The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet

The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet is a book and diet plan created by Dr. Herman Tarnower in the late 1970s. The diet gained widespread popularity following the publication of the book, which outlines a strict dietary regimen aimed at rapid weight loss. The Scarsdale diet is characterized by its low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, and high-protein approach, similar to other diets of its time. This article provides an overview of the diet, its principles, phases, and the controversy surrounding its safety and efficacy.

Overview

The Scarsdale Medical Diet was introduced to the public with the publication of The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet book in 1978. Dr. Tarnower, a cardiologist based in Scarsdale, New York, developed the diet primarily for his patients to achieve quick weight loss. The diet's foundation is a specific 14-day plan that claims to offer significant weight loss results, with the promise of losing up to 20 pounds within this period.

Dietary Principles

The diet is highly structured, emphasizing a ratio of 43% protein, 22.5% fat, and 34.5% carbohydrates. It restricts calorie intake to about 1000 calories per day, far below the daily calorie needs of an average adult. Foods allowed include lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, with a strict prohibition on sugar, dairy (except for cottage cheese), and high-fat foods. The diet also recommends specific combinations of foods for each meal and discourages snacking between meals.

Phases of the Diet

The Scarsdale diet is divided into two main phases: 1. The 14-Day Scarsdale Diet: This is the initial and most restrictive phase, where followers are expected to adhere strictly to the prescribed meal plans without deviations. 2. Keep-Trim Phase: After completing the 14-day plan, dieters transition to the Keep-Trim phase for maintaining their weight loss. This phase is slightly less restrictive, allowing for a broader range of foods while still emphasizing high protein and low carbohydrates.

Controversy and Criticism

The Scarsdale Diet has been the subject of criticism from nutritionists and health experts. Critics argue that the diet's caloric restrictions are too severe and unsustainable in the long term. There are also concerns about nutritional deficiencies due to the diet's restrictive nature, including inadequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Furthermore, the emphasis on rapid weight loss may encourage unhealthy eating patterns and a yo-yo dieting effect, where individuals regain weight after stopping the diet.

Legacy

Despite the controversy, The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet remains a popular weight loss book, and the diet has a dedicated following. Its legacy is seen in the development of other low-carbohydrate and high-protein diets that have emerged since the late 20th century. The diet's emphasis on protein-rich foods and calorie restriction has influenced modern dietary trends, although with modifications to address some of the criticisms related to health and nutrition.

See Also

• Low-carbohydrate diet
• High-protein diet
• Weight loss
• Dieting