The idea is to lose up to one pound per day following a low-carbohydrate plan based on chemical reactions rather than portion control or counting calories.

A 7- to 14-day plan that clearly outlines the types of foods to be consumed at three meals each day. Snacking is not allowed, and herbal appetite suppressants are encouraged. Meals consist of fruit, vegetables, and lean sources of protein in unlimited amounts. It is very low in carbohydrates and fats.

The Scarsdale Diet became popular in the late 1970s and notorious when the diet's originator, Dr. Herman Tarnower, was murdered in 1980. Since then, it has declined in popularity, although many people still use it as a quick jump-start type diet.

• Specific diet for each day, so little thinking involved.
  
  
• No counting of calories or fat grams.
  
  
• No limits on portion sizes .
  
  
• Rapid weight loss.
  
  
• Short duration may make diet easier to follow .

• Meal plan is strict and may be tough to follow.
  
  
• This plan is dangerously low in carbohydrate and many vitamins and minerals.
  
  
• Herbal appetite suppressants are often encouraged; these can be dangerous for people with heart disease or high blood pressure and have been linked to death when used in large amounts or in conjunction with other stimulants such as caffeine.
  
  
• Weight lost quickly on short-term diets is usually regained quickly when you stop.
  
  
• Exercise is not included in the diet plan.