The Shangri-La Diet is a diet based on the book by Seth Roberts. Seth Roberts is a Psychology professor at UC Berkeley. His diet is based on a hypothesis that the foods that we eat today are heavily labeled, rely on presentation and strong flavor. Over the past decades people have developed strong conditioned responses to these foods in which he has termed flavor-calorie associations.
According to his theory, the body is conditioned to raise its weight set point- almost like a thermostat- creating a feeling of hunger and in effect storing excess calories in the form of fat.
Once on the Shangri La Diet, Seth Roberts recommends that dieters each small portions of food that are extremely bland and also that are filled with calories (calorie dense foods). Three foods that are recommended include canola oil, extra light olive oil and sugar water. These three foods should be consumed always at least an hour before food with any type of flavor is consumed. For instance, before you eat a sensible dinner at 6pm, eat a serving of canola oil before 5pm. The reason being is that according to Seth Roberts, this practice of eating high calorie, bland foods will help dissociate flavor from calories. In effect, your body should lower the weight set point and not associate the flavorful foods with high calories.
Pros of the Shangri La Diet
While extensive research has not been done on this diet, Seth Roberts states that he lost over 50 pounds over a few months with virtually no effort. For those that believe there are lots of psychological aspects to gaining weight and dieting this might be a diet that you would like to try.
Cons of the Shangri La Diet
Obviously, enough research hasn't been done on this diet to make any connection between food labeling, flavor and presentation on how our bodies store fat and regulate our weight set point. While you won't harm yourself by going on this diet, there are many other diets that are scientifically proven to work. Although Seth Roberts has lost 50 pounds over several months, many diets offer the same effectiveness. As always, consult with a physician before starting any diet or exercise program.
