Shangri-La Diet

[edit] Guide Note:

The Shangri-La Diet promises weight loss not by counting calories or points, not by restricting portion size or proscribing certain foods, but by claiming that it will remove your desire to overeat. The name Shangri-La, from the James Hilton novel Lost Horizon, was used because of the diet's purported result — that lack of desire will allow you to make "peace" with food, reaching your own personal Shangri-La.

The diet was developed by Seth Roberts, a University of California at Berkeley Psychology professor. It is unusual in that he developed it by experimenting on himself, after doing research on various theories of weight control. Using trial and error methods, he developed this diet that he credits with his 40 pound weight loss.

[edit] Fast Facts:

1. Developed: 2005
2. Must be followed for life
3. Consume extra light olive oil or sugar water twice a day
4. Allow one hour before and after the oil and any other food or drink
5. Oil or sugar will represent 150-300 calories a day
6. Will probably only consume 900 calories the rest of the day
7. Book contains other techniques for eating "tasteless" food
8. Avoid cooking TV Shows, magazines, and the like, to prevent stimulating thoughts about food

The theory behind the diet arises from Roberts' belief that we are biologically programmed to eat more when food is plentiful, and less when food is scarce. One of the key factors that the body uses to determine whether we are in a time of plenty or not is the diversity and tastiness of the food surrounding us, Roberts maintains. By linking calories to flavorless foods he claims that the body can be tricked into thinking food is scarce, reducing its "setpoint" , and consequently, the desire for food, as it burns its stored fat for energy.

The diet received extensive press when the book was released in 2005. Roberts had released excerpts on the internet prior to publication, using viral marketing to stir up excitement and anticipation.

[edit] Disclaimer: