Scarsdale Diet
A world-reknowned program since the 1970s.
BACKGROUND
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Created in the 1970s by Dr. Herman Tarnower, the Scarsdale Diet is named for the town in New York in which Dr. Tarnower conducted his thriving medical practice, before meeting his untimely death by the hands of his long-time lover, Jean Harris. As a medical doctor specializing in treating obesity, Dr. Tarnower combined the medical phenomenon of ketosis, and its ability to generate weight loss, with an MD-designed food program that causes ketosis in otherwise healthy individuals.
Ketosis, or the production of excess Ketones, is described as producing the residual "ashes" or "embers" of fat-burning. Ketosis is generally a bad thing, causing both Alcoholics and Diabetics to lose fat rapidly as an unwanted side-effect of the disease. One can check if the body is engaged in Ketosis by measuring Ketones in the urine, though it should be noted that the Ketosis generated by the Scarsdale diet is generally at lower levels than those with illness-induced Ketosis.
The Scarsdale Diet is reknowned the world over for its rapid weight loss results, generally 1 pound per day. Some users boast a loss of 20 pounds in 14 days, though they readily admit that a significant part of that is water loss and readily returns once the diet is discontinued.
PRO
- The Scarsdale Diet has a long-running history of success all over the world
- The high protein component of the program resonates strongly with those who have had success with off-shoot programs such as Atkins
- Menu plan is very specific, making it easy for the user to follow
- Rapid weight loss is ideal for someone preparing for a vacation, wedding, or other special event in which appearance is important
- Easy to dine out
CON
- The calorie level of 700 to 1000 calories is too low for even a moderately active individual
- Many users complain of fatigue and extreme hunger
- The restrictive nature of The Scarsdale Diet could be too excessive for many, and leaves little room for error or variation
- No maintenance plan means the weight can quickly return when you abandon the diet
DIET and NUTRITION
A sample day on The Scarsdale Diet looks like this:
Breakfast
- 1/2 grapefruit
- slice of wholemeal toast (no spreads or butter)
- coffee (no sugar or milk)
Lunch
- canned tuna
- salad with oil-free dressing
- coffee
Dinner
- roast lamb (with all visible fat removed)
- salad with lemon and vinegar dressing
- coffee
Drinks
- Water
- Diet drinks
- Tea
- Soda water
The program's devotees have created a number of support websites, which include some fun, easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. In addition, the unlimited nature of lean meat and plain vegetables, especially at dinner, makes it easy to dine out while still staying true to program.
EXERCISE
Never discussed, though that is a good thing, as the low-calorie nature of the program lends itself ideally to the individual that engages in little to no activity, other than some light gardening or housekeeping. Think "ladies who lunch" rather than "soccer mom who actually plays soccer."
CONCLUSION
The Scarsdale Diet, and its companion program the "Keep-Trim" Diet, is one that will never lose its style or place in dieting history. While Ketosis is best when medically supervised, it is not uncommon to find a container of Ketostix in the medicine chest of most American households.
In addition, high protein menu programs provide energy and satisfaction, from a sensory perspective, as well as making us feel full. Potential digestive disturbances aside, The Scarsdale Diet, doesn't feel like a restrictive diet at all, but rather permission to be diligent about food intake.
Common Misspellings
scarsdale diet, TSD, scarsdial diet, keep trim diet, scaresdale diet, scarsdale deit
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Related Diets: Atkins Advantage, Atkins Diet, High Protein Diet, Low-Carb Diet
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 5, 81 total comments)EatWeighLove
I started this diet 9 days ago, and Im not going to lie, in the beginning it was hard, and I did feel hungry, but stick to it guys! I have documented my whole journey on my blog: eat-weigh-love.blogspot.com, which I initially started for a varsity project, but have had such fantastic results, I want to share it and hopefully inspire people!
posted Apr 24th, 2013 6:12 amI have lost almost 3kg already :D which is very exciting!
Good luck guys!
Rachel
I started the diet yesterday, weighing 161 at 5ft. I've lost 3 pounds so far. Going to keep at it! Will report back at the end of 2 weeks.
posted Feb 25th, 2013 12:09 pmFran
Hi - Just started yesterday - Have done this diet a long time ago and was very successful lost 68 pounds. I have packed a few pounds on in the past 10 years and just thought I would go back to it. I need to loose 40 pounds - real easy to let it accumulate over the years should have kept it up but thought like most of us that its just 3 pounds it will work its self off not true lol lol - I am down 3 pounds today - starting day 2. Will keep you updated. This is great to be able to post and get it out here. Talk to you later.
posted Jan 22nd, 2013 8:40 pmAda Milanovici
Excellent Diet!
posted Nov 18th, 2012 12:05 pmKira
Hi, I am on day 8 of the Scarsdale Diet and lost 7 lbs! This is really the only diet that makes sense to me and is easy to do, I especially like that breakfast is the same every day. No sugar is a blessing for me anyway, I feel so much more energetic and my belly is FLAT FLAT finally :-) Sometime in the 2nd week I usually lose all my sweet/sugar cravings and it can last for months. This time I plan to alternate 2weeks diet with 2 weeks of Keep Trim 3 times so that I am in good shape in the end of August. I do not feel deprived at all, since it says "eat all you want". This time I am more flexible, so I add 2% milk to my morning coffee every other day, and if I get fed up with celery and baby carrots - I make myself another big salad as a snack I also add a teaspoon of olive oil to my salads once in a while. Maybe it slows down my weight loss a bit, but sometimes I am in this TOTALLY DEVOTED DIETING MOOD and this time I lack some of the required 100% of determination, so I do bend some rules. I am losing weight regardless. Better to do something than nothing. Any progress is good. Greetings to all other Scarsdale dieters! We can do it!
posted Jun 7th, 2012 3:27 amNicole
This diet is great! I lost 25 pounds on this diet in total. It teaches good dietary habits that stick! The food is great and you can doll anything up with awesome spices!
posted Mar 1st, 2012 9:35 pmIt's been about a year since I lost all the weight and I've only gained 5 pounds back. I still stick to what I've learned - but let myself have treats (you have to allow for some food fun or else you will go crazy)
As long as you stick to a work out routine, be mindful of the Keep Trim plan and drink lots of water ... you should be able to maintain your initial weight loss after you take a good chunk of the weight off. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
It's also best to do it with a buddy. My mom and I did it together. Hope this helps! :)
Mazda2311
@yaya
posted Jan 1st, 2012 5:31 amHi Im thinking of starting this diet, I'd like to lose 40lb, in your post you mentioned that you lost ' roughly 81lb in 4 months', Congrats!
I was just wondering if Its possible for me to achieve my goal in a similar amount of time, if I stick to the Scarsdale diet.
Thanks :)
Tara
This diet is great. Im a teenager and Ive been on it for about a week now and I lost 7 pounds so far. Its super easy to follow and the foods great.
posted Dec 19th, 2011 8:57 pmI reccomend this diet to anyone who wants to loose weight generally quickly and can stay on a diet for 2 weeks
Yaya
This diet is amazing. I don't know why they listed restrictive as a con... We eal a lot of food. The food is different everyday... And you are able too find the diet itself online for FREE! I have lost a total of 81 lbs in roughly 4 months. I do not recommend heavy workouts on this diet because it just isn't necessary. I just had to throw away every piece of clothing I owned. I am so happy. I have done EVERY diet in the past and I really cannot stress enough how easy the plan is. It takes some meal preparation but It isn't hard. I mean I hate cooking... But this is super easy. No membership fees... No weekly weigh ins.. However I weigh myself in front of my mon to keep me honest.. :) I have 60 more lbs to go and if will be at my goal! I'm thinking another 4 months!!!! Yay!
posted Dec 7th, 2011 5:29 amLBM9410
Has anyone else wanted to lose this much and how long did it take u? Also ive read that u should I just found this diet (Scarsdale Diet) and I wish I had found it sooner. I need/want to lose atleast 50-60lbs. I had my son and the weight just stayed and Ive had no energy so now im sick of always feeling tired. Going to start this soon. But had a couple questions first!!
Marissa
I work out for at least an hour everyday, i.e. a workout video, running or the elliptical. Will I still be able to manage this regiment with this diet as far as energy goes?
posted Nov 7th, 2011 3:21 amGISELE
This is the only diet that has ever worked for me. Food is healthy, and quantities are not restricted. Just wished the good doctor was around sure he would have modified it to move with the times. I repeat the days I like best, like the hamburger night
posted Oct 29th, 2011 11:49 amNORMA
i started this diet 3 days ago and i have lost one pound each day! i will let everybody knows how it was at the end of the 2 weeks. :)
posted Sep 28th, 2011 6:47 pmpeppermintpatty
I LOVED IT!!This Diet really does work. If you are like one of those people that SWEAR the followed the diet word for word and didn't see results, you #1 need to go see a DR. because you might have a thyroid that needs to be checked or #2 Even when you were told to eat as much as you wanted, you took it literally. What it really means (if you read the book) EAT UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED Almost full. Not to the point you have to loosen your belt and undo your top button. I lost 13 pounds every cycle.
posted Aug 29th, 2011 3:11 amclaire
I did this diet in 2010 and lost 10lbs in the two weeks and no exercise, i then ate alot of crap afterwards but the weight didnt pile straight back on it did take time so now 2011 and im back on the diet started yesterday and today im down 4.1lbs i was 156.7 and today 152.6 but this time im going to do a little exercise along with it. Deffinately give it a try what is two weeks its not alot when you could lose alot more weight than you would usually.
posted Aug 22nd, 2011 11:05 pmTexan
Today is 8/9/11 and I will be starting the diet tomorrow. I hope it works for me because I have read good things about it. I will post and let y'all know how it goes.
posted Aug 9th, 2011 11:48 amMarie Griffith
Just started today on the scarsdale diet. Hope to do it for 14 days.
posted Aug 3rd, 2011 1:04 pmWorkingmum
I started this diet yesterday weighing in at 182lbs!! i'm only 5 foot 4 inches so I am desperate to try anything. I am sticking to it and was down 2lbs this morning. I want to lose 7lbs by Friday week! Enjoyed todays food. Bit nervous about the next few days as I am away all day tomorrow and going out for dinner thurs night. I will post back with my progress (hopefully!!)
posted Jul 19th, 2011 5:50 pmyezi
@ Jenny... How can you expect to loose weight in less than 24 hours??? There is something call liposuction for that! And not, it wasn't the scale, you'll ALWAYS weight less in the morning, A-L-W-A-Y-S.
posted Jul 19th, 2011 12:25 amJenny
weighed myself this morning (frist day of it)...11.2... ate my grapefruit and weighed myself at the end of the day after only eating 3 slices of cold ham, i had put on 4 pounds?
posted Jul 12th, 2011 11:36 ammight have just been the scales but that doesnt sound right?....