The Shangri-La Diet

The Shangri-La Diet is a weight loss and dietary strategy developed by psychologist Seth Roberts. It is not a diet in the traditional sense of a structured eating plan or a set of rules about what to eat and what to avoid. Instead, it focuses on manipulating the body's set point for weight by changing how the body associates the taste of food with calorie intake. The diet's main premise is that by consuming certain caloric foods or drinks that have little to no flavor, the body's set point will adjust, leading to weight loss without the need for conscious calorie counting or changes in exercise habits.

Overview

The Shangri-La Diet suggests that the body has a natural set point for weight, which is regulated by the brain's association between the flavors of the foods we eat and the amount of calories they provide. According to Roberts, when the body tastes something sweet or flavorful, it prepares itself for a high-calorie intake. However, if the calories do not follow the taste, the body's set point for weight lowers, and people naturally eat less.

The diet recommends consuming 100-400 calories of flavorless oil (such as extra-light olive oil) or sugar water between meals. These calories are supposed to be ingested in a way that they do not associate with any flavors, ideally an hour away from any other flavors tasted. This method is believed to lower the body's set point for weight and reduce overall calorie intake.

Criticism and Support

The Shangri-La Diet has received mixed reviews from nutritionists and health experts. Critics argue that there is limited scientific research supporting the diet's effectiveness and safety. Concerns have also been raised about potential nutritional deficiencies if individuals rely too heavily on the diet's recommendations at the expense of consuming a balanced and varied diet.

Supporters of the diet, however, claim to have experienced significant weight loss without feeling deprived or hungry. They also appreciate the simplicity of the diet and the lack of need for detailed tracking of calories or nutrients.

Conclusion

While the Shangri-La Diet presents an unconventional approach to weight loss, individuals interested in trying this method should consider the potential risks and benefits. Consulting with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist before starting any new diet is always recommended to ensure it aligns with one's health needs and goals.