This study explores the relationship between food and nutritional choices and their impact on academic performance and perceived professional competence among college professors in select districts of Karnataka, India. A descriptive research design was employed, with data collected from 250 assistant and associate professors using stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire captured insights on nutritional awareness, dietary habits, socio-economic influences, and academic performance. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between nutritional awareness and academic performance, highlighting the role of balanced dietary habits in enhancing professional competence. Socio-economic factors were found to significantly influence food choices, underscoring regional disparities. Statistical analyses, including correlation, t-tests, and Chi-square tests, affirmed these relationships. The study concludes that fostering nutritional awareness and addressing socio-economic barriers are vital to improving health and professional outcomes in academic settings.