The book guides readers to alternative approaches to fulfilling the demands of these instincts in ways that can help them lose weight and, at the same time, adopt a more wholesome, nutritious and healthy eating plan that can be adapted to anyone’s lifestyle. Though the instinct diet is rather prescriptive for the first two weeks, it offers a reasonable number of options to accommodate different tastes and eating schedules. The next six weeks of the eight-week programme enable dieters to adopt and adapt eating plans that can result in permanent weight loss and improve health.

The diet is high in fibre, which demands a significant intake of water and other non-caloric or low-calorie beverages. Dr Roberts insists on three meals a day and wholesome snacks in between to reduce the risk of binges and unwise hunger-driven food choices.