Scarsdale

Also called: Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet

Reviewed By:
Lynn Grieger, RD

Scarsdale Diet basics

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.

Upside of the Scarsdale 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 .

Downside of the Scarsdale Diet

• 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.

Is the Scarsdale Diet for You?

This chart can help you see how the Scarsdale Diet fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Sample Scarsdale Diet Menu

A day on the Scarsdale Diet might look like this:

Breakfast:

• 1/2 grapefruit
  
• 1 slice of protein bread, toasted, no spread added
  
• Coffee/tea (no sugar, cream or milk)

Lunch:

• Turkey with sliced tomatoes
  
• Coffee/tea/diet soda
  

Dinner:

• Fish
  
• Green salad

Lynn Grieger, RD on the Scarsdale Diet

The Scarsdale Diet, like other low-carbohydrate, high-protein plans, eliminates foods that are high in fiber and many nutrients in favor of quick weight loss. Although it may seem like a low-carb diet, most of its weight loss comes from restricted calorie intake. Don't be fooled.

iVillagers on the Scarsdale Diet

"I lost 85 pounds by following the Scarsdale diet, exercising, drinking plenty of water and taking vitamins daily. I have been able to maintain the weight lost over two years." -- An iVillager

"I tried this diet two years ago, and while I did lose weight, I felt horrible every day. The hunger pangs were intolerable and the food started to taste terrible to me. There's only so much meat one person can eat in a day!" -- An iVillager

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