Our Wellness Advisor Shares His Experience With ProLon

What is Prolon?

Prolon is a fasting mimicking program designed to induce a fasted/ketogenic state without the complete deprivation of food. This plant-based program has been clinically tested and developed at the Longevity Institute and Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute of the University of Southern California (USC), sponsored by the NIH.

Why Try Prolon?

Working at the Lanby, a wellness driven integrative primary care practice in NYC, has opened my eyes to new and innovative applications to health, including Prolon. Though familiar with intermittent fasting and its benefits on weight, metabolic health, and appetite, a five-day fasting mimicking diet was new to me. The most intriguing aspect was the autophagy-inducing component. Autophagy is a natural process where cells clean out damaged parts, aiding in cell repair and longevity. This process is not typically triggered by intermittent fasting or 24-48 hour fasts, making Prolon's approach to longevity through eating particularly appealing.

Additionally, the potential for a few pounds lost before beach season was enticing. After hearing positive reviews from friends and thoroughly vetting the program, I decided to try it, also as a reference for my patients who might be interested.

The Experience

Day 1:

The program starts with the highest calorie intake at around 1100 calories. Each of the five days' boxes contains all the food for that day, including different flavored soups (minestrone being my favorite), nut bars, olives, crackers, some supplements, a liquid for water, and various herbal teas. The first day was the easiest since everything was new and hunger wasn't intense yet. I found the herbal teas, which I enjoyed both hot and iced, particularly satisfying.

Days 2-5:

Calories drop to 700-800 per day from day two onwards. Day two still felt manageable with enjoyable snacks like crackers and nut bars. The chocolate crisp dessert was a highlight. You can eat the day's contents in any order but not mix days. I saved the soups for home and used snacks and teas during the day.

Day 3:

This day started getting tough, with increasing lethargy and being the last day I could go to the gym. While the soups were becoming annoying, the mental clarity I experienced was a positive aspect.

Day 4:

Day four was rough. My dislike for the soups meant I wasn't finishing them, reducing my calorie intake to about 400-600 per day. My body felt heavy, but my mind remained clear, and my stomach felt lighter. The crackers and bars were still a delight, making each bite the best part of my day.

Day 5:

I was happy to reach the finish line, although I didn't eat my last soup. Completing the program felt like an achievement.

Conclusion

The Prolon program is well-researched and thoughtfully designed. While I recommend it, I would suggest improving the soups or creating a non-soup version. Despite the soups, I enjoyed the mental clarity and light feeling in my gut. The scientific basis for autophagy was reassuring. I lost 11 pounds over the five days, with a net loss of around 8.5 pounds two weeks later after resuming normal eating.

If you're considering this process, consult an Registered Dietician or doctor first, as it isn't for everyone. Overall, it was a challenging yet rewarding experience that improved my metabolic health, facilitated cellular rejuvenation, aided in weight loss, and changed my perspective on food portions.

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