The Scarsdale Diet

The Scarsdale Diet is a low-carb, low-fat, high protein diet that was devised by an American doctor, Herman Tarnower, in the 1970s. You have to follow it exactly to lose a possible 20 pounds in two weeks.

What is the Scarsdale Diet?

The Scarsdale Diet, designed by American doctor Herman Tarnower, is made up of seven or 14-day menu plans. While you're on a plan, you follow a low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. Unlike the Atkins Diet, the Scarsdale Diet lets you eat bread and fruit. Dr Tanower claims you can lose up to 20 pounds in two weeks.

There are five 14-day menu plans to choose from. Each is designed to give you exactly the right amount of fat, protein and
carbohydrates.

You've got to follow the plans exactly but the way they're planned means you should definitely lose weight. You're supposed to wait a few weeks between following the meal plans to get the best results.

Who is the Scarsdale diet good for?

People who like being told what to do. You've got to follow the menu 
plans word for word. A two week plan can be good if you need to shape up 
in a hurry like before a holiday. 

What are the drawbacks?

Critics of the Scarsdale Diet claim the weight you lose is mostly
made up of water instead of fat. Because they're only short-term plans,
there's a high chance you'll put weight back on again once you've
finished one.

You must stick rigidly to the Scarsdale Diet plans if you want to
achieve the best possible results. Snacking is not allowed - unless
it's raw carrots or celery!

Breakfast always includes half a grapefruit which supposedly helps burn
calories. Lunch and dinner are mainly made up of fruit, salad,
vegetables and lean proteins such as white meat and fish.

Alcohol is strictly banned while you're on the 14 day menu plans. In
fact the only drinks you're allowed are decaffeinated coffee, black tea
and diet fizzy drinks.

What can you eat on the Scarsdale Diet?

Fish, lean meat, cottage cheese plus lots of fruit, salad and veg.

Typical day's diet

Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit,1 slice of wholemeal toast (no spreads or butter) 
Lunch: A tin of tuna, salad with oil-free dressing 
Dinner: Roast lamb (with all visible fat removed), salad with lemon and vinegar dressing 
Drinks: Water, diet drinks, tea and coffee (no milk or sugar), soda water

Top tip

Use lemon, vinegar and herbs on salads instead of mayonnaise or salad dressing.