — and it’s one we help clients fix every single day.
To better digestion,
Christian
Divine Fitness
