The Scarsdale diet
The Scarsdale diet (also find out the frequently asked questions about the Dukan diet), created by an American cardiologist, allows you to lose about 450g per day for 7-14 days, provided you only consume foods low in carbohydrates and fats and rich in proteins.
The principle
The Scarsdale Diet, or Scarsdale Medical Diet (SMD) is a 14-day program that is based on a low calorie intake, around a thousand calories per day.
It is therefore a diet based on meat, lean fish and low-calorie vegetables.
At the end of these two weeks, a maintenance phase allows you to eat a little more: three eggs a week, two slices of bread a day, jam without sugar, nuts and a glass of wine a day. Then you start again with 15 days of diet and 15 days of maintenance ... and so on for life (in theory), according to the inventor of this program.
Calories are not calculated for this diet. Which is a "good thing but, on the other hand, you have to settle for the main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks are not allowed, apart from some raw vegetables.
See also
Prohibited foods
All starchy foods, added fats (oil, butter, cream), most dairy products, fruit juices, alcohol, sweets, chocolate and cured meats.
Authorized foods
The authorized foods are celery, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, peppers, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower. Spices and herbs can be used as a condiment (see here our special page on spices that can be used in the kitchen). Sweeteners must replace sugar. All protein sources (meat, fish) are to be considered lean.
Typical day
Breakfast: ½ grapefruit or other seasonal fruit 1 slice of wholemeal bread, unaccompanied, with unsweetened coffee or tea.
Lunch: chicken, salad at will, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, unsweetened coffee or tea, 1 fruit four times a week.
Snack: carrot or raw celery
Dinner: lean fish, non-calorie vegetables at will, 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil, unsweetened coffee or tea.
Results
A rapid weight loss: about 4kg the first week, 450g, on average, per day.
The Pros
There is no need to count calories or weigh portions. On the other hand, you have to follow the program to the letter. Weight loss is rapid, which is normal with such a low calorie intake.
The cons
This diet is very restrictive: hunger is therefore felt quickly.
According to the detractors of this program, the weight lost is nothing more than water and therefore you risk regaining weight quickly as soon as you stop the diet.
Following this diet only once, for 14 days, does not pose any health risk. Instead, it is dangerous to repeat it in the long term because of the deficiencies it causes.
Attention
If you wish to undertake the Scarsdale diet, or any other diet, consult your physician before beginning.
