The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a five-day, plant-based meal program designed to help you achieve the benefits of an extended fast while still consuming food. It is a carefully formulated, low-calorie diet that provides the body with essential nutrients without activating its key nutrient-sensing pathways (NSPs), which would otherwise signal that you are eating normally. The program is a precise balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and sugars, making it crucial to adhere to the plan as closely as possible for optimal results. This precision extends to your beverage choices, making hydration an important consideration during the five-day program.
The Science Behind the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet
The core principle of the ProLon FMD is to keep your body in a fasting state, where it can trigger processes like autophagy—the cellular rejuvenation system. Autophagy involves the body clearing out and recycling old, damaged cell components, which is thought to support healthy aging and cellular renewal. Traditional water fasts achieve this by eliminating all food intake, but they carry risks like dehydration and muscle mass loss. ProLon, backed by decades of research, was designed to circumvent these risks by providing specific macronutrient ratios that 'fly under the radar' of the body's NSPs. This allows you to experience the fat-burning and cellular renewal benefits of fasting without severe nutrient deprivation. Any deviation from the plan, particularly by consuming items with calories or sweeteners, can activate these NSPs and break the fast.
Can you have sparkling water on ProLon? The definitive answer
Yes, you can have sparkling water on ProLon, but with specific rules. The most important rule is that it must be plain, unsweetened, and unflavored. The purpose is to hydrate yourself without adding any calories or other substances that could trigger a metabolic response. While plain still water is always encouraged, sparkling water can be a refreshing alternative. However, any flavored or sweetened varieties, even those with zero-calorie artificial sweeteners, are prohibited because they can compromise the integrity of the fast. Some guidance even allows for sparkling water with only natural flavors, but strict adherence suggests avoiding any additional flavorings to be safe. This applies to both pre-packaged flavored sparkling waters and any you might add yourself.
Approved water types during ProLon
- Plain still water
- Plain sparkling water (no flavors, no sweeteners)
- Herbal teas (unsweetened, caffeine-free)
- Water with a couple of fresh lemon wedges
A comparison of beverages during ProLon
To help clarify what is and is not permitted, here is a breakdown of common beverage types.
| Beverage Type | Allowed on ProLon? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Still Water | Yes | Essential for hydration, contains no calories or additives. |
| Plain Sparkling Water | Yes | A calorie-free alternative to still water for hydration. |
| Flavored Sparkling Water (with natural flavors) | Yes, if unsweetened | Permitted in some instances, but must contain zero sweeteners. |
| Flavored Sparkling Water (with artificial flavors/sweeteners) | No | Sweeteners and certain additives can activate nutrient-sensing pathways. |
| Diet/Zero-Calorie Soda | No | Diet sodas are not recommended due to artificial sweeteners, and they offer no nutritional value. |
| Fruit Juice | No | High in sugar and calories, which breaks the fast. |
| Coffee (plain, black) | Yes, in limited quantity | Up to one small cup (8-12 oz or 140mg caffeine) per day, without cream or sweetener. |
| Herbal Tea (unsweetened, caffeine-free) | Yes | Unlimited amounts are permitted and can help with cravings. |
| Glycerol-based L-Drink | Yes | Included in the ProLon kit for days 2-5; scientifically formulated to not break the fast. |
Staying hydrated during your ProLon program
Staying properly hydrated is one of the most critical aspects of completing the ProLon FMD successfully. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and increased hunger, which can make sticking to the program much more difficult. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, including plain sparkling water, helps to curb feelings of hunger and support the body's natural processes. ProLon's guidance often recommends consuming two to three liters of water daily, in addition to the herbal teas provided in the kit. Carry a water bottle with you to make it easier to meet your hydration goals.
The risks of breaking the fast
The success of the ProLon FMD depends on the body remaining in a fasting state, and consuming unauthorized beverages is one of the quickest ways to break it. Even small amounts of sugar or calories can trigger an insulin response and activate the nutrient-sensing pathways that the diet is designed to avoid. This can stop the process of autophagy and reduce the overall benefits of the five-day program. If you find yourself needing something with more flavor than plain water, stick to the unlimited herbal teas or the specific allowances for black coffee. It is essential to remember that even beverages advertised as 'zero-calorie' can contain ingredients that may disrupt the fasting state.
Conclusion
In summary, plain, unsweetened, and unflavored sparkling water is an acceptable beverage choice during the ProLon diet and can be a refreshing way to stay hydrated. The key is to avoid all forms of sweeteners, flavors, and other additives that could provide calories or signal to your body that it is receiving nutrition. By following these strict guidelines, you can enjoy the satisfying fizz of sparkling water without compromising the beneficial effects of the Fasting Mimicking Diet.
For more information on permitted additions to the program, you can consult the official ProLon FAQ page.
