The idea of the diet is intriguing. This is unlike the other diets which restrict a bunch of things, or the total calorie intake against the will of the person. If you follow it, you'll eat less, on your own. And the scientific basis behind the diet seems sound.

I've just started with it, but I have a feeling it should work. My final review will ofcourse depend on that. ( )

Bottom line--I'm going to try this diet. The psychology of dieting is an important and often overlooked part, in addition people have had some success with this. Well written and always careful not to over promise. We'll see how it goes. ( )

As a lot of people mentioned, you don't need to buy the book to get the diet plan. It's pretty simple and explained on the author's website. The book was mostly background on how Roberts got the idea, what he did to test it, and dieter testimonials. All in all, it was an interesting read. I admire Roberts' ability to think outside the box. If the testimonials are to be believed, this diet could be a magic bullet.I don't believe in magic, unfortunately. I will try out the ideas and see what happens. It's not risky and the premise appeals to my supremely lazy attitude. I can't rate the book higher than three stars until I know if it actually delivers on its claim. The three stars reflect an easy to read book that clearly leads you through its ideas. Whether or not you believe any of it along the way is another thing. ( )

I heard about the Shangri-La diet in an odd way - from reading another diet book! The author mentioned that she didn't understand why, but taking a spoonful of oil, or sugar water, works for her when her appetite starts to get out of hand. I was intrigued and purchased this book.

Roberts diet is simple: Take one tablespoon of extra light olive oil (or sugar water) several times a day, in the middle of a 2 hour time-frame when you do not eat anything else. It will suppress your appetite so you can eat less food. (Of course, you have to eat quite a bit less to make up for the extra calories in the oil.)

I've tried this for the past few days and it does seem to suppress the appetite. (Extra virgin olive oil does not seem to work, however. It needs to be extra-light.) Only time will tell if it will work for me long-term.

The dieter does need to make a conscious effort to eat less, and only eat when genuinely hungry. If you still continue to eat for emotional reasons, or eat mindlessly, the results will not be as great. It seems like it will work best if you are already trying to lose weight.

Read this book if you are intrigued by this unusual diet. The book explains the facts behind the method, and lists many 'extra credit' methods to lose weight even faster.

This could be the end of uncontrollable hunger and obsessions about food! ( )

Well, on the bright side, his "diet" plan probably won't do you any harm unless you have blood sugar issues. Essentially, it's a short book (150 half size pages) that suggests if you eat flavorless foods (olive oil or sugar-water) you'll lower your body's set point and ultimately loose weight without having to restrict your food intake

Roberts' proof? Oh... it worked for him... and for dozens of people who posted on his Blog site. Yup, that's his proof. And we all know the what gets posted on the internet (and, by the way, how many "this diet didn't work" posting were NOT put into the "evidence" locker?)

Does it work? Who knows? Perhaps it does - some people say it worked for them - but it's just as likely that those who followed this diet just become more aware of their food choices and that is what works for them (and, while the book pretends the diet advice requires only sugar water and oil to work, about 1/3 of the book focuses on "anti-processed food" dieting).

First: is the weight loss evidence legit (blog evidence only)?
Second: if there is weight loss, is it due to his plan, or because people who follow it are avoiding other foods because they're drinking sugar water or oil instead of their usual snack (120 calories of oil has a LOT fewer calories than a 260 calorie chocolate bar)?

We certainly don't find out in this evidence-free book. ( )