Shangri-La Diet

The Shangri-La Diet promises weight loss not by counting calories or points, restricting portion size or proscribing certain foods, but by claiming that it will remove the 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 followers to make peace with food, thus reaching their own personal Shangri-La.

Diet Recommendations

1. Must be followed for life
2. Consume extra light olive oil or sugar water twice a day
3. Oil or sugar will represent 150-300 calories a day
4. Consume about 900 calories the rest of the day
5. Robert's book contains other techniques for eating "tasteless" food
6. Avoid cooking TV shows, magazines and the like to prevent stimulating thoughts about food

Backstory

The diet was developed in 2005 by Seth Roberts, a University of California at Berkeley Psychology professor. He developed it by experimenting on himself after doing research on various theories of weight control. Using trial and error methods, he developed the Shangri-La diet, which he credits for his 40 pound weight loss.

Theory

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, thus reducing the desire for food.

Marketing

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

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information on the Shangri-La Diet.

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