The Scarsdale Diet

With this diet it is possible Lose 20 pounds in 2 Weeks!

The Scarsdale Diet is a low carbohydrate and high protein diet.  The late Dr. Herman Tarnower's highly egimented program is detailed in his book The Complete Scarsdale medical Diet.

The main principles of the Scarsdale diet plan is to eliminate nearly all carbohydrates and severely limit your intake of any carbohydrates you do ingest.

The diet also limits fat intake, contrary to the Atkins diet, but not to dangerously low levels. The Scarsdale Diet has a very specific food group ratio - it contains 43% protein, 22.5% fat,and 34.5% carbohydrate.

The diet is very low calorie (about 800 - 1000 per day), and has to be followed very strictly for the first two weeks. The diet suggests that weight loss of up to 20 pounds (9kg) is possible in just 14 days.

Although the Scarsdale diet plan is indeed known to yield very quick weight loss, initially it is mostly water and the weight loss is predominantly due to the extremely reduced calorie consumption.

The Scarsdale diet plan has to be followed rigidly for 7-14 days. Another week or two at a slightly less rigorous pace follows. Many low carbohydrate and high protein diets have a short induction period, but this two week cycle is rather unique to the Scarsdale diet.

The Scarsdale diet is considered healthier than the Atkins diet as it includes some complex carbohydrates such as bread and fruit. You do not have to count calories or grams of fat nor weigh your food. There is no limit on portion sizes. All meat must be very lean and all visible fat must removed before cooking. Skin and fat from chicken and turkey should also be removed. It is not necessary to eat everything prescribed, but one mustn't substitute or add anything.

The Scarsdale diet advises against strenuous exercise as part of the diet plan especially for those over 40. This is probably due to the low calorific value of the diet plan.Herbal appetite suppressants are suggested as a supplement to the diet. These, however,can be dangerous for people with heart disease or high blood pressure and have been linked to sudden death when used in large quantities or in conjunction with other stimulants such as caffeine.

Scarsdale Diet Daily Meal Plan Sample:

• Breakfast (same every day)
  1/2 a grapefruit
  One slice of wholemeal toast (no spreads or butter)
  Coffee (no sugar or milk)
  Artificial sweeteners allowed.
• Lunch
  Canned salmon/ mackerel/ tuna
  Salad with oil-free dressing
  Coffee (no sugar or milk)
• Dinner
  Roast lamb (with all visible fat removed)
  Large salad with lemon and vinegar dressing
  Coffee (no sugar or milk)
• Drinks
  Water, diet drinks, tea, soda water. No alcohol.
• Snacks
  Raw Celery and Carrots.

Any of the following may be used to one's heart's content: salt, pepper, vinegar, lemon,herbs, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and mustard. 4-8 glasses of water per day are recommended.

Although the Scarsdale Diet was developed by a cardiologist, (Dr. Tarnower), as a way to lose a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, it is not suitable for long term weight management and certainly not a diet one should attempt without the advice of one’s own doctor.