Dr. Herman Tarnower created the Scarsdale Diet Menu to help kick start weight loss by providing an option for quick weight loss due to reduced calories.
The Scarsdale Diet
Consisting of fewer calories than the typical dieter consumes normally, the Scarsdale Diet works on the premise that the body can exist for one to two weeks on a menu that is made up of 43 percent protein, 22.5 percent fat and 34.5 percent carbohydrates.
The diet often produces quick weight loss, but individuals find the menu too rigid to follow for long. It provides dieters with 850 to 1,000 calories per day.
Breakfast for the Scarsdale Diet Menu
Breakfast remains the same each day of the diet. It includes fruit like one half of a grapefruit, or if other fruits are in season and more easily accessible, those are good options, too. In addition to fruit, breakfast also includes a slice of toasted protein bread (without any spread) and coffee or tea. No cream, honey, milk or sugar can be added to the coffee or tea.
Daily Menu
Each day has very strict guidelines to follow in order to make this diet work. There are several restrictions as far as the types of food and additions to the dishes included on the menu.
Monday
Lunch:
- Tomatoes (may be sliced, stewed or broiled)
- Cold cuts (any assortment)
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Fish (or shellfish)
- Salad (combination of any greens and vegetables)
- One slice protein bread (toasted)
- Grapefruit, or other seasonal fruit
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Tuesday
Lunch:
- Broiled, lean hamburger (feel free to eat plenty!)
- Lettuce, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, olives (only four!) and/or Brussels Sprouts
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Fruit salad with any array of fruits
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Wednesday
Lunch:
- Tuna fish or salmon salad (drain the oil off)
- Lemon and vinegar dressing
- Grapefruit, melon or other fruit in season
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Sliced roast lamb with all visible fat removed (this may be substituted with fish, chicken, seafood or turkey)
- Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber or celery)
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Thursday
Lunch:
- Two eggs (any style) (DO NOT USE FAT WHEN COOKING)
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Zucchini (or string beans or sliced or stewed tomatoes)
- One slice of toasted protein bread
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Roasted, broiled or barbecued chicken (with all fat removed)
- Spinach, green peppers or string beans
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Friday
Lunch:
- Assorted cheese slices (low-fat if possible)
- Spinach (unlimited portion)
- One slice of toasted protein bread
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Fish or shellfish
- Combination salad (including any fresh vegetables, raw or cooked)
- One slice of toasted protein bread
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Saturday
Lunch:
- Fruit salad (any combination of fruits)
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Roast turkey or chicken
- Salad including tomatoes and lettuce
- Grapefruit or other seasonal fruit
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Sunday
Lunch:
- Turkey or chicken, served hot or cold
- Tomatoes, carrots, cooked cabbage, cauliflower or broccoli
- Grapefruit or other season fruit
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Dinner:
- Broiled or grilled steak without fat, any cut of meat (portion unlimited)
- Salad consisting of lettuce, cucumbers, celery and tomatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Coffee, tea, water or diet soda
Restrictions
The Scarsdale Diet menu includes some restrictions. Candies and desserts are not allowed. Dairy fats are excluded. Spaghetti, macaroni and any other flour-based products are restricted. No ice cream, ice milk, frozen custard or frozen products are allowed.
Diet Wisely
Any time that you start a diet plan, it's always advisable to contact your physician. A diet such as the Scarsdale Diet may get you quick results, but it's not a guide to lifelong healthy eating.
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