![Diet Plans and Nutrition [Home]](/images/everydiet5.png "Every Diet [Home]"){kind=small}
Scarsdale Diet
The Scarsdale Diet was a famous book written in the 1970s. Dr Herman Tarnower ran a clinic in the town of Scarsdale, and (like so many other doctor-designed plans) created the diet for overweight patients.
The book has always been a huge seller, and is still popular today.
Low Fat, High Protein
The Scarsdale Diet has a peculiar nutrient ratio – the only diet exactly like this. It contains 43% protein, 22.5% fat, and 34.5% carbohydrate.
Dr Tarnower claims this level of diet brings about the process of ketosis. Indeed the diet is low calorie (about 1000 per day), and has very strict rules during the first two weeks. After the first phase, the calorie limit is lifted a little (the “keep-trim” program).
The supposed weight loss is 20 pounds (9kg) in just 14 days.
Scarsdale Meal Plan
| Breakfast 1/2 grapefruit slice of wholemeal toast (no spreads or butter) coffee (no sugar or milk) Lunch Dinner Drinks |
Scarsdale Diet Issues
Like many diets of this kind – the calorie recommendations are too low. While weight loss will occur, it is neither healthy, or sustainable in the long-term.
See Also
The Complete Scarsdale Diet which retails for $7.99.
Click to vote!
Loading ...
I followed the diet about five years ago and lost 60lbs in less than 2 months. I rode my bike 20 miles a day and it really made me feel good. I am starting the diet again today, you eat nothing but good foods. Just have to get through the first couple of days like any diet.
I just started today and read all of the comments, I agree with Ally, the first day is hard, but I’m gonna keep on going, I’ve got a wedding to got to on saturday and I want to ware someting nice!!
I followed this diet when I was in my 20′s and lost 15 pounds. I kept it off for years. Now that I am in my 50′s and menopausal, I have gained it back and more. I have been on the diet for 5 days now and have lost 5 pounds. You really have to follow it exactly as it says though! If it says eat green beans, eat green beans…not peas! It does say no cream in your coffee but I’ll admitt, I use fat free half’n half and I am still losing. I love this diet!
I’ve done this regimen in the past, and it worked. I tried the different version (vegetarian, low budget, gourmet) from the book, and had excellent results. As one reader states, this is only one sample of the seven menus required. I learned a lot about nutrition from having done this diet. I also was running at that time over 7 miles per day, so the low caloric count was never a problem. Try it, you’ll like it, but get the book from a thrift store, read it, and see the results for yourself.
I LIKE THIS DIET BECAUSE YOU CAN EAT ALL, ITS IN BALANCE, AND I ENJOY A LOT
It works, ketosis is quick weightloss and not dangerous, I lost 18 lbs over the 2 weeks and was very happy.
I try this diet for the frist time and in two days I lost 7pounds, Im going on holiday in 3 weeks and im back an the diet hoping to lost at least 30 pounds. This diet is great.
Sorry I lost 7 pounds in 5 days not two days.
I did this diet when i was 13 yrs old…i weighed 165 pounds…i lost 35lbs and kept it off…that was 1979..
This diet has been the backbone of fitness for me all my life. I’ve never known anyone to lose 21 pounds in two weeks, but you will lose a few pounds and you will eat healthier and more mindfully. Like most fad diets, it’s a good way to jump start a healthier lifestyle.
I am 69 years of age and throughout the years, I know people who lost tons of weight on this diet. Remember, you must not stay on it for more than 14 days; and by all means, take your vitamins each day.
do you have to be extemely over weight to achieve massive weight loss in the 2 weeks?:)?
December 6 2008
I just started this diet for the first time a few days ago. My parents and sister have all done it with great results. The advice they gave me is to NOT CHEAT AT ALL! Not only because the diet will not work, but also if you do cheat, even one bite of a cookie you will lose the motivation and start to crave all the junk food again. Also I have been told to drink plenty of water to prevent kidney damage. Good luck all!
As a nutrition student, one of the first things we learn is that ketosis is dangerous! It can lead to a coma if it goes on for too long and is seriously damaging to a persons long term health.
Response to Bosco:
I am about 30 pounds overweight and did the diet for 2 weeks. I had a few days that I cheated on as it is December and I attended a few catered functions but I lost 8 pounds. I am taking a few weeks off now to finish the year and in the New Year am going to do the two weeks properly to lose the extra weight but I found even though I am not EXTREMELY overweight it worked well and would have probably much more if I had followed it perfectly. It also changes how you look at food and makes you more aware of what you eat and in what quantities. I think it will be helpful long term in keeping me from slipping back into my chocolate addication.
I have done this diet numerous times in the past and had great success. Am starting again tomorrow. Ketones are harmful if you have them for a length of time. Ketosis is one of the deadlies for diabetics. Had a daughter with diabeties and she would have ketones and then turn acidotic. She almost died a couple of times. Ketones prove that you are burning your own fat, so on Scarsdale you want ketones, but like the diet says, stay on for only two weeks. They should not do any harm then.
you need the book to do this diet properly. it works great i did it 2 differt times and lost weight. but as with any diet you much continue on it forever untill you learn to manage your bad eating habits. go for it. but the book please….
I forgot about this diet.. I did for my high school prom 10 years ago, during 14 straight days and then resting with the 3 days program I did it for 3 months and I lost from 168 lbs to 124 lbs it was great and never fainted or anything.. its ver though that true but worth every day!!
if you do it by heart its worth every day.. besides its only 14 days straight and you can loose at the minimum 8 lbs ..
I gain some weight so I am planning to re-start it!! but on monday LOL
This is the only diet that works for me EVERY TIME I do it!!!! Everyday I lose from 1/2 lb to 1 lb. I don’t exercise, although I should and would probably lose more weight faster, BUT, you have to follow it to the letter! I love this diet….and it’s easy!
This basic diet without all the frills and substitutes works well and if your active, no doubt will you lose 1 lb a day. You cannot stay on this diet for over 14 days. You have to get off of it for a week or 2 and go back on. Anyone who thinks loosing more then 14 lbs in 14 days is nuts. This one works.
i just started the diet today I have about 20 to 25lbs to lose. So after 2 weeks I hope to almost be at the weight I used to be at. I am also planing to run alittle. I heard from so people that you won’t be eating enought to do any exercise. Any thought out there about doing exercise while on this diet?
Did this diet a few weeks ago and I am now on it again. I lost 12lbs in the 10 days I managed to keep it up for, and I kept it off! It is very tough and prepare to be hungry but with a bit of will power its worth it. Seeing a pound off or more every morning is a great motivator. I am doing it now again after giving myself a break. I would recommend it if you need a kick start or if you only have a few pounds to go that just wont shift. Good luck.
This diet is awesome. You get to eat salmon, lean steak or pork and chicken, plenty or fruits and vegetambles. So to whoever think its not nutritious then tell me what’s more nutritious than those foods.
I am thinking about doing this diet, but after finishing it and going on a low calorie diet such as 1500 calories a day or so. Would I gain weight?
Response to Leah:
I didn’t gain any of my 10 lbs back… the rule of thumb with this diet though is that if ever you regain 4 pounds go right back on it so that you do not regain the weight in a yo-yo style. Just make sure that when you finish you don’t eat lots of junk and you should be fine. Honestly though, when you are done you don’t crave junk anymore and you won’t want to ruin your progress. Good luck!
lisa, i have the same goals as you. i am going to lose 20 to 25 pounds. have been trying for years & they won’t budge. i am 5’1 & now weigh 137. i bought all the required groceries this morning & officially started this morning as well. i already feel better believe it or not. i did a workout & feel very energized! good luck.
oops i just noticed there are 2 jo’s here. i’ll go by jolene.
I started this diet on Monday and i thought that i was probably going to starve to death but that was not the case.I actually didn’t find it that hard to follow and to stick with it. I have tried other diets and after a few days i just gave up, but this one seems to be going great. I am determined to follow it, and hopefully loose some weight. I actually do feel full after every meal and if i do feel a little bit hungry between meals, i just snack on celery and carrots as mentioned, which is not bad with a little bit of limon on them. Anyways, it is great to see that this diet has worked for many, can wait to see the results!!
I did this diet years ago and lost cellulite, inches and weight – I need to lose 20 lbs and am beginning this diet again tomorrow, I love the breakfast and lunch, the snacking is the hard part
I did this diet back in 1979, and lost 26lbs. I have saved the book and love the diet. I have also shared it with so many people over the years, that they too want to start it. I love the food and that you don’t have to count out calories. I am now 51 and am going to do it for 20 pounds, and hopefully keep it off too!