Eat to Thrive – A Transforming Experience
Over the last ten weeks, I have learned that awareness is the first step to prevention and healing. I needed awareness; both of my parents had just passed away due to heart disease and nutrient deficiency. I was headed there too unless I changed my habits which I was able to do through the Eat to Thrive program.
My goals when I started the program were to learn better nutritional habits particularly with snacks, incorporate healthy plant-based meals each week, and gain simple habits that I could teach to my high school students. In ten weeks, I was able to do that and learn so much more. This experience for me has been life changing. For the first time in my many years, I’m learning the value of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and love. This awareness has brought confidence, and a sense of well-being and happiness.
When I reflect on the Eat to Thrive program. I think of the quote, by Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Throughout this program, I was immersed in and practiced new healthy habits. I left my comfort zone to lead a mindfulness minute and teach a class on dehydrating. Instead of fried chips, I now love dehydrated crackers, kale chips, and dehydrated fruit. I tried sprouts, wheatgrass, and juicing, both of which now are part of my weekly practice.
I’m incredibly thankful to the wonderful people I’ve met through this course and especially to Betsy Bragg who is a wonderful mentor and inspiration.
Cristina Steensen-Bech
Cambridge, MA
April 10, 2022