1. Resetting the Body's Internal Control
The functioning of the human body is regulated by a set of internal controls. One controls weight, another controls temperature and yet another controls the speed at which foods are processed and utilized. All of these mechanisms work together so that the body functions smoothly. Occasionally, these controls deviate from the norm and may need to be reset. Illness, injury or a drastic change in lifestyle can all be possible triggers for disrupting the system. Resetting those controls may take a little time and effort, but to regain and maintain health and wellness, the process is a necessity.
2. Separating Flavor From Calories
Seth Roberts, the creator of the the Shangri La Diet, claims that if a person consumes small amounts of calorie rich foods (canola oil, extra light olive oil or sugar water) an hour or so before or after a meal, flavor will be disassociated from calories. This convinces the body to reset its set point to a lower level, which will, in turn, reduce a person's appetite, allowing for weight loss without discomfort.
3. Labeling and Presentation
Roberts believes that flavor-calorie associations cause the body to elevate it's weight set point. This will stimulate the appetite and trigger the storage of excess calories as fat. Roberts also believes that the flavor-calorie associations are caused by conditioned responses to certain foods. These strong responses are due to the uniform labeling, flavors, and overall presentation of the modern food products we have in our supermarkets.
4. Additional Techniques
Roberts came up with a technique he called "crazy spicing." The idea behind crazy spicing was to create flavor combinations that the brain hadn't learned to associate with calories. Finding subtle flavors that wouldn't set off triggers in the brain was also an option. Other techniques centered on a food's glycemic index. The lower the food's glycemic index, the better it would be for you. Stronger flavors are believed to enhance the associative properties between taste and calories and promotes the feelings of hunger that cause people to overeat.
5. Long Term Benefits
Some people, including Roberts, have lost substantial amounts of weight with the Shangri La Diet and they have been able to keep it off. They have accomplished this by eating just enough bland calories to sustain their goal weight. According to them, surprisingly small amounts of food make them feel full. A few people have developed an outright aversion to food. There are few mentions of actual nutrition, and even fewer about exercising. In my experience, to set the metabolism to an appropriate level for the individual, diet and exercise must be used together. When both aspects are incorporated into a balanced weight loss plan, the desired metabolic rate can be achieved and maintained.
Member Comments