As I sat at my local med spa discussing my changing body with the nurse practitioner, I began having doubts that any type of CoolSculpting would give me the results around my waistline that I really wanted. The procedure would take a few months to show its effects, and I was told: “results may vary.” It also would cost me a “cool” few grand to target the area I wanted to be treated.
After almost agreeing to a procedure that I believed to be my last hope, the nurse told me that she always recommends something called ProLon, a “fasting-mimicking diet,” to anyone who wants to kickstart a weight loss program whether they’re looking to get a cosmetic procedure done or a begin a new diet.
When I told the nurse I’d never heard of ProLon before, she told me it was kind of like a “detox diet that prepares you for a weight loss program by cutting down cravings with smaller portions and plant-based foods.” She said it was a five day “fasting-mimicking diet,” and I would be sent home with a box that contained foods like soups, herbal teas, and other supplements along with instructions on when to eat everything.
I was intrigued. Not only had I gone to this med spa with the hopes of a new weight loss regimen, I really felt the weight and toxicity of all that 2020 had brought into our lives and knew that I was due for a cleanse.
I left the medspa without a CoolSculpting appointment but armed with the latest box of ProLon, which includes soups like butternut squash and black bean, sesame crackers, olives, and several bars and supplements I’d never seen before. As soon I got home, I dug through the nicely organized box and instructions inside to see what I’d gotten myself into.
There were five neatly packaged boxes inside a larger one containing a few soups, snacks, a couple of nut-based meal bars, supplements, and a glycerol-based drink to take throughout Days 2-5 on the fast.
I was impressed by how nicely everything had already been laid out and organized for me. In the past, I’d always had hard times following diets – whether it was a low-carb one, Weight Watchers, or attempting to go vegan – because of the meal prep that must go into place for each.
With ProLon, everything is ready to go. It would help if you had a strong mindset and determination to follow through with it. As they say, “you can train yourself to do anything for a set amount of time.”
ProLon is also a little bit of investment at $250 a box, but right now, the generous folks at L-Nutra (the company that owns ProLon) are offering a discount through this link.
I’ve always believed that health and wellness is something you have to invest in – you make a choice.
As they say, “you can train yourself to do anything for a set amount of time.” After my first experience trying ProLon, I was sold. I had lost five pounds in a week, felt better than ever, and most importantly, I felt reset.
That’s why I decided to try it again, this time documenting the journey of my second fast and what my experiences were like with the “original” flavor of ProLon, which is the same concept, only the soups are different. Here’s how my second attempt at ProLon went down.
Day One
On the first day, I gaze down at my little box, which contains a tomato soup packet, minestrone, a few sachets of tea, some snacks and supplements, and say a prayer.
The day goes by better than I expect. I am not necessarily starving, but I do grimace a bit when the wheat thins at the pantry are calling my name. “Just a few days,” I think, it will be worth it!
Day Two
Having done this before, I know it’s time to start pacing myself through the second box. I wake at 6 am and down a glass of water with lemon in it, get to work, and by 9 am, decide I will finally have my breakfast, consisting of an L-bar and tea. Thankfully, my kids keep me busy this morning, so I’m not focused on my next meal. Mushroom soup is on the menu for today. I’m not a huge fan of the flavor, but I’m hungry, so down it and tell myself I’m doing something positive, and the soup is, in fact, not that bad.
I make sure to pour the glycerin in my tea and guzzle it all day long. Still feeling good.
Day Three
I thought day three would be the toughest because the allotted calories are lessened.
To my surprise, the day goes by seamlessly—no cravings, no headaches, or feeling lethargic whatsoever. The first time around trying ProLon, day three was rough. I think I mentally prepared myself for it.
Day Four
I wake up in the morning feeling good; I know I’m in the home stretch. Even better, I check the scale and have lost 4 pounds. I can do this. Today is another L-Bar for breakfast, and I’m going to attempt to stretch the L-drink, which I’ve found to be my saving grace through this diet, as much as I can.
About 9 pm rolls around, and I grimace at my family devouring a late-night pizza in front of me. I hold on tight to my L-drink and go to bed early, knowing I only have one more day left of fasting.
Day Five
I wake up on the last day craving pancakes. “It’s the last day!” I tell myself. I’ve got this. I start the morning with my L-Drink and L-bar and am already feeling more energized, rejuvenated, and just better.
It turns out I enjoyed this fast a little more than the previous one. I thought the original flavors were a little better. Knowing what to expect going into it made the experience much more manageable. I feel cleaner, refreshed, and am down a total of 10 pounds after the second fast. I will definitely be doing my third round after the New Year and can’t wait to share the experience again.
Disclaimer: Always seek medical advice prior to beginning any weight loss regimen, especially if you have health issues or concerns. Fasts are not good for everybody.
Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering health and wellness, culture, and the arts. Her work has been featured in City Lifestyle Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and Middleburg Life, to name a few. She is also a marketing affiliate for L-Nutra and a ProLon Ambassador and will receive a small commission if a purchase is made through this article.