Coffee and the ProLon 5-Day Diet: how to enjoy It without compromising your program
The ProLon® 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) was developed by Professor Valter Longo to provide the benefits of fasting in a safe and controlled way.
A common question from people following the program is about coffee: is it allowed during the five days? If so, how much can you have, and are there any specific guidelines?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about drinking coffee while on the ProLon® program.
Coffee and the Fasting Mimicking Diet: is it compatible?
During the five days of ProLon®, the aim is to mimic a fasting state, encouraging the body to switch to a more regenerative metabolism without completely cutting out food.
For this reason, all external calories should be avoided, with the exception of water.
That said, if you really feel the need for coffee, you can have a small amount each day, as long as you follow a few rules:
- It must be black, with no sugar, honey, milk, cream, or sweeteners.
- The recommended amount is around 240 ml (one small cup).
These restrictions are designed to avoid disrupting the fasting-mimicking state and to maintain the program’s effectiveness.
Why limit coffee during ProLon®?
Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can influence insulin and blood glucose levels.
During the program, the goal is to keep your body in a fasting-like metabolic state, which supports:
- Cellular regeneration
- Reduction of metabolic risk factors
- Activation of longevity and cellular health pathways
Excess caffeine or coffee with added calories (sugar, milk) can interfere with this state, reducing the benefits of the diet.
Practical tips for drinking coffee during ProLon®
If you decide to drink coffee during the five days, here are some practical guidelines:
- Keep it limited: Do not exceed the recommended amount.
- Black only: No sugar, milk, cream, or sweeteners.
- Listen to your body: Some people are more sensitive to caffeine; if you experience jitteriness, headaches, or digestive issues, it’s best to avoid it.
- Timing: Best to drink in the morning or early in the day to avoid affecting your sleep.
Coffee alternatives during the diet
If you prefer to skip caffeine entirely or just want some variety, there are a few alternatives compatible with ProLon®:
- Herbal teas and infusions: unsweetened and caffeine-free.
- Sparkling water: no sweeteners or added flavours.
- Water with lemon: a few slices for flavour without adding calories.
These options help maintain hydration and add variety without compromising the program.
Benefits of following the guidelines
Sticking to these beverage guidelines maximises the benefits of the fasting-mimicking diet, supports cellular regeneration and metabolic rejuvenation, and helps avoid side effects from caffeine or extra calories.
Remember, ProLon® is designed to be safe even for those following it without medical supervision, but it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
In summary, during the ProLon® 5-Day program, coffee can be enjoyed only in limited amounts and without any additions.
Following these guidelines is key to maintaining the effectiveness of the fasting-mimicking diet and reaping its metabolic and regenerative benefits.