Home > Diets > Calorie Counting Diet Navigation    
User Rating

49%

of people who tried this diet like it

+ - Tried it? Rate it!
out of 100
based on 61 reviews
Scarsdale Diet

Scarsdale Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

A world-reknowned program since the 1970s.

Top Rated Diets of 2024
What is it?

The Scarsdale Diet is a weight loss plan offering a high protein, low carbohydrate and reduced fat approach. It’s estimated that one can lose up to a pound a day, for a total of 20 pounds.

The book that outlined the diet is still the highest selling diet book of all time. It’s advised to limit use up to 2 weeks at one time.The basic ideas of the diet have been used by other plans, though with some changes . When reviewing many different diet plans out experts concluded that the most overall effective one was the 18Shake Diet. It offers a meal replacement and diet pill made with all natural ingredients. The combined effect allows for fat burning and appetite suppression for increased weight loss. Discover more information about the 18Shake Diet plan via the link provided here.

Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?

ScarsdaleDiet Ingredients and Side Effects

The breakdown for macronutrients is 43% protein, 22.5 % fat, and 34.5% carbohydrates. It allows for the following main foods:

• Fresh fruit.

• Lean meats.

• Vegetables.

• 3 meals a day, no snacks are offered.

The high levels of protein are known to be satiating, since protein suppresses appetite better than fiber, fats, and carbohydrates. That’s why the diet often advises to eat generous amounts of proteins, as it’s harder to overindulge in protein than other macronutrients.

It’s also advised to:

         • Drink 4 glasses of water a day.

• Drinking coffee and tea are recommended for breakfast and dinner. This is to help raise metabolism and suppress appetite.

         • Walking 3 km a day.

• Eating as much as you’d like, but only to the point where you’re satisfied but not full.

A comprehensive list of the top 10 ranked diet plans is made available here.

The meals suggested remain similar, with breakfast lunch and dinner being:

• Breakfast (The same for the entire 14 days): ½ grapefruit, one slice of protein bread with no spreadand a portion of seasonal fruit if no grapefruit is available.

• Lunch: Day one is assorted cold cults and tomatoes. Day two allows for a lean hamburger and certain vegetables. Day three is grapefruit, melon, or seasonal fruit, tuna fish or salmon salad. Day four allows protein bread, select vegetables, low-fat cottage cheese and  2 eggs. Day five offers unlimited spinach, protein bread, and assorted cheese slices. Day six is a fruit salad. Day seven offers grapefruit or seasonal fruit, turkey or chicken, and select vegetables.

• Dinner: Day one allows grapefruit or seasonal fruit, slice of protein bread, combination salad, and fish or shellfish. Day two allows a fruit salad. Day three has roasted defatted lamb, and salad. Day four is chicken with fat removed and select vegetables. Day five has a slice of protein bread, salad, and fish or shellfish. Day six is roasted chicken or turkey, grapefruit or seasonal fruit, and salad. Day seven is brusell sprouts, salad, and lots of steak with the fat trimmed.

It’s unclear why all these specific food selections were advised. They also provide no portion sizes for all the foods advised. This can make it possible to overeat. For a comprehensive list of the top 10 diets, clickthe link cited here.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Scarsdale Diet Quality of Ingredients

All the foods one selects have to be from the specific diet plan. There are quality ingredients such as many greens, lean meats, healthy fruits, and no allowances for sugary drinks.

The major issue is that there is no mention as to why these specific foods were chosen. Also, the high amount of protein required can be difficult for some. There’s also a potential risk factor in this type of diet as the Mayo Clinic Explains:

“risk of using a high-protein diet with carbohydrate restricting for the long term are still being studied”

“Several health problems may result if a high-protein diet is followed”

There’s also the issue of temporary results. The diet suggests up to 20 pounds can be lost in just 14 days at a rate of a pound a day. This might be due to water weight, which the body holds unto when carbohydrates are eaten. It’s unclear whether or not this is a healthy and safe approach to weight loss. The comprehensive list of the top 10 ranking diets is featured in the link here.

When water weight is lost there is no actual fat loss. This is why when people continue to eat carbohydrates that all the water weight will be regained.

The Price and Quality of Scarsdale Diet

The diet does call for a lot of meats, but the overall price depends on whether one chooses top quality vegetables, fruits, and meats.

The overall quality of this diet is in question. Many of the foods suggested are heavy on the amount of protein they offer. There’s many vegetables offered, but it’s unknown if this diet was scientifically created for the kinds of foods allowed. There’s no evidence that the specific foods allowed are any better than others.

It’s also not a long term diet. It’s only advised to use it for a 14 day period. It’s unknown if this is for health reasons or not. They also suggest one can lose 20 pounds, though there’s no evidence provided to help show if this is true or not.

Without much more proof it’s impossible to determine whether or not this was created with legitimate science, or if it was created with whatever foods the creator thought sounded good.

Business of Scarsdale Diet

The creator of the diet is Herman Tarnower, a now deceased former cardiologist. Since his focus was on diseases of the heart, it’s unclear how he came up with a weight loss diet. At the time thatthis was created ,it was seen as groundbreaking.

New information on the diet has shown it to be far too limiting. Live Strong.com adds:

“the weight loss isn’t necessarily achieved in a safe manner”

“most weight that’s lost is water weight, which is usually regained as soon as participantsreturn to their normal eating habits”

It’s clear from the kinds of foods suggested that the Scarsdale Diet is not a long term weight loss plan. For a list of the highest rated diet plans click the link available here.

There’s no official website offered, only  a book which outlines the specifics of the diet. There are a lot of websites available that explain the diet in detail.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Scarsdale Diet

Here are some direct quotes from online customers:

“A little too extreme for me”

“I was throwing up digestive acids and could not keep anything down for a week”

“I did not realize how it can damage your kidneys”

“meal plans are very unrealistic and don’t know how the could possibly satisfy the average person”

People often mentioned that while they have lost weight in the beginning, there was no weight loss in the middle or end portions of the diet. Many found it difficult to maintain, as it promoted side effects in some.

There was also a lot of disappointment from people who regained all the weight they lost when they resumed to eat normal foods. There were also complaints about the limits on foods, which some found far too restrictive and uncompromising for different choices.

Another main issue was that the information in the book is limited. People often had more questions they wanted answered, and there were issues with the very specific foods allowed. Click the link here for a list of the top 10 ranked diet plans.

Conclusion - Does Scarsdale Diet  Work?

The Scarsdale Diet was once a revolutionary weight loss plan, as it emphasized a high amount of protein with limited fats and carbohydrates. Now that there has been more science available, it’s been shown that having little carbohydrates with high protein can potentially lead to side effects. Many users of this diet have also listed side effects and a lack of long  term weight loss.  This short term solution is not advised for longer than 14 days consecutively. Health sites have also shown that the weight loss is likely just water weight, which quickly returns and isn’t actual fat loss.

Our experts have found that the most effective weight loss solution is the 18Shake Diet. This diet combines a natural meal replacement and a stimulant free diet pill. Both of these formulas offer a combination of appetite suppression for hours and increased fat burning. This is a potent weight loss solution as it can keep one from feeling hungry as the body’s metabolism is raised. Many customers have also left testimonials and positive reviews. People mention their appetite was suppressed for hours, and that the diet pill helped to burn calories for a combined weight loss effect.

The 18Shake Diet is also backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee. Both the meal replacement and diet pill can be returned risk free with no questions asked. More information is made available about the 18Shake Diet in the link here.

How Does Scarsdale Diet Compare?
  • Product Name
  • User Rating
  • Easy to follow
  • Cheap Price
  • Fast Results
  • Scarsdale Diet
  • 49 /100
  • .
  • .

> Leave Feedback

User Feedback

(Page 4 of 6, 110 total comments)

Gene

+

today is my day one this time i'm going for the full two weeks

posted Oct 1st, 2010 1:04 pm

Lisa

+

Aiming to lose one pound per day for one week using the Scarsdale diet menu, tried Atkins but the food seemed really unhealthy. Scarsdale sounds much better. Any advice welcome.

posted Sep 25th, 2010 2:45 am

gaby

+

i so want to try this diet again but without the greapfruit and coffe for the morning i think i will take intead tea and a apple, does anyone knows if it's gonna make a difference?

posted Sep 12th, 2010 3:40 pm

Ros

+

This diet sounds great.I have got to give it a go. i want to lose at least 10lb in two weeks for my holidays.keep you posted.

posted Jul 26th, 2010 5:16 am

Sheila

What can you substitute for grapefruit and coffee? I don't really care for grapefruit and the last time I drank coffee it gave me some really nasty heartburn. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated :).

posted Jul 17th, 2010 10:37 pm

Carolina

+

I've been using this diet off and on since the 70s! It is my favorite ever diet. It REALLY works, and I seldom feel hungry. We can do ANYTHING for 2 weeks! I don't weigh myself until day 3 or 4, and am always happy to see at least 5 pounds gone in that short a time. I've still got my dog-eared copy of the book, though it's like my 3rd copy.

posted Jul 3rd, 2010 5:04 pm

Shadae

I'm really motivated to start this diet by all the comments posted. I am 19yo my bday is in 14 days and since I started college I mysteriously gained a whopping 40lb. I am only 5' 4" and I weigh 180 I look like I weigh 160 "they" say but evn thts toooo much. I have bought pills, committed to working out which didnt quite work out for more than a week :-/, I tried "thinking positive" (smh what a waste of 4 mins) I'm going to do this!

Im starting tmaro! I hope to lose 12lb by June 20th:-) and my ideal weight is 140lb. which I really pray I get reach by August so that I can go to my cousins wedding in Jamaica. I just want to feel good in my skin again!

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!

posted Jun 6th, 2010 11:40 pm

Sonya

Hi Sophie
Trying to get back on that diet. Did it years ago and it is fantastic. I lost 20 in two weeks and felt like I had loads of energy and I kept it off as well until I went back on the chocolate. Trying to start again and remind myself of how it felt then and I want to feel that again.

posted Jun 5th, 2010 9:15 pm

Sophia

+

Started on Monday 05/24 with 194.8 pounds today is 05/26 I am down 5 pounds. 189.8. Today I was not hungry at all...I believe that the diet is not hard..It just to eat more healthy...Hopefully I can be at 145 by September.

posted May 26th, 2010 12:39 pm

um

+

went on this diet a few years ago and lost quite a lot of weight, now gonna try it again in the hope of losing excess baby weight! dreading it!!

posted May 24th, 2010 5:18 pm

Sophia

Trying every single diet ever ever...This is my last resource..I need to lose 40 pounds...I will give everything to lose it..Weigh today 194...

posted May 24th, 2010 1:05 pm

gaby

Eraa you can do it, and yes you can also use that kind of protein, i want to do this diet again....the first time it worked out for me

posted May 7th, 2010 7:10 pm

Eraa

I want to try this after hearing all the positive reviews...but I only eat chicken, fish, and turkey. Can I substitute? If so..please help! I NEED to lose 16 pounds in 21 days.

posted May 4th, 2010 12:13 am

theresa

+

Loved this diet, always full and easy to have substitutions.

posted Apr 26th, 2010 10:47 pm

Beth

+

I love this plan. If you go on this plan, and input your daily food into www.fitday.com, you'll see at the bottom of the page a pie chart. If you follow the diet to the rule, you will eat 50% complex carbs, 25% protein, and 25% fat each day. According to Dr. Oz, that is what the human body needs each day for optimal health. I love this plan. I have hypothyroidism, and am doing this plan along with taking the amino acid, L-Tyrosine, $2.50 per bottle at Vitacost.com, or any online store. I have lost 8.5 lbs in the last 6 days. I have used this plan after the birth of my children, two. For the past 4 years, I haven't been able to budge the weight that has slowly crept up, due to my thyroid. But I have hit the jackpot with this amino acid and Scarsdale combined! It works wonders! The L-Tyrosine gives you energy, stumps your appetite, and helps your body burn fat! Google it and read about it. I came upon it by accident, as I've always treated my thyroid naturally. I also take kelp tablets daily, 4.

posted Apr 16th, 2010 6:41 pm

mystery6988

Myself and my husband are doing this diet and I have lost 20lbs since beginning of January. We did go off the diet around Valentines and a day or two during the months. But it works. I am interested in hearing ideas for the 2 weeks off. Like daily meal plans and/or recipes.

posted Mar 14th, 2010 5:29 pm

Lori

Myself and my husband are doing this diet and I have lost 20lbs since beginning of January. We did go off the diet around Valentines and a day or two during the months. But it works. I am interested in hearing ideas for the 2 weeks off. Like daily meal plans and/or recipes.

posted Mar 14th, 2010 5:28 pm

Angelia Evans

I'm officially starting today. I work out during the week, so i hope I get similar results. I'm 5'7 and weigh about 180...I need to get to 140-150 by June 15th. Will it happen?

posted Feb 16th, 2010 1:58 pm

shadiann

I started on this diet today. I am really hoping for some massive results. I am 5ft6" and weigh 172 pounds. My ideal weight would be 143 pounds. What can i substitute protein bread for as I come from a country that lacks in that sort of thing.

posted Feb 8th, 2010 2:53 am

Sarah

Hi well done!!! have not lost any more weight but have not gained either. Have stopped and started but am going to be strict with myself now!!! get back to ya in a few weeks.

posted Jan 26th, 2010 2:08 pm


 

Leave Feedback

Or, proceed without an account


I like it I don't like it I have a question
 


Already a member?



BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

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.

Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?

PROPRO
  • 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
CONCON
  • 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 NUTRITIONDIET 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.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

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."

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

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 MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

scarsdale diet, TSD, scarsdial diet, keep trim diet, scaresdale diet, scarsdale deit

Featured Diets and Supplements

18 shake high protein diet shakeology
Whats better than
Scarsdale Diet?