Fast Mimicking Diet or FMD is a scientifically designed diet to improve metabolism and help reduce body weight. It was developed by Dr. Valter Longo, a professor of gerontology and biological sciences. FMD ensures that the body gets the benefits of fasting while nourishing it with all the essential nutrients. FMD is a type of intermittent fasting that involves a five-day low–calorie diet repeated periodically. This involves low protein and sugar while increasing the intake of healthy fats. Fasting will trigger a process called autophagy or the body’s way of clearing damaged cells to regenerate new and healthy cells. Besides making the cells healthier, this process helps lower the rate of cell degeneration or ageing. These are some of the amazing health benefits of fast mimicking diet.
Lowers the IGF level
Insulin like Growth Factor – 1 (IGF – 1) is a hormone that is associated with aging and diseases. FMD lowers IGF–1 levels and reduces the risk of cancer and other age-related diseases.
Improves metabolic health
FMD increases insulin sensitivity by lowering the glucose and insulin levels while reducing the risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
Here’s to do FMD
The five–day diet plan has been prepared to ensure the body the benefits of fasting while nourishing it with nutrients. On the first day, the body should receive 1,100 calories and should consist of 10 per cent protein, 56 per cent fat and 34 per cent carbohydrates. From the second to the fifth day, 800 calories are required. It should consist of 9 per cent protein, 44 per cent fat and 47 per cent carbohydrates. This is mostly a vegan diet that includes vegetables, nuts, seeds and small quantities of fruits. Moreover, it also includes processed food and sugar in meagre amounts, healthy fats and whole foods.
Health benefits of FMD
As the calories are less in this diet, it helps in rapid weight loss. Moreover, FMD aims to reduce fat rather than muscle loss.
1) Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by regulating the blood sugar level and improving insulin resistance. This diet protects the heart by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. Besides, it significantly lowers the risk of heart disease.
2) Cell regeneration and low levels of IGF increase life expectancy and reduce the risk of many age-related diseases.
3) FMD can boost immunity by stimulating the immune system of the body. Besides protecting health, this diet can effectively fight infections too.
Keep these in mind:
Even though there are many advantages to FMD, you must be careful about certain things while following this diet.
1) You must consult a medical practitioner before starting this diet, especially if you have diabetes, eating disorders or other serious health conditions.
2) The instructions must be strictly followed to gain proper results.
3) Some people may experience side effects like headache and fatigue on the first day. However, the body would soon get used to the diet.
4) FMD is not designed as a long-term diet; instead, it is for a short period. This diet could be observed once every few months depending upon the person’s health condition.
