We’re not strangers to fasting, here at Poosh.
“I am a big fan of water fasts, due to all the health benefits, but they are hard to do!” our marketing manager, Lindsay, says.
But what if you could get all the benefits of fasting… while still eating food?
Nope, this isn’t a joke—meet the Prolon 5-Day Program. This Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is the only nutrition program patented for supporting healthy aging and healthspan, while still protecting lean muscle mass.
The Poosh Team had the opportunity to try this 5-day program out. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this Fasting Mimicking Diet, plus get our tips for doing the program.
1. What is a Fasting Mimicking Diet?
The Fasting Mimicking Diet, created by L-Nutra, is a precisely designed, 5-day nutrition program that has been scientifically tested to stay below your body’s food sensing radars.
It utilizes a low-calorie, low-protein, and high-fat nutrient profile to help you tap into cellular rejuvenation and autophagy. Research has indicated that four monthly cycles of the FMD can be as effective as the Mediterranean Diet on heart health and weight loss, while offering muscle protection—suggesting an even greater metabolic benefit!
Sounds cool… but for those of us who aren’t experts, what exactly does that mean?
Basically, the FMD assists your body as it transitions to using fat for fuel instead of sugar. Then, after day 3 of the program, autophagy is activated. Think of autophagy as a spring cleaning, but for your cells; they find old and damaged cell parts and either repurpose them or get rid of them. Without all of the clutter, cells are able to function better and more effectively than before. They begin to function younger than their age!
Autophagy is something that occurs naturally, but as we get older—consistently eating throughout the day without giving our bodies a break—it happens less frequently, leading to a buildup of clutter and toxic waste that can prevent cells from functioning optimally.
The Prolon 5-Day Program, backed by over 25 years of research and more than 132 global patents, can help kickstart autophagy by mimicking the effects of a prolonged water fast without, you know, avoiding food altogether.
2. What are the benefits?
Benefits of the program have been shown to:
- Target fat loss while protecting lean muscle mass
- Increase mental clarity, energy, and focus after completing the fast
- Reduce sugar cravings after completing the fast
- Enhance skin appearance
- Lead to more self-confidence and motivation to make healthy changes
Our editor, Allie, also discovered an unexpected benefit of doing the program: she drank way more fluids than usual. “Wellness editor faux pas: I don’t drink enough water. Having the herbal teas twice a day during this program, along with a special L-Drink that is used to support energy and muscle protection throughout the fast, made me a lot more mindful of my water intake. I still drink a lot of herbal tea, even a couple weeks later.”
The five days are carefully designed to provide enough food to sustain energy and maintain the routine of eating meals—a significant mental support—while minimizing the less desirable side effects of water fasting. At the same time, the plan stays within the caloric range necessary to promote fat-burning and cellular cleanup. The keyword here is “help”. You’re still eating less than usual, and that’s always going to be challenging, but likely less so than water-only fasting.
The kit comes with five boxes—one for each day—containing a combo of plant-based, gluten-free foods. These include: nut bars, olives, kale crackers, supplements, drinks, soups, and, on some days, a crispy chocolate bar for dessert (yum). Because everything was organized by day, we didn’t have to try to remember what to eat or when to eat it. Also, nothing needed to be refrigerated—a major win in the ease department.
- We found it helpful to start Prolon on a Thursday or Friday.
- Days 3 and 4 are the hardest, so it’s nice when they align with the weekend.
- Going to bed early helps if you usually get snacky at night.
- Season the soups. The program allows for one teaspoon total of herbs and spices each day. Use it.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
*This post is a paid partnership with ProLon.*
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.