+353-1-2232264 |

How a 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet Surprised Me — And Helped My Plantar Fasciitis

 

Have you heard of ProLon, the 5-day Fasting Mimicking Diet? You may have come across it on social media or heard whispers about it in wellness circles. I have done it myself numerous times – and what I thought would be a gentle cellular reset turned out to have a surprising impact on a completely unrelated issue: my plantar fasciitis, which had persisted for two years, quietly disappeared the first time I tried it.

In this post, I’ll explain what ProLon is, share a little about the science behind it, and walk you through my personal experience – including some helpful tips for making your own 5-day stint feel empowering, not punishing.

What is ProLon?

ProLon is a scientifically designed Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) created by Dr. Valter Longo and his team at the Longevity Institute at USC. It offers the cellular and metabolic benefits of water fasting (this is actually a thing, mad as and all as it sounds) – but in a way that allows you to still eat (yes, really!).

Each day for five days, you consume a precise combination of plant-based meals, teas, snacks, and supplements. The kit is designed to keep your body in a fasting state, encouraging autophagy (your body’s natural process of cellular cleanup and repair) while still getting essential nutrients.

Why Do People Try ProLon?

More and more people are exploring intermittent fasting and fasting mimicking diets for a wide range of health and wellness reasons. Here’s what the research suggests ProLon may help support:

  • Cellular renewal and autophagy

  • Reduced inflammation markers

  • Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar balance

  • Support for healthy ageing and longevity

  • A gentle metabolic “reset” for those feeling sluggish, inflamed, or stuck in poor eating habits

It’s important to note that ProLon isn’t a weight loss tool or a quick-fix cleanse — and it’s definitely not a substitute for ongoing healthy eating habits. It’s more of a spring clean for your cells, a pause button for your system.

My Personal ProLon Experience: What I Didn’t Expect

I had been curious about ProLon for some time. Like many of you, I’d read the book and studies, and I am always curious about anything that can improve cellular renewal or mental focus. It was actually during lockdown that I first decided to give it a go – not for weight loss, but to reset some of the creeping habits that had snuck in (snacking out of stress, coffee on an empty stomach, mindless eating, and so on) and of course, pure curiosity!

What I didn’t expect was this: my plantar fasciitis, which had been a constant background pain for over two years, improved dramatically during the fast – and didn’t return for 5 years (so I will be getting out the ProLon again shortly). I hadn’t even considered that a systemic reduction in inflammation could impact something so specific, but the difference was undeniable.

I also noticed:

  • Better sleep (especially from day 3 onwards)

  • Mental clarity — less brain fog, more focus

  • A noticeable reduction in bloating and water retention

  • A deepened awareness of hunger, satiety, and emotional eating patterns

Tips for Making ProLon Doable and Enjoyable

If you’re thinking of trying ProLon in Ireland, here are my gentle, realistic tips to make the 5 days feel as supportive (I’m not going to stretch to “easy”) as possible:

Start eating as late as possible each day

This naturally shortens your eating window and makes it easier to get through the day. I aimed for around 1pm.

Begin on a Sunday or Monday

This lets the hardest days (typically days 2 and 3) fall mid-week, when you’re likely distracted by work — but not at your absolute busiest.

Pick a week that’s full, but not demanding

You’ll want enough distraction to keep your mind off food, but don’t schedule it during an intense work sprint or social week.

Reduce caffeine gradually

Try to wean off coffee 1–2 weeks before starting. Trust me, caffeine withdrawal + fasting is not a good combo.

Book a treat that isn’t food

I loved having a massage mid-week. It felt nurturing and gave me something to look forward to that wasn’t food-related. Facials are another lovely option.

Don’t treat it like a diet

This isn’t a “before and after” moment. I didn’t weigh myself, and I recommend you don’t either. The goal is cellular renewal, not a number on the scales.

Be kind to yourself

Gentle stretching, early nights, and slowing down your pace a little can make a huge difference. You don’t have to be perfect.


Is ProLon Right For You?

ProLon is designed for generally healthy adults, but it’s not for everyone. It’s not suitable if you’re:

  • Underweight or have an eating disorder history

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Managing certain chronic conditions (always speak with your GP or healthcare provider)

If you’re curious about trying a Fasting Mimicking Diet in Ireland, I recommend doing it with the right mindset: one of curiosity, respect for your body, and no pressure to “perform.”


Final Thoughts: A Cellular Reset for Mind and Body

ProLon isn’t magic. But for me, it felt like a much-needed pause — a reset button not just for my body, but for my mindset around food, movement, and inflammation. I returned to my usual rhythm with more clarity, less snacking, and the unexpected relief of a chronic issue I thought I’d just have to live with.

If you’re considering a 5-day reset that’s more about reconnection than restriction, ProLon might be worth exploring. If you think it might be something you would benefit from, you can book for a consultation with me to discuss it.