Scarsdale Diet

Background

The Scarsdale Diet was created in the 1970’s by a cardiologist, Dr. Herman Tarnower and Samm Baker. This plan was introduces in a book they have written entitled “The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet.” It gives several scientific data to support the effectiveness of this diet plan and also lays out a historical perspective on the development of dieting.

The diet plan mainly includes a rigorous two-week, low-calorie, high-protein diet plan. The Scarsdale Diet plan only requires 850 to 1,000 calories per day. It is designed to be followed strictly without any compromise. This all-or-nothing program, being extremely restrictive is based on a proportion of 43% protein, 22.5% of fat and 34.5% of carbohydrates. However, this diet plan yields fast results. Dieters who are under this plan claimed to have lost 20 pounds in just two weeks. The Scarsdale Plan also endorses the use of artificial sweeteners and herbal appetite suppressants.

Dieters are required to follow a strict diet for two weeks and a second less rigorous phase referred to as the ‘Keep Trim’ program, for the next week or two. This is said to be the maintenance period wherein the body’s metabolism resets. The program also results to loss of fat, fluid and some tissue loss.

Pros

•    Plan is backed up by scientific studies

•    Very inexpensive

•    Website offers plenty of information

•    No calorie or gram-fat counting

•    Plan has no limit in portion size

•    Weight loss is quick and no worries about hunger or starvation

•    Plan has a positive long-term effect on heart health

•    Meals are precise and plan is generally easy to follow

Cons

•    Too few calories are required which is neither healthy or sustainable

•    Weight loss is mainly water

•    Diet plan has low amounts of  carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals which can result to weight gain

•    Diet may not be suitable for everyone

•    Herbal appetite suppressants may be dangerous to those with conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure

•    Consumption of bread in the diet which may not be relevant to present diet standards

•    Use of artificial sweeteners which can cause side effects

•    Inadequate fluid intake can pose the risk for kidney damage

•    Issues on emotional eating or psychological factors and hormonal factors on weight management is not addressed

•    Recipes are not basic and some food ingredients may not be readily available

•    Lack of food options can make adherence to the plan difficult

•    Exercise programs are not incorporated in the diet plan

Food and Recipes

The Scarsdale Diet Plan calls for strict adherence for dieters. They are recommended to consume only what is included on the meal plan and snacking is prohibited unless it includes carrots, celery, or a low-sodium vegetable broth. Alcohol is restricted and permitted beverages include tea, plain coffee, club soda, diet soda or sugar-free drinks and water. Lemon, vinegar and Scarsdale-approved dressings are the only ones used for salads, although, dieters may use condiments such as ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and herbs. Butter, margarine and other fats are not allowed as well as pasta and flour-based products. Only lean meat is advised and skin and fat should be trimmed off. Dieters can choose a variety of meat such as beef, lamb, pork, ham or veal. Canned seafood in sauces is not recommended and eggs are allowed three times a week only. Several vegetable are permitted except corn, beans, peas and potatoes. Dieters are required to stay on the diet for two weeks, alternating between the main diet plan and the ‘Keep Trim’ phase of the program.

Exercise

The Scarsdale Diet Plan does not include an exercise program. It is, in fact, not recommended especially those over 40 years of age. Since the diet endorses a lower-than-normal caloric level, exercise is not advisable during the period of the diet plan.

Expense

Dr. Tarnower’s “The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet” is available on paperback cover and book price ranges from $0.25-$7.99 and may have additional shipping and delivery costs.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the Scarsdale Diet Plan is sure and fast since it focuses on strict calorie reduction. Although the plan’s long-term effectiveness may not be ideal. Also, the initially restrictive two-week program may be difficult for most people. Generally, the menu plan is not considered satisfying or appealing to the taste and may require more expensive ingredients that are not readily available in a local grocery store. And although it is scientifically based, there are several important factors to consider before getting into this diet plan.

Have You Tried The Scarsdale Diet?

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