Seth Roberts

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 show more 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. show less

This was a bunch of fluff and feathers. I'm sure Mr. Roberts is laughing all the way to the bank. What he tried to pass off as research wouldn't withstand a great deal of scrutiny. The basic premise is that by drinking sugar water and light olive oil you can condition your body, like Pavlov's dog, and trick it into losing weight while you eat whatever. This guy has probably got a bridge for sale.

Interesting book - like most health books touting unusual claims, there is "science" to back it up. What I liked about this book is that the author doesn't seem to be trying very hard to convince his audience - just sharing what worked for him, along with conjectures as to why it worked. He encourages his audience to do their own scientific experimentation on themselves. And, bonus, his suggestions are cheap and easy - no tie-ins to special vitamin supplements or weightloss food.

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 show more 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. show less