TrueNorth Water Fast: Days 1-3

I got off the plane absolutely questioning everything. Was this really worth it? Why am I doing this? That being said, this is my usual MO. I was greeted by perfect 80 degree weather - sunny, warm, and not humid - and the last thing that sounded good or appropriate was sitting around doing a water fast. It all felt overwhelming and, admittedly, daunting.

I arrived at TrueNorth and was warmly welcomed. They immediately connect you with the medical team, complete your initial intake with a short questionnaire, and take your vitals.

I also had to answer what I had eaten and drank over the previous three days... I lied.

I did not do the prescribed prep of cutting out caffeine and tea or eating only fruits and vegetables. I had a bag of Chex Mix the night before. Ssshhh...

I was worried that would affect my first few days - that it would make my symptoms and transition into ketosis harder. Luckily, sitting here on day three, I don't think that was really the case. The first two and a half days I had a constant headache that had me lying down with two ice packs on my head. I woke up on day three with no headache at all. I think a lot of it was simply caffeine withdrawal.

Otherwise, physically things have been about as expected - maybe even better.

My weight has decreased each day at what seems to be a typical rate. From day 1-3 I lost about 5 pounds. All of my other vitals have remained stable and consistent. They advise you not to brush your teeth with toothpaste, shower, or use soaps or body care products, especially anything scented. I expected my breath to be much worse, but it's actually been pretty mild. I've had occasional, very mild lightheadedness, but only if I stand up too quickly without taking a moment first. Walking up and down stairs, I can definitely feel that my muscles aren't fueled, and on my daily walks I'm moving much more slowly than usual.

I had intended to technically begin my fast the day I flew in, but they suggested I eat dinner so I could start more nourished after the stress of a travel day. I had a small salad and a banana from the food bar they always have available, even between meals.

I planned to eat again during dinner service from 5-6 p.m., but instead I fell asleep around 5 and didn't wake up until 5 a.m. I don't know if I was actually that exhausted or if my body somehow knew it was time to heal, rest, and really slow down.

They advise against exercise or leaving the grounds. If you do go out, they recommend just a short walk around the block. I've gone a bit farther than that, taking a 20-30 minute walk every day. Energy-wise and cognitively, I feel very stable while moving. But eventually my stomach starts to feel like it's contracting and aching, so I know when I've reached my limit. I'm curious to see if I'll be able to keep these walks up throughout the fast.

Sleep has been difficult. Your mind and body are still searching for food, and because you aren't burning much energy throughout the day, actually shutting off and falling asleep feels like a task rather than a given. From what I've learned, this is very normal. It doesn't necessarily get better, but I imagine you just get used to it.

I am very grateful to be doing this - to even know a place like this exists. But it also feels like an undeserved luxury to take this much time to support my mental and physical health. I struggle so much with simply sitting. But what a “problem” to have.

Smelling and seeing the food other people are eating is a confusing experience. You know

you're not going to eat, so the decision and temptation are removed, but it's still confusing to your whole system to see beautiful, fresh, nourishing food and then not eat it. I've mostly avoided being around it just to not confuse myself even more.

Much of what comes out of doing this is not only physical resetting; it's also mental, emotional, and spiritual, if you let it be. I've already realized that my inability to sit isn't necessarily because I crave being productive. I think it's more that I crave dopamine. I crave distraction. I found myself only able to focus on a Netflix show for about ten minutes before instinctively grabbing my phone to scroll. Of course, the lack of food probably amplifies that.

I am constantly being reminded, on a very stripped-back level, that staying present - really, genuinely present - is everything. I feel okay in the moment, but then my mind jumps to tomorrow, or five days from now. It really is one day at a time. Otherwise, this experience can quickly start to feel like a chore or even a sentence instead of what it actually is: a temporary, valuable, albeit uncomfortable, opportunity.

I'm not just detoxing from food - I'm dopamine detoxing too.