I’m thrilled that so many of you found interest in my ProLon FMD post from last week. Lots of questions came to me directly so I thought I’d share and address them all here. Please feel free to ask more in the comments section so readers can benefit from the answers.
- Why did you do six rounds?
I initially started with one round in January to test how I felt and frankly to see if I could complete the five-day diet. Fasting was completely new to me. I felt great, lost weight was sleeping better so I repeated ProLon in March. As I read more about the protocol used for the studies, which is three rounds three months apart, I decided the next time I would schedule it as such. My husband joined me for the three consecutive rounds in May, June, July. (Gamechanger for him with a weight loss of 40 pounds which has stayed off.) I feel so good after a FMD week, so I did a sixth-round in October as a “reset” before the holidays.
- Do you plan on continuing with that many rounds every year?
No. I’ll do it in January to kick off the year, then perhaps quarterly. I feel like I’ve found something that works keeping me energized and focused. This is also the first time since I turned fifty that I’ve been able to shed some weight and keep it off.
- What do you do for weight loss maintenance?
The interesting thing about the weight loss is it has stayed off within a 2-3 pound range with little effort. I traveled a couple of times this year to Europe for close to three weeks each time and did not put the weight back on while indulging.
- Did you change your diet in between the FMD fasts?
My actual diet of what I eat did not change, but the amount of food did. My normal diet is predominantly plant based with an occasional sprinkling of animal protein (that’s actually becoming less and less). The FMD made me aware of how much I need to feel satisfied, so my portions are smaller. I’ve also increased my water intake and start the day with 24oz before anything else.
- Did you exercise during the FMD?
No. To preserve muscle mass, it is recommended to not engage in strenuous exercise. I walked and did a very light resistance pilates class just to keep mobile.
- Do you like soup variety 1 or 2 better?
I prefer the flavors in soup variety one.
- Why did you try to lose 20 pounds?
It was never my intention to lose 20 pounds but after the initial round of about 8 pounds, the weight slowly came off. I leveled off after my fifth round in July and have maintained this weight within a couple of pounds since. One of the interesting things about ProLon is its targeted weight loss around visceral and abdominal fat. I felt like I was losing weight from the inside out while holding on to subcutaneous fat.
- What other benefits did you experience besides weight loss?
My cholesterol went down. My thyroid hormone level went up and for the first time in over thirty years, I’ve had to lower my medication. That was the biggest surprise. I feel more productive with better mental clarity. My energy levels are up and I’m stronger in my workouts. I also sleep much better.
- Any tips to stay motivated?
Yes! I listened to several interviews/podcasts/videos during the ProLon rounds that reaffirmed WHY I was doing the fast. They kept me motivated for the right reasons and inspired. I also re-read parts of The Longevity Diet and the e-book The Truth About Fasting from the ProLon site. Below are some video/listening highlights:–Valter Longo on FMD & Fasting for Longevity, Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis
– Dr. Joel Kahn and cardiovascular health
– The Secret Power of Fasting for Longevity and Healing
– Fasting: Awakening the Rejuvenation from Within
– Is Intermittent Fasting the Key to Health?– Read: The Longevity Diet
The information and opinions expressed are my own. I am not a healthcare professional and you should always consult your physician, doctor, or healthcare provider before beginning any weight loss, nutrition or exercise program.
Click HERE to read my other posts on ProLon including daily details on my 1st Round and 6th Round on the FMD.
KSL
Thanks for answering these questions. I’ve ordered my three rounds and will do them a month apart. We’re evacuated right now due to the fires but will start when we’re resettled. One other question – do you drink wine nightly when not fasting, or no alcohol? Also, it says you can have one cup of black coffee while fasting – did you ever have coffee? You look amazing, but more importantly, so glad you feel so well.
Karima
Thanks Kathy. I drink wine a few times a week, not nightly. But, on vacation, I drank every single night and it didn’t change anything. The first round I did not drink coffee and I think that contributed to it being the most difficult round. All other rounds, I had one cup of black coffee and that made a world of difference. If coffee is a big part of your morning routine, I’d recommend cutting back a few days before you start.
I’m so sorry to hear about the evacuation. It’s devastating and scary to see how often fires are popping up all over California.
SDL
I am on Day 3 of the FMD. It is going well. I am not starving, I have energy and have been sleeping well. FYI: I was not able to get your promo code to work when I signed up for the 3 month subscription.
Karima
Good for you! I’d love to hear how you feel when you’re done. On another note, I’m sorry the promo code didn’t work! I’ll check it out.
Karima
I just tested the code and it worked for me.
Marianne
Thanks for sharing your insights Karima. I’d heard of FMD and Dr. Longo before, but have learned mostly through your posts. Like many women my age (52) I’m having difficulty losing any weight and feel my energy is too low. If you could give me some ideas on your non-FMD eating I would really appreciate it. I am an omnivore and protein helps keeps my energy levels up. I would love to hear more about how you keep your protein levels up without much meat. Thanks again.
Karima
Here’s a list of my go-to’s for protein. I’m not vegetarian so some of them are sourced from animals. I usually have some kind of protein shake each day made with pea milk and protein powder. I also add collagen protein to something every day…soup or even a plain glass of water. These are specific brands I buy on repeat.
1. GOOD CULTURE whole milk cottage cheese (19g)
2. RIPPLE pea milk (8g)
3. PALEOPRO protein powder (26g)
4. VITAL PROTEINS collagen powder (20g)
5. FURTHER FOOD Collagen peptides with reishi mushroom (9g)
6. SIGGIS organic plain 4%fat yogurt (25g)
7. eggs (6), almonds (6), nut butter (6-8)
KSL
Promo Code did work for me and thanks.
MEW
Karima – you have inspired me – too bad I missed the code. I just ordered one month to try before the holidays. I do have a question. How did your husband do on the 3-month program? Wow, 40 pounds is impressive and my husband has been struggling to lose some over 50 belly fat. I am curious what his review and strategies are and if they differ from yours?
Karima
I’m glad I’ve inspired! My husband did great on the three rounds. He doesn’t “enjoy” it as much as me but is impressed with the results. The best part is we’ve both been able to maintain the weight loss (his last round was in July).
Deirdre
Thank you for all of your posts on this. I was interested after reading about it on goop and tried it this past week. I found it very easy to do and didn’t feel overly hungry at all. I did have the 1 cup of coffee so that most likely helped. I found your posts incredibly helpful and encouraging so thank you again.
Karima
Hi Deirdre,
Sorry for the delay in reply…I’ve been sick with the flu and I’m just coming out of the fog!
Having a single cup of coffee made it much easier for me. I stretched out my morning a little longer with the coffee and it felt like a treat. I’m glad you tried ProLon and that my posts acted as a source of encouragement! Thank you.