What Is Fast-Mimicking with Renee Fitton
We’ll be using the Prolon 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)—a science-backed program designed to activate cellular clean-up pathways while still allowing you to eat.
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Prolon 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)
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Fasting has been a part of human culture for centuries, often linked to religious, spiritual, and cultural traditions. While it has long been practiced for self-discipline and reflection, modern research has highlighted its potential health benefits. In recent years, fasting has gained widespread attention for its impact on longevity, metabolism, and disease prevention, making it a popular approach for those looking to improve their overall well-being.
But did you know you can experience the benefits of fasting without completely giving up food?
In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Fitton, a registered dietitian and entrepreneur. She is also the Director of Education & Healthcare Sales at ProLon. Together, we discuss why fast-mimicking may be a better alternative to traditional fasting. Fast-mimicking is a structured five-day program that allows you to eat, but only specific, scientifically researched foods designed to support the fasting state.
Find out how this program can be an effective way to jumpstart or maintain a healthy weight—listen to the full episode!
How Does ProLon Work?
ProLon works by tricking the body into thinking it’s fasting, allowing it to tap into a powerful cellular reset process called autophagy. During this phase, the body clears out damaged cells and replaces them with healthier ones, leading to potential benefits like improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and even anti-aging effects.
Each day of the ProLon program includes a carefully designed mix of soups, snacks, and supplements, providing around 750-1,100 calories. This keeps the body in a fasting-mimicking state while still giving it the nutrients it needs—without triggering the stress response of full-on fasting.
Benefits of ProLon
Supports Cellular Renewal – By activating autophagy, ProLon helps the body clear out damaged cells and replace them with new ones, which may lower the risk of age-related diseases.
Boosts Metabolic Health – Research suggests that the fasting-mimicking diet can help regulate blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce harmful visceral fat.
Promotes Weight Loss – With a controlled calorie intake and essential nutrients, ProLon can support healthy weight loss while preserving muscle mass.
Reduces Inflammation – Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. ProLon has been shown to lower inflammation markers, supporting overall health.
May Support Longevity – Studies on fasting and longevity suggest that periodic fasting can activate key longevity pathways, potentially promoting a longer, healthier life.
How Often Should You Do ProLon?
Many users complete a ProLon cycle once every few months to maintain its benefits. Some studies suggest that doing ProLon three to four times a year can provide long-term metabolic and anti-aging benefits. However, individual needs may vary, and some may choose to do it more or less frequently depending on their health goals.
The Science Behind ProLon: Research-Backed Health Benefits
ProLon stands out in the wellness space because of its strong foundation in clinical research. Unlike many supplements or diets that rely on anecdotal claims, ProLon’s fasting-mimicking approach has been studied extensively. With over 42 published clinical studies, its impact on health has been explored across a range of individuals and conditions.
While covering all 42 studies would take time, some key findings highlight the unique benefits of ProLon.
Targeting the Right Kind of Fat
One of the most compelling areas of research focuses on fat loss—specifically where the fat is coming from. Studies show that ProLon promotes fat loss from the most problematic areas, including:
Visceral fat – The deep fat surrounding organs, which is linked to metabolic diseases.
Abdominal fat – Often referred to as belly fat, which is associated with cardiovascular risks.
Liver fat – Excess fat in the liver, a key factor in metabolic dysfunction.
What makes this particularly important is that while fat loss occurs, ProLon has been shown to protect muscle mass, ensuring that weight loss is both effective and healthy.
Cellular-Level Benefits
ProLon fasting-mimicking effects trigger deep cellular changes, impacting various aspects of health. Research has shown benefits in areas such as:
Skin Health – Studies indicate that even one five-day cycle can improve skin hydration, reduce fine lines, and enhance texture. Many users notice a visible difference in their skin by the end of the program.
Metabolic Health – ProLon influences key markers like insulin sensitivity, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure, contributing to overall metabolic balance.
Reversing Biological Age
One of the most exciting discoveries about ProLon is its potential impact on biological age—the true functional age of your cells, which can be different from your actual age. A study found that participants who completed three cycles of ProLon (15 days over three months) experienced a 2.5-year reversal in biological age. That’s a big deal, as such a shift is rarely seen in longevity research!
What to Expect from ProLon in Terms of Weight Changes
While weight loss is a common reason people try ProLon, the results can vary depending on a person’s starting point. Those with more weight to lose tend to see more noticeable changes. For example, research on individuals with type 2 diabetes who followed six cycles of ProLon showed an average weight loss of 22 pounds. Meanwhile, those with a healthy BMI experienced a more modest but steady reduction—typically around six pounds over three cycles.
In practice, many people lose around five pounds per cycle, though some of that weight naturally fluctuates as the body rebalances hydration and electrolytes. On average, about three pounds tend to stay off per cycle, leading to a gradual and sustainable loss over time. After three rounds, many people find themselves maintaining a 10-pound reduction, along with improvements in metabolic health.
The key takeaway? ProLon isn’t just about shedding pounds—it supports the body’s natural ability to reset, making it an effective and manageable tool for long-term health.
ProLon and Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
There’s some exciting research on how ProLon could help with type 2 diabetes, yet fasting-mimicking diets—and even keto—are still overlooked as potential tools for managing the condition. While ProLon may support better metabolic health, it’s important for anyone with diabetes to check in with their doctor first, especially if they’re taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. Some adjustments might be needed to keep things safe and balanced.
For those with type 2 diabetes, L-Nutra offers a medical program designed to provide extra support. This includes lab reviews and consultations with healthcare professionals to help tailor the experience and make sure it’s both safe and effective.
Is ProLon Right for You?
ProLon is a great option for those who want to experience the benefits of fasting without completely giving up food. It’s especially helpful for people looking to boost metabolism, support cellular renewal, or lose weight in a structured, science-backed way. However, it’s not the right fit for everyone.
If you have a history of disordered eating, a structured fasting program could be triggering, and there are plenty of other ways to improve health without it. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also avoid ProLon, as well as those with nut allergies, since the program contains a significant amount of nuts. If someone has a very low BMI or muscle-wasting concerns, focusing on rebuilding strength first is a better approach before considering ProLon.
For those with type 2 diabetes, ProLon can be beneficial, but proper monitoring is essential. L-Nutra offers a medical program with lab reviews and professional guidance to ensure a safe and effective experience.
Fasting Without Extreme Restriction
Many people struggle with maintaining a balanced approach to eating, often swinging between undereating and overeating. For those in this cycle, strict fasting protocols—such as fasting for 16 to 20 hours—may not necessarily lead to better health. In some cases, extreme restriction can even encourage unhealthy eating behaviors rather than promoting long-term well-being.
While some advocate for prolonged fasting, the reality is that it can leave people feeling weak, overly hungry, and mentally drained. Seeing social media posts from individuals enduring extended fasts, often sharing their exhaustion and discomfort, raises an important question: If fasting feels like suffering, is it truly beneficial?
This is where the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) offers a more balanced alternative. Instead of pushing the body through prolonged water fasts, which can be both physically and mentally demanding, FMD allows individuals to experience the benefits of fasting without extreme deprivation. Done just a few times a year, it provides a structured way to reset eating habits, check in with the body, and strengthen a healthier relationship with food. Unlike highly restrictive fasting methods, FMD does not create ongoing stress on the body or increase the risk of disordered eating patterns.
While fasting can support overall health, it’s important to approach it in a way that is sustainable and supportive rather than extreme. For many, the fasting-mimicking diet offers a practical and effective way to reap the benefits of fasting—without the unnecessary strain.
ProLon 5-Day: Science-Backed Approach to Nutrition
ProLon offers a structured way to support cellular renewal and overall well-being in just five days—without complete fasting. Designed as a convenient nutrition kit, it provides a grab-and-go meal plan that makes healthy eating effortless. Each kit includes daily pre-portioned meals and snacks, taking the guesswork out of meal prep.
The plan starts with a macadamia and almond bar for a nutrient-rich breakfast. Throughout the day, snacks like kale crackers and premium Italian olives add variety, while hearty soups—including tomato and mushroom quinoa, lentil curry, and carrot ginger—serve as satisfying meals. A chocolate crisp rounds out most days, except on the third. While the flavors are milder than heavily processed foods, this shift can help curb cravings and reset taste preferences. For added convenience, a new ready-to-eat soup option is being introduced.
For general health, completing a five-day cycle three times a year is recommended, while those managing conditions like type 2 diabetes may follow it more frequently under medical guidance. Extending beyond three or four rounds should always be done with a healthcare provider’s advice. Once health goals are met, a maintenance schedule of every three to four months works well.
Beyond the health benefits, ProLon can also be a cost-effective choice, often reducing grocery and dining expenses over five days. With its balance of structure, convenience, and science-backed benefits, this kit provides a practical way to reset eating habits, simplify meal planning, and support long-term health.
If you're curious about fasting but don’t want to give up food entirely, fast-mimicking might be the perfect balance. Be sure to check out the full episode for more insights.
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