Written by: Blaise Geyer, PA-C
Being a good eater and having an appetite has never been my struggle. In fact, I’ve always been someone that feels like I’m powering down when I get hungry. As such, the thought of doing any type of fasting, let alone an extended fast, was very intimidating. Intermittent fasting, although a common practice in many religions for centuries, has recently been gaining popularity. What separates fasting from other diets is its ability to not only cause weight loss, but improve longevity and decrease comorbidities. Numerous studies have shown that fasting decreases belly fat, improves cellular repair, reduces insulin levels and insulin resistance, decreases inflammation, improves heart health and longevity, and may even help prevent certain diseases like cancer and alzheimers.
What is ProLon?
ProLon is a 5 day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) that was scientifically developed and clinically tested by the University of Southern California Longevity Institute and School of Medicine, one of the leading centers for research on aging and longevity. This system includes plant-based healthy, natural foods and ingredients that are conveniently placed in 5 individual boxes labeled for each day. The boxes contain energy bars, soups, snacks, drinks and supplements that are designed to nourish your body without being recognized as food in your cellular pathways. Therefore, your body continues to mimic the fasting state while maintaining better energy and safety than with a traditional water fast; allowing the body to undergo regenerative and rejuvenating changes, improving cholesterol, inflammation, and fasting glucose. If you are looking to ProLon to improve your health, detox and regenerate, using the system every 3-6 months is ideal. For those of you with weight loss as an additional goal, ProLon once monthly for 3 consecutive months has been shown to yield incredible results resulting in an average weight loss of 5 lbs and 2 inch decrease in abdominal circumference. Elevated risk individuals were found to exhibit even better results.
My Experience
After reading the positive research results on fasting and ProLon specifically, I decided to giv
e the Fasting Mimicking Diet a try.
Day 1: Weight – 126.6 lbs
I woke up this morning excited but a little nervous to begin. I decided to start my fast on Monday so I would be able to start eating again on the weekend. I opened the ProLon box to find everything was well organized and
separated by boxes with the day noted. Within the box, there was also a small note card that stated what meals to eat and when, but was small enough that you could throw it in your pocket to refer to during the day (shown below). I felt pretty sustained throughout the day, however, I did experience low energy levels, brain fog, mild irritability and a headache.
Day 2:
After powering through the first day, I was thrilled to wake up before my alarm with a ton of energy! I went for a short run in the morning before work and felt energized and lighter throughout the day.
Day 3:
This day was definitely my least favorite. If you refer to the meal program photo above, y
ou will notice that the snacking on this day is definitely more limited and I was hungry! My rumbling belly did not help matters either! I felt headachy again this day, fatigued and even a little weak. I do think I may have felt worse in part because I knew that I was only halfway as well.
Day 4:
After a rough third day, I woke up this morning with good energy that lasted me throughout the day.
Day 5:
Day 5 I was stoked! I woke up before my alarm went off again and was filled with a great energy that lasted throughout the day.
Day 6: Weight – 121.0
Day 6! I felt a huge sense of accomplishment having stuck to and completing the diet. I was 5 pounds lighter than when I had started and felt really great. The greatest differences I noticed besides the weight loss was that my body actually felt lighter, I had more energy, it was easy for me to wake up in the mornings and I felt rested. For not having really eaten a meal that whole week, I was amazed to find I wasnt really hungry either. I ended my fast late morning with a shake from Juiceland so I wouldn’t overwhelm my system, had a protein shake later in the afternoon and then for dinner, I treated myself to a light pasta meal per Prolon’s Day 6 recommendations. I felt great all day and was very thrilled to get some real food in my system!
ProLon in Review
Although initially intimidated by fasting and the ProLon diet, I was so happy that I experienced it. I felt like it was an excellent reset for my gut and my body, and I felt energized, accomplished, and lighter by the end! I was also very happy with the results that I could see when I looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe how the weight (especially in my midsection) had just fallen off! I also loved that I felt rested and rejuvenated each morning when I woke up. If you are ready to make some positive changes for your energy, health and weight, come see us and give ProLon a try. There is nothing to lose but a healthier, lighter, more energized, med free version of you!
