Scarsdale Diet

scarsdale-dietThe Scarsdale Diet was a famous book written in the 1970s.

Dr Herman Tarnower ran a clinic in the town of Scarsdale, and (like so many other doctor-designed plans) created the diet for overweight patients.

The book has always been a huge seller and is still popular today.

Scarsdale Diet: Low Fat, High Protein

The Scarsdale Diet has a peculiar nutrient ratio – the only diet exactly like this. It contains 43% protein, 22.5% fat, and 34.5% carbohydrate.

Dr Tarnower claims this level of diet brings about the process of ketosis.

The Scarsdale Diet Consists of Two Phases

Phase One: The Scarsdale 14 Day Medical Diet

This phase is low calorie (about 1000 per day), and has very strict rules during the first two weeks. Corn, peas, lentils, potatoes and any beans (except green beans or waxed beans) are forbidden during phase one.

The one week meal plan provided by Scarsdale is repeated twice for a total of 2 weeks.

The supposed weight loss is 20 pounds (9kg) in just 14 days.

Phase Two: Keep Trim Program

After the first phase, the calorie limit is lifted a little in the Keep Trim Program.

Dieters are NOT to repeat the first phase until they have completed at least two weeks of the Keep Trim Program even if they haven’t reached their goal weight.

Dieters should use Scardale’s 2 On 2 Off  method until goal weight is achieved.

Recommended Foods

Lean meat, non-fat dairy, protein bread, eggs, green leafy vegetables, carrots, celery, broccoli, canned tuna, tea, diet soda.

Forbidden Foods

Dairy with fat, butter, fatty meats, potatoes, avocados, baked beans, peanut butter, artificial sweeteners, sugar, yams, pasta, sweet potato, cakes, pies, candy, chocolate, lima beans, rice.

Scarsdale 1 Day Sample Meal Plan

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, tea, soda water.

Now Online

There’s also an online version of the Scarsdale Diet that contains over 300 recipes as well as a wealth of tips to help people be successful while following the protocol set forth by Tarnower.

Click here to try the Scarsdale Diet Online.

The Print Version

The Complete Scarsdale Diet which retails for $7.99.

Available from Amazon →

Scarsdale Issues

While weight loss will occur, it is neither healthy, or sustainable in the long-term. If a low carb diet is desired, we would recommend finding one that is a little less strict.

Like many diets of this kind – the calorie recommendations are too low.

Also forbidden are a lot of healthy and nutritious foods that many have eaten and still experienced significant weight loss. On one hand he says no artificial sweeteners, but then he recommends diet soda in his meal plans, which seems to be a contradiction.

See the Scarsdale Diet here

 By Mizpah Matus B.Hlth.Sc(Hons)
    Citations:
  • Wadden, T. A., STUNKARD, A. J., & BROWNELL, K. D. (1983). Very low calorie diets: their efficacy, safety, and future. Annals of internal medicine, 99(5), 675-684. link
  • Hoffer, L. J., Bistrian, B. R., Young, V. R., Blackburn, G. L., & Matthews, D. E. (1984). Metabolic effects of very low calorie weight reduction diets. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 73(3), 750. link

100 Comments or Reviews

Comments now closed
  1. Bobbie

    Can I lose weight if I try the gourmet on scarsdale.

  2. Laura

    Just to finish my below comment, diet was brill (other than couple mornings waking up and instantly feeling faint). It was birthday last weekend so I only did the diet for 12days instead of 14 but that had been my plan all along – I lost 11lbs in 12 days and even better than that my appetite has shrunk by so much, got medium 11″ pizza in restaurant for my bday dinner and could only eat a third! Been nearly a week off it now and have kept weight off.

  3. Laura

    Started this diet on Monday and I have to admit I am finding the hunger pangs difficult to deal with, but I havent been tempted to cheat yet! I have lost 4lbs in 3 days which I am delighted with and hope that the weight keeps coming off over the coming days. We have the book from years ago but i hear its the same as current issue. Have been walking 40 mins a day as the book advises 2 mile walk a day. I do actually like all the food on the plan, I just find it hard in the evenings when I would usually snack, however I have been trying to keep busy to stop me thinking of food and with all the extra energy I have I have gotten so many little chores around the house done ha! Would advise everyone to try it, what’s the worst that can happen!!!!

  4. LF

    The diet is absolutely amazing so far. Today starts my fifth day and I’ve already lost 4.5 – which is a LOT, especially because I started out at 137 and am 5’5″. My Mom is doing it with me, and I haven’t talked to her this morning, but she lost 4 lb in the first two days and 0.5 lb the next day…and I haven’t asked her what she lost today yet. So that’s incredible. She started at 200 lb. Basically, this whole summer I’ve been dieting and exercising – and I lost about 6 lb last month – but it took a month and in the past few days I started to gain it back, 0.5 lb by 0.5 lb per day. That’s when my mom told me about Scarsdale (a diet she used in college) and we’ve been doing it together. I love it. it’s AMAZING. I feel like I’ll actually get to the weight I’ve always wanted to reach – and not two months from now, either, but next week. It’s an incredible feeling. And I love the food – it’s all fresh, all delicious. GO FOR IT.

  5. glenda sutch

    i am 75 years old i weigh 180 lb . i have never been heavy but i eat way to much always
    and in the last 4 years have gained it all . i even eat at night , or cant sleep and i get up and eat and then fall asleep after i eat . i love nearly all foods in all catagories i like meat .but not without my meal although i do eat the meat that is left from supper that is left over . watching tv. i dont drink and i dont smoke . as soon as i eat somthing it seems then all i want to do is eat but if i dont start am ok i also have a problem ewith my esaficause and stomack

  6. ang

    hey everyone, so encouraging to hear your stories! i have ordered the book and just waiting on it. a quick question, i don’t drink either coffee or tea. when it states in the menu coffee/tea is than an OPTION or a MUST. are you allowed to substitute any diet soda in that place? thanks everyone 🙂

    • ted

      @ang- you can’t equate diet soda with coffee and tea as coffee and tea have a lot natural antioxidants and no unnatural chemicals. Diet-soda is full of chemicals that aren’t good for your body. 🙂

  7. Maria

    I am a 30 yr. old 5’3″ woman, who is trying to lose those last 10 pounds. I started the Scarsdale diet last week, and was very happy that I was losing a pound a day. However, the morning of the third day, I woke up very sick. I was faint, dehydrated, and was seeing black spots. I don’t know if I did not eat enough of the foods Dr. Tarnower said we could eat, as he does not specify portions. All I know, is that the incident scared me so much, I stopped the diet. I want to start up again, I’m just afraid it will happen again. Any tips on how to avoid this? I miss the healthy eating!

  8. Cat

    I am a Celiac (no gluten, wheat, barley, or rye). So my diet is very limited, however I can eat everything on this menu and all is very healthy for you. The “Nay Sayers” come from the medical community who would rather operate or subscribe a pill. Amazing that right in our fridge are the nutrients to heal and protect our bodies from the toxins in our everyday. I also recommend juice fasting as a great way to detoxify yourself too. I have had great results on the diet plan – when ever I find myself climbing up on the scale I just do a week and it is gone. Any informed dieter should know not to go back to the stuff that got you fat in the first place. Change of life not a quick fix.

  9. Stephanie

    You CAN keep the weight off IF you do the KEEP TRIM. It will stay off absolutely.. it did for me 🙂

  10. Gina

    I love this eating plan. I have used it before, and now that I am going thru some “hormone changes” ( I am 52), I needed some extra help to stay on track. Don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. I went on this for 2 weeks, and lost 12 pounds. I couldn’t even eat everything it posted for each day. I really don’t like grapefruit, so I sub with bananas, fresh strawberries, and fresh pears each day. I have more energy now than before. Now I am ready for my Keep trim “2 weeks”. But I can’t wait to go back on the actual plan. I also don’t like alot of meat, so I only eat half of what it says. Its also fun to weigh yourself every few days. Keeps me honest. Try this, you will love it, and be amazed!!

  11. camy

    hey, i am about to start this diet.i just had a baby a year ago and im still putting alot of weight on just cant stop eating lol. well love to get my figure back hope this deit works for me start tommorrow.

  12. Jo

    Shelly- you won’t be able to do it for a month (you will be sooo drained). You can do the second 2 weeks of it though which just means that you can eat anything the diet normally allows but whenever you want and you can add things like no sugar added jellies and some other fancier things. I would say if you do the two weeks (and make it through) then eat what is allowed but incorporate a bit more calories and food than you were doing during the first 2 weeks you will still lose more weight but just not as high amounts. Good luck to you!

  13. shelly

    I am about to start this diet tomorrow so lets hope this works. I want to lose about 30-40lbs. Is it ok if I do this diet for moe than 2weeks, say for more than a month or do I need to take a break?

  14. Jennifer

    I have done this diet a few times and I lost 17-20lbs in a 2 weeks period, each time. I haven’t however done the maintenance diet for 2 weeks in between. I do find that I really like it and luckily for me, I really like what he offers you to eat. The only issue I had was not putting any cream in my coffee. I am going to start this diet again in a few days and I am trying to get off coffee altogether so the diet will be easier. My only warning is that you can’t maintain this diet very long and if you don’t change your overall eating habits and start exercising, you WILL gain it back. I would recommend this diet for a quick fix to losing weight for a special event like a vacation. Either way, I still love it!

  15. AppleDapple

    BREAKFAST – The same every day: One half grapefruit, one slice dry protein toast, coffee or tea.

    MONDAY – Lunch: Lean cold cuts, tomato slices, coffee or tea. Dinner: Broiled fish, salad, one slice toast, grapefruit, coffee or tea.

    TUESDAY – Lunch: Fruit salad (any kind and as much as you like). Dinner: Plenty of steak, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, olives, brussels sprouts or cucumbers, coffee or tea.

    WEDNESDAY – Lunch: Tuna fish or salmon salad with lemon and vinegar, grapefruit, coffee or tea. Dinner: Two lamb chops, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, coffee or tea.

    THURSDAY – Lunch: Cold chicken, raw or cooked spinach, coffee or tea. Dinner: Two eggs, cottage cheese, cooked cabbage, one piece protein toast, coffee or tea.

    FRIDAY – Lunch: Assorted cheese slices, raw or cooked spinach, one piece protein toast, coffee or tea. Dinner: Broiled fish, salad (as many vegetables as desired), one piece protein toast, coffee or tea.

    SATURDAY – Lunch: Fruit salad, coffee or tea. Dinner: Cold chicken, tomatoes, grapefruit, coffee or tea.

    SUNDAY – Lunch: Hot or cold chicken, tomatoes, carrots, cooked cabbage or broccoli or cauliflower, grapefruit, coffee or tea. Dinner: Plenty of steak, celery, cucumbers or brussels sprouts, tomatoes, coffee or tea.

    In addition, the diet provides an alternative meal to be substituted for any lunch. It consists of one-half cup low fat pot cheese, one tablespoon low-fat sour cream with sliced fruit, six walnuts or pecans and a diet drink.

  16. lady

    just started yesterday. snacking is the hard part. but this is a breeze. i just came off the master cleanse two weeks ago. i could only do it for 4 days. that was HELL. this is a much better route seeing that you can actually EAT!

  17. GeraldP

    My wife and I found the Scarsdale medical diet in a thrift store, read over it and decided to buy and try it. I too have been on many diets and worked out and jogged in my life and found this to be the best program I have ever seen ! on our first try we both lost 10 lbs in the first week and then about 5 the next week. We didn’t take the break and stayed on it for along time, the only think that I noticed was feeling a lot better being less heavy and having a LOT more energy !
    We have gone on the diet several times since, now we do change some things to adopt to our lifestyles and yes I guess cheat in that we use low fat salad dressing, fruit for breakfast not just grapefruit and I even drink Coors light beer and still loose weight !
    We now make this a way of eating in our life even when not on it and it is truly the most incredible, best eating diet we have ever been on. We actually eat much much more healthy on this diet then when not on it ..
    I totally recommend this diet over any I have tried or heard of .. looked at the Atkins but I refuse to put bacon fat etc into my body and cant see how that can be worth losing a bit of weight .
    One more thing, with the chicken if we buy real chicken we always remove all the fat and skin from the chicken and by adding somthing like Cavenders greek seasons or Montreal steak spice it is delicious ! and believe me .. we will buy 3 bags of chicken legs and thights, by the time you remove the skin and fat and then pick up 2 hands full of this fat .. you will not want to ever eat the skin again ~ and don’t need it ..
    So have said enough but just try it and stick with it for the 2 weeks, should call this a Miracle diet !

  18. rosemary

    I have been on many many diets in my life. I am now 43 years old and had a weight problem since school. This diet is the most amazing diet I have ever encountered. I lost 5kilogram in the 2 weeks. Took a break for about a month over the december holiday season and ate everything that was wrong. I’ve put on 2 kilos again but started the diet a week ago and already lost 3.2kilos. I’m only about 2 kilos away from my goal weight. I will never follow another diet again. I tell all my friends about it.

  19. kay

    I just started this diet on Monday and am hoping for good results. It is encouraging hearing these success stories. I have a good 50lbs to lose and the incentive of a trip to Hawaii in 3 months. I am hoping to stick to this diet until then and look beach ready. I am wanting to incorporate exercise but don’t know where to begin with that. Any suggestions please!

  20. ashley

    Since starting this diet on monday [dec7th] I have more energy then I ever have, which I didn’t think was possible. And my craving pangs for sweets and all that other junk is slowly decreasing whenever I want a sweet, I just get some veggies or fruits and i`m satisfied. I haven’t weighed myself I will either do it on Friday or at the end of my diet. Wish me luck.!

  21. Pat

    Hi, I’m 30 and in pretty good shape. 5’7”, I was 148 pounds on Monday (2 days ago). Had a child in 2003, prior to the pregnancy I weighed 133 lbs. After the pregnancy, went up to 170 and stayed there until I worked it out, down to 135. Since then, I went through a difficult phase and ate great food (restaurant 3 times a day), few cups of wine with the suppers. Went back up to 158 lbs and was stuck there. After working out intensely for 2 months (P90X, very brutal), I was fit as hell and down to 145. But I have been unable to get myself down back to 140 and I lost my motivation to work out. If I can get down to 140, I’ll start working out again for fun and to keep the weight off. I completed 3 full days of this diet (by the book) with my mother and survived (only cheated once by adding a banana to my morning half grapefruit!) I will check my weight on Friday since it would be too discouraging to not see a weight change after all the diet limitations. Funny thing is, I’m getting used to this and I have an incredible boost of energy (that is since today; yesterday, I was ready to faint, fruits for lunch??!!). I’ll give you more feedback at the end of the week! I’m only doing this for a week since I have always been slightly anemic. After that, I’ll continue to eat well and workout! Good luck to all of you! Just for the energy level and the mental alertness, it is worth the try!
    Pat

  22. Diana

    I was put on the scarsdale diet by my famiy doctor. He monitored me very carefully. He also gave me vitamin B-12 by injection. This helped with my energy, or lack of it. I was also given a sheet with a oneweek diet plan. You are right, the morning meal was always the same, but the other meals were different. I would follow the same plan for two weeks. then go off for two weeks and start over. It really worked. Unfortunatly I no longer have my copy, and my doctor passed away. How do we get the “original” diet plan. Will someone post it, if they have a copy? Thank You!…SAMM

  23. Jo

    Hey James- no exercise is needed as the calorie count is so low you will lose weight without exercise. This sounds like a lie but it is true. You will probably not have much energy for much anyway, but if you feel up for it and want to do some to speed up results you can- just be prepared not to be able to do much.

  24. James

    With this diet how much exercise is needed ?

  25. dee

    I have done this diet when I was much younger and lost 20lbs in 2wks and doing it now after having babies and still lost weight which is great. I love it, I have to say I tryed many and this is the only one that ever worked.

  26. cammey

    well i typed some words wrong way so i meant success story>>>and i meant 30 years not 3 years ,,,couldnt have 3 kids in 3 years looool ..sorry about that.

  27. cammey

    Hello all …this is my stsuccess story with scarsdale ,i am 47 years old and i have 3 childeren ,i did scarsdale during the 70s when i was 17 i started with 210 and i lost 50 lbs in just 4 months and during the 3 something years and after i got pregnant 3 times i only regained 20 lbs ,and today iam back to my great life style diet scarsdale no diet no plan worked for me like this one,,so wish me luck and good luck all :)…love cammey .

  28. monica

    my mother did this diet back in the 70’s. She lost so much weight. It was the best thing for her. I seem to remember her making cabbage, lamb and hamburger patties. what is the original menu?

  29. Nanette

    The Breakfast was the same every day for 14 days but I know that Lunch and dinner was different every day for 7 days and then it was repeated for the other 7 days. Has any one got the origanal diet?

  30. Nanette

    I have done this diet many times and it works. Only thing when we moved my book was mis layed.

  31. Ann

    This is not the full diet or at least not the one I followed 20+ years ago. The meal plan shown above looks like just a sample of one of the 7 day plan. Each day had a different meals. I also remember there being a suggestion for Protein Bread instead of Wholemeal Bread. I followed the orginal diet and lost a lot of weight and kept it off for several years. However, I was exercising daily(bike riding) and did not return to the eating habits that caused the weight gain in the first place. I was told that the Scarsdal Diet is not a diet one should stick to for very long periods of time because it could result in kidney problems. I followed it for a few months without any problems. It is important to eat exactly what the plan suggest. It’s the combination of the foods listed that cause the wieght loss.

  32. Derek

    This diet works. I first tried it in 1977 and I lost 14 lbs in 14 days. That was my goal and I maintained that weight pretty much for 25 years.I just ate and drank sensibly and weighed myself regualrly. If i went up a couple of lbs then two days back on the diet and evrything was ok.

  33. Lah

    Ive tried this diet a couple of months ago and I can definately swear by it… People say with “fad diets” you just gain all the weight back.. NOT TRUE! you only gain the weight back if you go back to your old junk food eating habits. I lost a total of I believe 9-10lbs and kept it off for a goood while..I am getting back onto the diet because I want to lose another 10lbs for my birthday! wish me luck!

    -lah

  34. Kris

    I love the diet, the only part I have a problem with is the no drinking!

  35. Lana

    I followed this diet (if not to the letter, in principle, at least) and lost 60 pounds–and kept it off for 20 years. I credit the diet a lot; however, I also did a daily exercise routine to help with weight loss and toning as I lost weight. Because of the exercise, I probably always ate a bit more calorie-wise, but anything I ate was in keeping with the diet’s principles and I never over-consumed the simple carbohydrates. Unfortunately, I gained weight again during midlife while going through some very stressful times. Now I am back to the Scarsdale Diet principles — and exercise — to lose again. I have about 25 pounds to go. My exercise routine is 90-minute walk (and/or 40 minutes on a stationary bike) 6x a week, 30-minute calisthenics/pilates-like workout 5x a week, plus 20-minutes with arm weights 3x a week. Oh, and I do the Wii Fit sometimes, too.

  36. Lil

    This diet really works and I lost a stone in two weeks despite having a couple of new potatoes with the evening meal, a glass of red wine at the weekend and ceasar salad dressing (not much!). At no time did I feel ill or hungry, in fact I felt energised.
    I first did the diet in 1980 and go back on it everytime I feel the weight creeping back on. Funnily enough the diet is virtually identical in principle to the ideas in the new book ‘The Diabetic Revolution’ which my husband has just bought for himself.
    I stillwalked my dog for 7 miles a day and worked out on my rowing machine whilst on the diet but ate an extra slice of granary bread if I felt weak.
    Good luck.

  37. southern belle

    hello from the heart of Dixie USA. yes, this diet definitely works. tried it many years ago along with my mother and brother. we lost so much!! yes, the breath thing is yukky but just keep you a little spray breath stuff in your pocket. also, the note about buying the book is so important. when we first began i had a copy of only the daily menus. even that was an improvement over the way we normally eat here in the deep south. i was raised on cornbread, fatback, biscuits, potatoes, sausage, gravy, fried catfish, hushpuppies, homemade custard ice cream, syrupy sweet iced tea and i didn’t wear it well!!! needless to say, when i got the book and read it through, we had made several mistakes, but even then had lost many pounds. when we really got on track, it was astonishing. try it. stick to it as closely as humanly possible and you will shock yourself. do the full two weeks, then the next two recommended. you can’t fail if you follow it like a prescription. and that is really what it is. a prescription for weight loss, for huge energy, for GOOD HEALTH. i wonder who it killed?? never heard that one before!! unless you have a serious medical condition {check with MS first!} you have nothing to lose but{t} fat. show it to your MD anyway. i would bet he will give you a quick go-ahead!!!

  38. Trissy

    Today is the second day since i’ve been on this diet, and i’ve lost 1.5 pounds which to me was really unbelievable! Love this diet

  39. Ana

    I am just about to start tomarrow and bought all the ingredients today. I have about 55 lbs to lose total but thought this was a great way to jumpstart my diet and healthy eating. I was wondering if adding exercise would help lose more or with some diets it doesn’t seem to make a difference. I work 12 hour shifts so squeezing them in would be hard but if it would really help I will do it. If anyone knows, I’d love to hear it. Thanks!

  40. Tami

    I did this diet back in 1979, and lost 26lbs. I have saved the book and love the diet. I have also shared it with so many people over the years, that they too want to start it. I love the food and that you don’t have to count out calories. I am now 51 and am going to do it for 20 pounds, and hopefully keep it off too!

  41. kim

    I did this diet years ago and lost cellulite, inches and weight – I need to lose 20 lbs and am beginning this diet again tomorrow, I love the breakfast and lunch, the snacking is the hard part 🙂

  42. Isabel

    I started this diet on Monday and i thought that i was probably going to starve to death but that was not the case.I actually didn’t find it that hard to follow and to stick with it. I have tried other diets and after a few days i just gave up, but this one seems to be going great. I am determined to follow it, and hopefully loose some weight. I actually do feel full after every meal and if i do feel a little bit hungry between meals, i just snack on celery and carrots as mentioned, which is not bad with a little bit of limon on them. Anyways, it is great to see that this diet has worked for many, can wait to see the results!!

  43. jo

    oops i just noticed there are 2 jo’s here. i’ll go by jolene.

  44. jo

    lisa, i have the same goals as you. i am going to lose 20 to 25 pounds. have been trying for years & they won’t budge. i am 5’1 & now weigh 137. i bought all the required groceries this morning & officially started this morning as well. i already feel better believe it or not. i did a workout & feel very energized! good luck.

  45. Jo

    Response to Leah:
    I didn’t gain any of my 10 lbs back… the rule of thumb with this diet though is that if ever you regain 4 pounds go right back on it so that you do not regain the weight in a yo-yo style. Just make sure that when you finish you don’t eat lots of junk and you should be fine. Honestly though, when you are done you don’t crave junk anymore and you won’t want to ruin your progress. Good luck!

  46. Leah

    I am thinking about doing this diet, but after finishing it and going on a low calorie diet such as 1500 calories a day or so. Would I gain weight?

  47. vivian

    This diet is awesome. You get to eat salmon, lean steak or pork and chicken, plenty or fruits and vegetambles. So to whoever think its not nutritious then tell me what’s more nutritious than those foods.

  48. Emma

    Did this diet a few weeks ago and I am now on it again. I lost 12lbs in the 10 days I managed to keep it up for, and I kept it off! It is very tough and prepare to be hungry but with a bit of will power its worth it. Seeing a pound off or more every morning is a great motivator. I am doing it now again after giving myself a break. I would recommend it if you need a kick start or if you only have a few pounds to go that just wont shift. Good luck.

  49. lisa

    i just started the diet today I have about 20 to 25lbs to lose. So after 2 weeks I hope to almost be at the weight I used to be at. I am also planing to run alittle. I heard from so people that you won’t be eating enought to do any exercise. Any thought out there about doing exercise while on this diet?

  50. Rocki

    This basic diet without all the frills and substitutes works well and if your active, no doubt will you lose 1 lb a day. You cannot stay on this diet for over 14 days. You have to get off of it for a week or 2 and go back on. Anyone who thinks loosing more then 14 lbs in 14 days is nuts. This one works.

  51. Cristy Ortiz

    This is the only diet that works for me EVERY TIME I do it!!!! Everyday I lose from 1/2 lb to 1 lb. I don’t exercise, although I should and would probably lose more weight faster, BUT, you have to follow it to the letter! I love this diet….and it’s easy!

  52. Veronica

    I forgot about this diet.. I did for my high school prom 10 years ago, during 14 straight days and then resting with the 3 days program I did it for 3 months and I lost from 168 lbs to 124 lbs it was great and never fainted or anything.. its ver though that true but worth every day!!
    I gain some weight so I am planning to re-start it!! but on monday LOL 🙂 if you do it by heart its worth every day.. besides its only 14 days straight and you can loose at the minimum 8 lbs ..

  53. sandy

    you need the book to do this diet properly. it works great i did it 2 differt times and lost weight. but as with any diet you much continue on it forever untill you learn to manage your bad eating habits. go for it. but the book please….

  54. Karen

    I have done this diet numerous times in the past and had great success. Am starting again tomorrow. Ketones are harmful if you have them for a length of time. Ketosis is one of the deadlies for diabetics. Had a daughter with diabeties and she would have ketones and then turn acidotic. She almost died a couple of times. Ketones prove that you are burning your own fat, so on Scarsdale you want ketones, but like the diet says, stay on for only two weeks. They should not do any harm then.

  55. Jo

    Response to Bosco:

    I am about 30 pounds overweight and did the diet for 2 weeks. I had a few days that I cheated on as it is December and I attended a few catered functions but I lost 8 pounds. I am taking a few weeks off now to finish the year and in the New Year am going to do the two weeks properly to lose the extra weight but I found even though I am not EXTREMELY overweight it worked well and would have probably much more if I had followed it perfectly. It also changes how you look at food and makes you more aware of what you eat and in what quantities. I think it will be helpful long term in keeping me from slipping back into my chocolate addication.

  56. Kris

    As a nutrition student, one of the first things we learn is that ketosis is dangerous! It can lead to a coma if it goes on for too long and is seriously damaging to a persons long term health.

  57. Jo

    December 6 2008

    I just started this diet for the first time a few days ago. My parents and sister have all done it with great results. The advice they gave me is to NOT CHEAT AT ALL! Not only because the diet will not work, but also if you do cheat, even one bite of a cookie you will lose the motivation and start to crave all the junk food again. Also I have been told to drink plenty of water to prevent kidney damage. Good luck all!

  58. bosco

    do you have to be extemely over weight to achieve massive weight loss in the 2 weeks?:)?

  59. Juana

    I am 69 years of age and throughout the years, I know people who lost tons of weight on this diet. Remember, you must not stay on it for more than 14 days; and by all means, take your vitamins each day.

  60. Suzanne

    This diet has been the backbone of fitness for me all my life. I’ve never known anyone to lose 21 pounds in two weeks, but you will lose a few pounds and you will eat healthier and more mindfully. Like most fad diets, it’s a good way to jump start a healthier lifestyle.

  61. lisa

    I did this diet when i was 13 yrs old…i weighed 165 pounds…i lost 35lbs and kept it off…that was 1979..

  62. Angelina

    Sorry I lost 7 pounds in 5 days not two days.

  63. Angelina

    I try this diet for the frist time and in two days I lost 7pounds, Im going on holiday in 3 weeks and im back an the diet hoping to lost at least 30 pounds. This diet is great.

  64. Renee

    It works, ketosis is quick weightloss and not dangerous, I lost 18 lbs over the 2 weeks and was very happy.

  65. MARIA GARCIA

    I LIKE THIS DIET BECAUSE YOU CAN EAT ALL, ITS IN BALANCE, AND I ENJOY A LOT

  66. geckobeach

    I’ve done this regimen in the past, and it worked. I tried the different version (vegetarian, low budget, gourmet) from the book, and had excellent results. As one reader states, this is only one sample of the seven menus required. I learned a lot about nutrition from having done this diet. I also was running at that time over 7 miles per day, so the low caloric count was never a problem. Try it, you’ll like it, but get the book from a thrift store, read it, and see the results for yourself.

  67. Jean

    I followed this diet when I was in my 20’s and lost 15 pounds. I kept it off for years. Now that I am in my 50’s and menopausal, I have gained it back and more. I have been on the diet for 5 days now and have lost 5 pounds. You really have to follow it exactly as it says though! If it says eat green beans, eat green beans…not peas! It does say no cream in your coffee but I’ll admitt, I use fat free half’n half and I am still losing. I love this diet!

  68. Loretta

    I just started today and read all of the comments, I agree with Ally, the first day is hard, but I’m gonna keep on going, I’ve got a wedding to got to on saturday and I want to ware someting nice!!

  69. Gerry

    I followed the diet about five years ago and lost 60lbs in less than 2 months. I rode my bike 20 miles a day and it really made me feel good. I am starting the diet again today, you eat nothing but good foods. Just have to get through the first couple of days like any diet.

  70. Diane

    Is there a weekly sample menu I can follow?

    Thanks, Diane

  71. sheena

    my mother told me about this diet today and i am going to try it next month. from what i have read it is strict but effective.

  72. Sandy

    This diet works but ketosis can be very damaging to your health.

  73. Kristi

    This diet is great… I lost 130 pounds in 12 months and kept it off for more than 5 years. I got married recently and before I knew it I had packed on 30 pounds. I am excited to start the eating plan and pull off this extra weight. BUY THE BOOK– it is great, lots of tips and small enough to slip in your purse for a quick reference.

  74. shpette

    I remember back in the day, I tried this diet and it worked for me. I am now older and also a menopausal woman. I work out only 3 days a week and walk or swim the other days. I will be trying this again and I know it will work, I will also keep you all posted.
    Be Blessed

  75. trying

    Those of you menaupausal women in your 50’s….I too am in this boat and have gained 20lbs. How is it working for you? I’m going to give it a try. But I work out 5 times a week, I hope i’ll have enough energy. I’ll keep you posted too.

  76. Mark

    This diet definitely works. Did it twice and lost weight big time. My problem was KEEPING IT OFF. I did finally found a diet that shed the pounds almost as good as this diet (I won’t mention the name, for obvious reasons), and I am still eating the food after I am off the diet for a time now (just more healthy carbs added on). For me, anyway, the diets like this one work, but the eating habits MUST change if it’s gonna last long term.

  77. sue

    I tried this diet but i wasnt sure if it was necessary to eat everything in the meal at one time for it to work. Like can you save your grapefruit from dinner for later?

  78. jackie

    I wanted to look good to my brother’s wedding and went on Scarsdale diet. It worked, I lost a dress size and looked amazing. It works for 2 weeks, if you keep to it.

  79. Anonymous

    What is posted here is a sample of one day and it’s not even accurate – if you are interested in this diet, I suggest buying the book – it’s still available and only $7 on Amazon. I lost 65 pounds on this diet in 5 months. It works if you follow it as written and you are not hungry at all. I never had more energy than when I followed this plan. It includes veggies and fruit, lean protein and cheese. Just have to give up the sugar and white flour, potatoes, pasta, rice, junk food.

  80. al

    i am on scarsdale diet now, but my stomach starts to hurt. What do I do?

  81. ALLY

    I am on this diet right now and I lost 4 pounds in four days..I feel great…this food makes you full..the only hard day is the first day. Just drink a lot of water throughout the day. All the other fad diets I tried are impossible and basically make you starve. This diet involves plenty of eating, and eating healthy food to change your lifestyle. I can’t wait to see the results if I lose a pound a day.

  82. anonymous

    This kind of diet is designed to help people lose weight in a short period of time. After losing weight, one should then get on a good healthy eating plan.

  83. Anonymous

    Have you read the effects of this diet???

  84. Maria

    I’ve tried this diet after having had my two kids in my late 20’s and early 30’s – now, in my 50’s and beginning menopause, I’m going to try it again. The food is fresh and nutritious, can’t get better than that. If you don’t have will power, don’t bother.

  85. Zippity Do Dah Day

    You have to have will power to do this diet. If you fail at every diet, this is not for you. Nothing is really. But if you follow it for 2 weeks you will lose 20lbs, then you segway into the South Beach diet phase 2 for 2 or 3 weeks and go back on the Scarsdale diet. With exercise, I was able to get my pre baby body back in a couple of months. Like any diet you have to stick to it, you can’t cheat at all or it won’t work and you will be miserable.

  86. Cristina

    This diet is amazing I lost 20 pounds! It’s just a sample. There are really healthy foods and foods I would eat even if I wasn;t on a diet

  87. Kelly

    I tried this diet about 10 years ago and it worked great!! After having a couple kids and being settled for quite awhile it’s time for me to try it out again. I’m very excited to start! But like everyone else keeps saying, this is a short term diet with excellent results, you just have to have the self control afterwords to keep it off.

  88. mal

    Thanks everyone, can’t wait to try it. Ill keep my results posted. TTyl in 2 weeks!!!!

  89. fritz

    I also tried this diet when in my 30’s and it did work wonderfully. The food is healthy, but during the 2 weeks on, it must be followed closely. Now in my 50’s, with menopause weight to lose I started it again today. The food is great, you fill up! Will also keep you posted.

  90. Valerie

    I first tried this diet when I was in my teens after seeing the great result my dad had from following it. It does work and you do lose a large amount of weight. It’s just impossible to keep off though. You really are not hungry on this diet. If anything, you don’t want to eat any more meat. The disgusting breath too is very weird. It smells sickly sweet, kind of like people with diabetes’ breath smell. This diet’s great for the short-term gain!

  91. anonymous

    I tried this diet when I was in my 20’s and it worked. I am in my 50’s and I am going to try it again. I will keep you posted. It also helped me get back on track on making the right choices of food. I believe that some people need a day by day meal plan. Nothing complicated. The menu is pretty basic. This is not a long term diet. A good diet that will give you results and motivate you to continue eating right. TRY IT!!

  92. suzie

    this diet is the only one that has truly worked for me. i switch the breakfast fruit up all the time because I do not like grapefruit.

  93. opal

    This diet DOES work – I’ve done it and definitely saw results but there are a couple thing that must be taken into consideration with this diet: If you’re going to be successful at this diet you must, must follow it accurately, the meal plans are such FOR A REASON and substituting anything (even if it’s also healthy) may spoil the overall effectivness. In any case, the diet does give you alternatives.
    As the book says this is strictly a 2 week diet and to continue longer than that is NOT recommended. This is pretty much a fairly healthy diet plan but lacks enough fat for long term use.

  94. ash

    i remember going on this diet when I was younger and it did work.
    sometimes you need to be told….EAT THIS. yes, eventually, you need to learn how to make the right choices, but let’s be serious – sometimes you need to lose weight for an event, etc. and you’re motivated and you want to follow RULES…it’s alot simpler.

  95. eve

    with regards to the 2 angry anonymous people. angry with life, and angry with this diet who think doctors are stupid, ive done this diet once and lost all the weight i needed to. it wasnt difficult to follow, and i was satisafied with the quantities. the problem doesnt lie with the diet, but more with your lack of self discipline and self control (which is most probably why you have a fat arse to start with)
    so here’s a tip, stop insulting the world around you and blaming everyone else for the crap that YOUVE been putting down YOUR throat (unless you were force fed like a goose) and stop eating sh*t.
    oh … and get a treadmill

  96. Anonymous

    That is only a sample of a one day menu and not even completely accurate. This is the best diet in the world! It has always worked for me and is an extremly healthy way of eating! Especially compared to the junk I used to stuff in my mouth. Most meals, except for breakfast, you get to eat as much of the listed food as you want! I have lost 15 pounds in 23 days and feel better than I have in a long time!

  97. Anonymous

    I have done this diet before. You are full after eating. You can do it for two weeks and you will notice a change. People just can’t over do it!!

  98. ANONYMOUS

    stop killing people with this diet or you will burn in the pits of HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL for doing this strange and wicked sin stop or be punished you imbecils how dare you think people can be satisfied with this MESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. well that the dumb doctors of today BUTTHEADSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

  99. anonymous

    this diet stinks and hoever uses it is going to di from mal-nutrition or something because the stupid doctors now cant think o using things god blessed us with to handle these situations