The ProLon Protocol: Fasting with Food
The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a five-day program designed to provide the benefits of a prolonged fast while still consuming a limited number of calories from specific, pre-packaged foods. The diet is carefully formulated to keep the body's nutrient-sensing pathways—such as protein kinase A (PKA), mTOR, and IGF-1—down-regulated, which allows the body to enter a fasting state and initiate cellular renewal processes like autophagy.
To achieve this, the diet strictly controls the intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and sugars. Because the program's effectiveness relies on precise nutrient ratios, it is crucial to stick to the contents of the ProLon kit. Straying from the plan, especially by consuming calories, sugars, or artificial sweeteners, can break the fast and diminish the program's intended benefits.
What Drinks are Allowed on ProLon?
Hydration is vital during any fast, and ProLon provides specific guidance on what can be consumed in addition to the items in the kit. The approved beverage list is limited to liquids that will not activate the body's metabolic processes or stimulate an insulin response.
Approved Liquids:
- Water: Plain, still, or sparkling water is the most recommended beverage and should be consumed generously. Drinking plenty of water is essential for staying hydrated and can help manage hunger.
- Herbal Tea: Unsweetened, caffeine-free herbal teas are permitted. ProLon kits include specific teas like spearmint, lemon, and hibiscus.
- Coffee: You can have up to one cup of plain black coffee per day (limit 140mg caffeine), but it must not contain any sugar, milk, or other additives.
- L-Drink: The glycerol-based L-Drink is a flavored water solution included in the kit and should be consumed as instructed on days two through five.
Liquids to Avoid:
- Sugary drinks like juice or soda
- Drinks with artificial sweeteners
- Milk or other dairy products
- Alcohol
- Bone broth
- Anything with significant calories, carbs, or protein
The La Croix Question: Ingredients and Compliance
So, where does La Croix fit into these rules? The answer lies in its simple, calorie-free ingredient list. La Croix sparkling water is made with only two components: carbonated water and natural fruit essence.
La Croix's compliance with the ProLon diet is supported by a specific clarification in ProLon's official FAQs, which states that "sparkling water with natural flavors only and without sweeteners of any kind" is an acceptable addition. Since La Croix uses natural essence oils for flavor and contains zero calories, zero sweeteners, and zero sodium, it meets these criteria.
The Nuance of Natural Flavors
While La Croix's ingredients are compliant, some individuals on stricter fasting protocols may prefer to stick to plain water. This is because the flavor, even from natural essences, can potentially trigger a cephalic-phase insulin response in some people, where the body begins to prepare for food upon tasting a flavor. However, for most, and according to the specific ProLon guidelines, the minimal impact of the natural essence in La Croix is considered acceptable and will not break the fast. It can be a helpful tool for those who crave a flavored beverage to help them stick to the program.
A Comparative Look at Beverages on ProLon
| Beverage Type | ProLon Compliance | Reason for Compliance Status |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Water | Yes | Zero calories, zero additives, essential for hydration. |
| La Croix Sparkling Water | Yes | Contains only natural flavors and zero calories/sweeteners, meeting the specific FMD criteria. |
| Diet Soda | No | While zero-calorie, artificial sweeteners can potentially trigger an insulin response and are often prohibited in strict fasting protocols. |
| Fruit Juice | No | High in sugar and calories, which will immediately break the fasting state and disrupt the metabolic processes. |
| Bone Broth | No | Contains calories, protein, and nutrients that activate metabolic pathways, breaking the fast. |
| Unsweetened Herbal Tea | Yes | Caffeine-free, calorie-free options like those in the ProLon kit are allowed. |
Conclusion: Mindful Choices for Your Fast
In summary, for those adhering to the ProLon FMD, you can drink La Croix on ProLon. The brand's commitment to using only natural essences and having zero calories or sweeteners aligns with the program's specific rules for flavored sparkling water. It can serve as a refreshing, hydrating option to provide variety and help curb cravings without compromising the fasting state. However, as with any dietary modification, listening to your body is paramount. If you feel that any flavor, however natural, is triggering undesirable responses, it's best to stick to plain water.
For more information on the science behind fasting and the ProLon diet, explore the research from the USC Longevity Institute.
Stay Hydrated and On Track with ProLon
Making informed choices about your beverages is a small but important part of successfully completing the ProLon diet. By understanding the rationale behind the dietary restrictions, you can ensure your body reaps the full benefits of the fasting mimicking process.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet.
