The Scarsdale Diet

The Scarsdale Diet originated in the 1970s and remains a popular choice among dieters today.
It offers a strict two-week menu that is high in protein, and low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates.
Menus revolve around a handful of foods, including grapefruit, cold cuts, lean cuts of meat and fish, and salad. Forbidden foods include sugar, pasta, and butter.

Most Scarsdale dieters lose large amounts of weight quickly - a pound a day is common. The rapid weight loss can be attributed to the diet's low calorie count.
While dieters drop pounds quickly, they generally gain them back soon after the diet ends. Many experts believe this is because dieters experience severe water depletion.
The diet's menus are specific and do not allow substitutions. Some dieters like this rigidity, while others find it difficult or monotonous.
Scarsdale Diet food is readily available, inexpensive, and requires little preparation.
Because the diet is inflexible, it doesn't accommodate eating out or fast food options at all, making it a difficult choice for people who travel or eat away from home frequently.
The Scarsdale Diet does not have a high enough calorie content to provide fuel for moderate or heavy exercise.
Therefore, it is not recommended for anyone with an active lifestyle.
Critics complain that the Scarsdale Diet does not teach dieters sustainable healthy eating habits. Dieters who successfully complete the diet may have trouble making good food choices after it ends.
The doctor who created the Scarsdale Diet believed that most popular diets are overly complex. Using simplicity as a starting point, he created menus that are easy to follow.
Many foods are forbidden, making it challenging for some dieters to adhere to the Scarsdale Diet.
Also, the limited food options concern experts, who believe it is difficult for dieters to meet basic nutrition requirements.

While the Scarsdale menu is highly restricted, many dieters appreciate that portions are unlimited and snacking is permissible.