The problem with the Shangrila diet
Posted by Jeff July 27, 2006
I have no doubt that the Shangrila diet works. I’ve been doing it for a few months and have observed how taking a little olive oil decreases appetite. It’s FM - Freakin’ Magic.
But — it sounds like the worst kind of fad diet. A typical conversation–
me: So, I’ve been trying this diet.
otherperson: <brightening> Really? What is it?
me: Well, it’s called the Shangrila diet.
op: giggling Oh? how’s it work?
me: You take a tablespoon of olive oil, and don’t eat anything for an hour before and after.
op: look of distaste How’s that work?
me: Well, it reduces the body’s set point..its internal target weight. It’s because the food has no flavor.. it’s a Pavlovian thing..you remember the dogs..?
op: thoroughly confused I’ve gotta go.. freshen my drink.
Maybe I’m bad at explaining it, or should contain my enthusiasm. One thing I know for sure: don’t attempt to be helpful by bringing it up to friends/family who could… benefit from it. That’s inevitably unsubtle, and results in hurt feelings.
What’s the answer? I don’t know. There’s no no merch or consumables to push - unlike Atkins which was a billion dollar a year market. Maybe what’s needed is a new “Lose Weight Now, Ask Me How” campaign, and hand them a short HOW-TO.
I love Seth Robert’s “better mousetrap” faith that the diet is so obviously good. But, people’s opinions are strongly ifluenced by marketing and network effects. Al Roker lost weight via gastric bypass (filmed, no less): a procedure which is dangerous, invasive, and very profitable to hospitals. Shangrila is affordable, healthy and effective. Shangrila needs a street team — tools to help folks spread the word — and some celebrity endorsements.
I tell people “you know how there is research that diet soft drinks cause people to gain weight? Well, just like those are flavor without calories, this diet uses calories without flavor to do the reverse.” Then I suggest some ways people get calories without flavor, and just how long “without flavor” means.
People understand and relate.
Good idea. I hadn’t heard about that diet soda research, but it makes sense.
I’m interested in the omega3->sleep connections, and the sleep-weight connection. So simple…
I need an hour or so less of sleep a night from when I started.
Wish you luck.
well, maybe they can start to make SLD in a can, a sweet, carbonated water fancy looking drink, with no flavor but lots of sugar.
A flashy package and simple to take anywhere!
Jenn
Jenn - you’re joking right
That’s one of the great things about it, low cost..