What I learned from my time at True North
- How dependent I am on applying chemicals- toothpaste, lotions, deodorant, cleansers can have potentially harmful chemicals in them that are absorbed by the body. We were asked not to use them during our fast and only to use the soap and shampoo provided. If you want to see how the products you use in your home and on your body, stack up try the YUKA app.
- I can do hard things- 21 days without food was not easy. My resting heart rate increased and fatigue was an issue. I can say that this minor discomfort was worth the short-term pain.
- I eat more salt than I thought- my blood pressure was always considered normal, but my blood pressure dropped to 90/60 at True North.
- What deep rest feels like- When you are away in a supported environment and relax as you are instructed to do by the staff, you can achieve better healing.
- I don’t need coffee to be alert and mentally clear- before coming to True North, even when I had enough sleep; I felt I needed my cup of coffee to be awake and ready for my day. I now feel mentally clear and coffee is not necessary.
- Variety and quality matter- People think that a vegan diet is so limiting. True North provides an abundance of plant foods and a staggering variety. Not just any bean will do here as we saw a variety of heirloom beans, multiple types of rice, and gains. I’ve eaten produce that I’ve never eaten before like donut peaches, fresh figs, and yellow cherries. Want to try some heirloom beans go to this website: https://www.ranchogordo.com/collections/heirloom-beans
- Use fresh spices when possible- When you are cooking with no salt, then flavor matters. Fresh spices do a lot to impart fresh flavor to foods. During the cooking demos, fresh basil could be smelled across the room. The quality of spices will go a long way.
