Fasting Mimicking Diet (Valter Longo / ProLon)

What is Fasting Mimicking Diet (Valter Longo / ProLon)?

A 5-day diet protocol invented at the USC Longevity Institute that tricks the body into fasting mode while still providing nutrients. Day 1 allows ~1,100 calories, Days 2-5 allow ~800 calories, all from specific plant-based, high-unsaturated-fat, low-protein compositions. Clinical trials published in Nature Communications (2024) demonstrated biological age reduction and rejuvenation of metabolic and immune function. Designed as a safer, more accessible alternative to water fasting.

Is there evidence for it?

How do you do Fasting Mimicking Diet (Valter Longo / ProLon)?

1. 1.Use the ProLon commercial kit or follow the macronutrient blueprint: Day 1 ~1,100 kcal (10% protein, 56% fat, 34% carbs), Days 2-5 ~800 kcal (9% protein, 44% fat, 47% carbs) from plant-based whole foods
2. 2.Allowed foods: nuts, olives, soups, herbal teas, small portions of complex carbs, energy bars made from nuts and coconut; avoid all animal products, alcohol, and caffeine beyond herbal tea
3. 3.Perform the 5-day cycle once per month for the first 3 months (the clinical trial protocol), then reduce to once per quarter for maintenance
4. 4.During the FMD: light activity only (walking, gentle yoga), stay hydrated, expect mild hunger and fatigue especially Days 2-3; most people report increased clarity by Day 4
5. 5.Resume normal eating on Day 6 with a transition day of light meals; track biomarkers before and after cycles (fasting glucose, IGF-1, CRP, cholesterol) to measure personal response

How long does it take?

5 days per cycle, 3-4 cycles per year.

Is it hard to start?

medium.

This is one entry from the library Shift matches against. It is general information, not advice about you, and nothing on this page came from anyone's conversation.