The ProLon diet is a 5-day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) program designed to promote a fasting state while still allowing for the consumption of specific, plant-based foods. This approach aims to provide the body with carefully formulated nutrition to avoid triggering the nutrient-sensing pathways that would typically break a water-only fast. To achieve the intended health benefits, such as weight loss and cellular rejuvenation, it's crucial to strictly follow the program's guidelines and consume only the contents of the provided kit.
The Contents of the ProLon Kit
Each ProLon kit contains five individual boxes, one for each day of the program, with specific food items, drinks, and supplements. The ingredients are exclusively plant-based and formulated to support the fasting state.
The kit typically includes:
- Vegetable-Based Soups: Dehydrated soup mixes in various flavors like Red Bell Pepper & Onion, Tomato, and Carrot Ginger.
- Fasting Nut Bars: Cold-pressed bars made from a blend of nuts, providing healthy fats.
- Savory Snacks: Small portions of items like olives and kale crackers are included.
- Supplements: Dietary supplements containing essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids are provided.
- Herbal Teas: Organic, caffeine-free herbal teas are part of the daily allowance for hydration and comfort.
- The L-Drink: A proprietary fruit-flavored glycerol mix included for days 2-5, designed to help protect lean body mass while providing a source of fuel.
What You Can Drink While on ProLon
Hydration is important during the ProLon program. While your options are specific, ensuring adequate fluid intake, particularly water, is key to avoiding dehydration and potential side effects like headaches.
Permitted beverages include:
- Water: Drinking plenty of water is essential, with recommendations suggesting at least 2.5 liters daily, which includes fluids from the L-Drink and herbal teas.
- Herbal Tea: The kit includes organic, caffeine-free herbal teas, which can be consumed as desired.
- Black Coffee (Limited): One small cup of black coffee per day is the maximum allowed, provided it contains no sugar, honey, sweeteners, or milk. Consuming more or adding caloric additives can break the fast.
- Sparkling Water: Plain, unsweetened sparkling water is also permitted.
Handling Hunger and Cravings on ProLon
Experiencing hunger and cravings on a very low-calorie diet is normal. ProLon allows for minimal additions to address intolerable hunger as a last resort. Drinking plenty of water and herbal tea can also help manage these feelings.
If hunger is severe, you may have one of the following per day:
- A small slice or two of apple.
- One stalk of celery.
- One small Persian cucumber.
It is important to note that consuming more than one of these additions in a day could potentially take your body out of the fasting state.
The Critical ProLon Restrictions
Adhering strictly to the provided kit is crucial for the program's success. Consuming unauthorized food or drink can activate nutrient-sensing pathways and disrupt the fasting state, negating the intended benefits.
What to Avoid During the 5-Day Program
- Outside Food or Beverages: Only the kit's contents, water, unsweetened herbal tea, and the single cup of black coffee (if necessary) should be consumed.
- Sugar and Sweeteners: Avoid all forms of sugar, honey, and artificial sweeteners, as they can elevate insulin levels and break the fast.
- Dairy: Milk, cream, and other dairy products are not permitted.
- External Supplements: Suspend your usual daily supplements, as the kit provides necessary vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s.
- Chewing Gum: Chewing can stimulate digestive enzymes, potentially interfering with the metabolic rest the fast aims to achieve.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden.
Comparison of Allowed vs. Prohibited Items
| Item Category | Allowed on ProLon | Not Allowed on ProLon |
|---|---|---|
| Food | The pre-packaged soups, bars, olives, and kale crackers from the kit. Minimal apple, celery, or cucumber for extreme hunger. | All other foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and grains not in the kit. |
| Drinks | Water, herbal tea, plain sparkling water, and one small black coffee daily. | Juice, soda, alcohol, milk, and coffee with sugar or cream. |
| Supplements | The supplements provided in the ProLon kit. | Your regular daily supplements, as the kit is comprehensive. |
| Flavorings | Lemon wedges for water, a teaspoon of herbs for soup. | Sugar, artificial sweeteners, honey, or milk for tea and coffee. |
Conclusion
Success on the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet relies on strict adherence to the provided 5-day meal plan. By understanding what you can have while on ProLon, participants can maximize the health benefits, including supporting cellular rejuvenation, metabolic health, and weight management. The controlled nature of the diet is designed to allow the body to enter a fasting state while receiving nourishment; therefore, any deviation can compromise the intended effects. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen to ensure it's suitable for your individual health needs. ProLon also offers guidance for a transition diet for Day 6 and a related meal service called Nutrition for Longevity for ongoing healthy eating.
For more information on the research and science behind the Fasting Mimicking Diet, you can visit the official ProLon website.
