Staying Hydrated and In-Fast
During the five-day ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), hydration is essential for comfort and for maximizing the health benefits. The program is scientifically designed to nourish your body with specific foods from the kit without triggering key nutrient-sensing pathways that would break your fast. This same principle applies to beverages; only liquids that do not activate these pathways are permitted. Consuming anything else can compromise the results of your fast. Following the drink guidelines closely helps minimize side effects like headaches and fatigue while ensuring you get the full benefits of cellular renewal and fat-burning.
Allowed Beverages on ProLon
The list of approved drinks is intentionally restrictive to maintain the integrity of the FMD. Here are the beverages you can consume:
- Water: Plain water is your most important ally during the ProLon fast. Both still and plain sparkling water are allowed and encouraged. It's recommended to drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day, and often more is needed to stay properly hydrated and manage hunger. Flavored waters are generally not permitted unless they are naturally flavored with absolutely no sweeteners.
- ProLon's Herbal Teas: Each ProLon kit comes with a selection of organic, herbal, and caffeine-free teas. The allowed varieties include hibiscus, spearmint, and spearmint lemon. These teas are specifically chosen to support the fast without adding calories or triggering a metabolic response. You can drink an unlimited amount of these teas.
- Plain Black Coffee (in moderation): For those who are regular coffee drinkers and want to avoid withdrawal symptoms, a small amount of plain black coffee is permitted. The limit is approximately one 8-12 oz cup per day, totaling no more than 140mg of caffeine. It is critical that no milk, cream, sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings are added, as these will break the fast. Decaf coffee is also permitted under the same rules, with up to six traditionally brewed cups allowed.
- The L-Drink: Found within your kit, the L-Drink is a glycerol-based mix designed to help curb hunger and provide hydration support on days 2 through 5. It is to be mixed with water and consumed throughout the day, according to the instructions in your kit.
- Zero-Calorie Electrolytes (If Necessary): If you experience significant electrolyte imbalance or headaches, a zero-calorie, unsweetened electrolyte drink can be used, but only if it contains no additional additives, flavors, sugars, or artificial ingredients. ProLon's kit includes some hydration support, so this is typically an exception rather than a rule. You can also add a small amount of sea salt to water if needed.
Restricted Beverages
To maintain the metabolic benefits of the FMD, several types of beverages must be strictly avoided.
- Alcohol: All forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, are strictly forbidden. Alcohol contains calories and interferes with the body's fasting processes.
- Fruit Juice and Soda: Fruit juices are high in sugar and calories, which will instantly break the fast. The same applies to all regular and diet sodas. Artificial sweeteners in diet sodas are also not recommended as they can alter the gut microbiome and potentially trigger an insulin response.
- Milk, Cream, and Creamers: Any dairy or non-dairy additives, including almond milk, soy milk, and other creamers, contain calories that will break your fast. Coffee and tea must be consumed black and plain.
- Sweetened Teas and Flavored Beverages: Any tea that is pre-sweetened or that has sugar, honey, agave, or other sweeteners added is not permitted. This includes many bottled teas. Similarly, flavored sparkling waters with added sweeteners or ingredients should be avoided.
- Bone Broth: While often used in other fasting protocols, bone broth contains calories and nutrients that can compromise the ProLon fast. It is not included in the ProLon kit and should not be consumed.
Comparison of Approved vs. Restricted Drinks
To summarize the rules at a glance, here is a comparison of what you can and cannot drink during your ProLon fast.
| Approved Drinks | Restricted Drinks |
|---|---|
| Plain Still/Sparkling Water | Fruit Juice |
| ProLon Herbal Teas (Hibiscus, Spearmint, Lemon) | Soda (Regular & Diet) |
| Plain Black Coffee (1 cup limit) | Milk & Creamers |
| L-Drink (from kit) | Alcohol |
| Approved Unsweetened Herbal Teas | Sweetened Beverages |
| Zero-Calorie Electrolytes (If Needed) | Bone Broth |
The Role of Tea in ProLon
Herbal teas play a significant role in the ProLon program beyond simple hydration. The specific teas included in the kit, like hibiscus and spearmint, offer benefits such as supporting the body's natural processes, providing a sense of satiety, and offering a comforting, warm beverage. Drinking them throughout the day helps to keep hunger at bay and supports overall well-being. It is important to stick to the unsweetened varieties and to only drink caffeinated teas in moderation to avoid disrupting the fasting state.
A Note on Caffeine Withdrawal
If you are a regular consumer of multiple cups of coffee per day, it is highly recommended to wean off caffeine in the week leading up to your ProLon fast. The 140mg per day limit, equivalent to about one 8-12 oz cup of black coffee, can still help prevent severe withdrawal headaches. However, for best results, ProLon officially recommends avoiding caffeine entirely, as it mildly stimulates a nutrient-sensing pathway.
Conclusion
While following the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet, adhering to the specific drink guidelines is as important as consuming the designated food items. Prioritize plain water for consistent hydration, enjoy the provided herbal teas for comfort, and limit plain black coffee to a single cup if absolutely necessary. By avoiding sugary drinks, alcohol, dairy, and artificial sweeteners, you ensure that your body remains in the beneficial fasting state, maximizing the results of your five-day program. For any serious medical concerns, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before and during your fast.
What can I drink on ProLon fast?
For a healthy and effective ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), you can drink plain water, the specific herbal teas included in your kit, and, if needed, a limited amount of plain black coffee. All other calorie-containing or sweetened beverages are restricted to ensure the fast is not broken.
