The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) isn’t quite fasting, but it aims to trick your body into thinking it’s not eating. It’s a carefully designed, low-calorie plan for a short period (usually 3-5 days) that provides just enough nutrients to keep you going while triggering similar metabolic effects as actual fasting. Think of it as a “fast-light” for your body and cells.
- Low-calorie: You consume about 30-50% of your usual daily calories, typically around 1000-1500.
- Low-protein, low-carb, high-fat: The focus is on healthy fats and minimal protein and carbs, mimicking the body’s fasting state.
- Pre-packaged meals: Often provided in kits, these meals are specifically formulated to meet the FMD criteria, ensuring you get the right balance of nutrients without the guesswork.
- Cellular benefits: The goal is to activate cellular repair mechanisms, boost longevity, and potentially reduce disease risk, including cardiovascular issues.
Some potential benefits of FMD for cardiovascular health include:
- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol: Studies suggest FMD can positively impact these key risk factors.
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to heart disease, and FMD may help dampen it.
- Improving insulin sensitivity: FMD can enhance how your body handles blood sugar, which benefits heart health.