Scarsdale Diet: Menu Plan + What To Eat And Avoid

The Scarsdale diet is a 1000-calorie diet for weight loss. Dr. Herman Turnower, a cardiologist, created it. He designed this high-protein diet (46% protein, 21% fat, and 35% carbohydrates) to help his patients lose about 20 pounds in just 2 weeks. In 1978, he published a book called The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet (1).

Today, this diet is used for weight loss even if you do not have a heart condition. Of course, you must start this diet after consulting your doctor. Read on to know everything about the Scarsdale diet and how it can benefit you.

I am including a sample Scarsdale diet meal plan for you. Scroll down.

At A Glance: Scarsdale Diet

• Principle: A 1000-calorie, low-carb, high-protein diet for 7-14 days.
• Purpose: To promote rapid weight loss within two weeks.
• Who Is It For: Individuals with cardiovascular issues.
• Duration: Short-term
• Who Should Avoid: People with low levels of physical fitness.
• Cons: May cause serious nutrient deficiencies, weakness, nausea, constipation, ketosis, bad breath, and counterproductively increase the risk of heart disease.

Caloric Restriction In The Scarsdale Diet

Strict calorie restriction is a critical focus in the Scarsdale Diet, with daily intake usually limited to approximately 1,000 calories. By generating a large calorie deficit and forcing the body to burn stored fat for energy, this extreme calorie cut is meant to encourage quick weight loss. The goal of the diet is to increase fat burning by consuming fewer calories than the body requires to maintain its present weight. However, such a low-calorie intake might have strong physiological impacts. Initially, it could cause rapid weight loss, but the metabolism might slow down as the body adjusts to consuming less energy.

Let’s look at a sample menu that lists the specific foods and portion sizes that the Scarsdale Diet suggests to better understand how it implements calorie restriction.

Scarsdale Diet Menu

Day 1 

To lose fat, you need to do more than just eat well. You must create a negative energy balance so that you actually shed fat and build lean muscle massⁱ  The amount of muscle in the body that includes skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles which determines daily functioning of a person. . So, here’s your exercise plan for Day 1.

Note: Portion control in the Scarsdale Diet is essential for maintaining its strict 1,000-calorie limit, preventing overeating, and promoting mindful eating to support rapid weight loss.

Day 1 Workout Plan

• Head tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
• Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Arm circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Wrist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Waist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
• High knees – 1 set of 20 reps
• Slide lunges – 1 set of 10 reps
• Jumping jacks – 1 set of 20 reps
• Sit ups – 1 set of 10 reps
• Crunches – 1 set of 10 reps
• Scissor kicks – 1 set of 10 reps
• Stretch

 How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 1

By the end of day 1, you might feel a little tired as you will consume only 1000 calories, which is way less than what you consume daily. You might also feel hungry 2-3 hours after lunch. The best thing to do is to drink enough water or a cup of green tea at that time. Remember, losing weight is your priority now and it’s just for a few days. So, stick to the plan. Let’s find out what’s in store for you on Day 2.

Day 2 

On day 2 too, you will be exercising to create a negative energy balance. Here’s your day 2 workout routine.

Day 2 Workout Plan

• Head tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
• Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Arm circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Wrist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Waist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
• Spot jogging – 3-4 minutes
• Jumping jacks – 2 sets of 20 reps
• Calf raise – 2 sets of 20 reps
• Forward lunges – 1 set of 10 reps
• Side lunges – 1 set of 10 reps
• Side crunches – 1 set of 10 reps
• Mountain climbers – 1 set of 10 reps
• Russian twist – 2 sets of 10 reps
• Tricep dips – 2 sets of 5 reps
• Stretch

How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 2

By the end of day 2, you will begin to get a hang of the diet plan. Thus, you will feel more at ease than on day 1. Moreover, the exercise routine will keep you active and make you feel good about sticking to the plan and you will look forward to day 3.

 Day 3 

Like day 1 and 2, on day 3 you must exercise to keep your metabolismⁱ  A set of chemical reactions that occur in the body to change food into energy in order to sustain life. going.

Day 3 Workout Plan

• Head tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
• Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Arm circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Wrist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Waist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
• Crunches – 2 sets of 10 reps
• Push ups – 2 sets of 10 reps
• Leg circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Horizontal kicks – 1 set of 10 reps
• Forward elbow plank – 20 second hold
• Side plank – 20 second hold
• Russian twist – 2 sets of 20 reps
• Side lunges – 2 sets of 10 reps
• Stretch

 How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 3

By the end of day 3, you can see a visible change in your appearance as you will lose a lot of water weight because of the low-carbs and low-calorie intake. This will keep you motivated and you will be eager about day 4.

 Day 4 

On day 4, your workout routine must look something like this.

Day 4 Workout Plan

• Head tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
• Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Arm circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Wrist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Waist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
• Suryanamaskar
• Kapalbhati
• Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
• Anantasana
• Malasana
• Savasana

How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 4

By the end of day 4, you will be more active and productive. Yoga can also help regulate your blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve flexibility (2). You will start to enjoy this diet plan now. Let’s move on to day 5.

 Day 5 

Here’s your day 5 workout plan. Surprise alert!

Day 5 Workout Plan

Today is your day to rest. No workout today but that doesn’t give you the permission to cheat and eat high-calorie foods. Get rest and let your muscles recover from the daily wear and tear.

How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 5

Resting is as important as working out and therefore you will enjoy your rest day.

You will feel relaxed and your muscle pain from working out regularly will be better on this day.

Quick Tip

It is important to stay active even on your rest day. You can either go walking or do some light stretches to keep your body moving.

Day 6 

Sixth day into the diet and yes, you still have to continue to exercise to keep your metabolism active and mobilize the fat. Here’s what you must do.

Day 6 Workout Plan

• Head tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
• Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Arm circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Wrist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Waist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
• Squat – 1 set of 10 reps
• Forward lunges (2-pound dumbbells) – 2 sets of 10 reps
• Bicep curls – 1 set of 10 reps
• Tricep extension – 1 set of 10 reps
• Chin ups – 1 set of 5 reps
• Static bicycling – 5 minutes
• Pushups – 2 sets of 10 reps
• High knees – 2 sets of 30 reps
• Forward elbow plank – 30 second hold
• Stretch

How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 6

By the end of day 6, you can feel that your metabolism has kick-started and you will become more active and energetic. Moreover, from the sixth day, if you stick to the plan, your body will start mobilizing the fat. This is the best news, as the goal is to shed fat. Here’s what you are going to do on day 7.

 Day 7 

On the 7th day too you must workout. Here’s a fun workout routine for you.

Day 7 Workout Plan

• Head tilt – 1 set of 10 reps
• Neck rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Shoulder rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Arm circles – 1 set of 10 reps
• Wrist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Waist rotations – 1 set of 10 reps
• Ankle rotation – 1 set of 10 reps
• Intermittent running or swimming or dancing or play a sport
• Stretch

How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 7

By the end of day 7, you will be happy and feel good about the fact that you gave your best to adhere to the plan. But it’s not the time to get rewarded yet because the aim is to lose 20 pounds. By now, you would have lost a whopping 8-10 pounds. But you must go on to the 2nd week in order to achieve your target weight. Here’s what you should do in the 2nd week.

Day 8 – Day 14

From day 8 to day 14 (second week of Scarsdale diet), you must follow the same diet plan that you did in the first week. You can follow the same workout plan or increase the reps and sets of a few exercises depending on your “problem areas.”

How Will You Feel By The End Of Scarsdale Diet?

After you complete the 2-week Scarsdale diet, you will find yourself rejuvenated, less anxious, highly productive, and of course slimmer than before. You will sleep better and be able to focus more on your work or school. In fact, this diet is going to help you change your lifestyle, which you will love. Now, let me tell you how this diet actually works.

Emily, a blogger, shared her personal experience with the Scarsdale medical diet over the course of 12 days. She followed a strict meal plan featuring specific foods and portions. On her blog, she describes her experience as follows: “I did feel a dull hunger for most of the waking day except for early in the morning and right after eating. However, it did not keep me from getting a good night’s sleep, nor did I ever feel faint (i).”

Does The Scarsdale Medical Diet Plan Work? What Tracy Tredoux, A Nutritional Therapist, Says

Tracy Tredoux

, DipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP, says, “Like a sprinter in a race, the Scarsdale Medical Diet may offer a quick burst of weight loss, but life is more a marathon than a short spurt and sustainable, personalized, and balanced nutrition is the ultimate goal. As with all ‘fad’ diets, the long-term effectiveness and safety are the subject of debate among nutrition experts. Weight loss regimes usually depend on dietary modulations and calorie restrictions, exercise, and sometimes drug intervention or surgery. However, most people are unable to maintain the lost weight, and many regain a significant part of it.”

How The Scarsdale Diet Works

Scarsdale diet is a protein-rich, low-calorie diet plan that works by suppressing appetite. You will eat a lot of fruits, veggies, protein, 4 glasses of water per day, and tea/coffee. These will provide you with the essential nutrients and keep your hunger pangs at bay. For the entirety of these 2 weeks, you are not allowed to take any snacks or outside food.

For your convenience, I have prepared a list of foods that you can eat and must avoid when you are on the Scarsdale diet. Take a look.

Scarsdale Diet: Foods To Eat

Veggies – Broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, swiss chard, zucchini, bell pepper, Chinese cabbage, green chili, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, okra, eggplant, radish, turnip, beetroot, sweet potato, radish greens, carrot, collard greens, and green beans.
Fruits – Papaya, apple, grapes, grapefruit, lime, lemon, orange, plum, pear, peach, pluot, figs, blueberry, strawberry, starfruit, green apple, watermelon, and muskmelon.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil and rice bran oil in minimum quantities.
Beverages – Coconut water, buttermilk, tea, coffee, diet soda, freshly pressed fruit juice and vegetable juice.
Herbs & Spices – Cilantro, oregano, dill, rosemary, thyme, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, black pepper, star anise, cayenne pepper, saffron, cumin powder, coriander powder, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds.

Now, the most important list – the foods that you must avoid while you are on a Scarsdale diet. Check them out.

 Foods To Avoid 

Veggies –

Potato, sweet potatoes, beans and lentils, pumpkin.
Fruits – Avocados and jackfruit.
Fats & Oils – Animal fat, butter, ghee, mayonnaise, ranch, canola oil, and vegetable oil.
Seeds & Nuts – Cashew nuts, macadamia nuts,  almonds, pistachios, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and hazelnuts.
Beverages – Artificially sweetened drinks, packaged fruit juices, and alcohol.
Meats – Sausage, bacon, and pork.

The next important thing that you don’t want to miss knowing is if the Scarsdale diet is safe for you to follow. Let’s find out.

Is Scarsdale Diet Safe?

The Scarsdale diet was created keeping the heart patients in mind, for them to lose weight. And you should remember that it is only meant to be followed for 2 weeks. Moreover, a major part of the diet concentrates on the consumption of protein and very less healthy fats. Yes, the proteins take time to digest and thus can aid weight loss without losing muscle mass (3). But, healthy fats and complex carbs should not be ignored.

Eva De Angelis, Dietitian Nutritionist, says, “It is worth noting that this diet restricts several nourishing foods high in complex carbs and fiber, such as pulses and starchy vegetables. This could result in constipation as well as a lack of vitamins and minerals.”

Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, adds, “The Scarsdale diet is a very low-calorie diet prescribing 1,000 calories per day and 43% of those calories should come from protein, 34.5% coming from carbohydrates, and 22.5% coming from fat. This means only 345 calories (or 86.2 g of carbohydrates) are allowed to come from carbohydrates. This is low! The ratio is not necessarily too low but the fact you are limited to 1,000 calories per day forces this diet to be a low-carb and very low-calorie diet.”

She continues, “The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all adults for minimum carbohydrates per day is 130 g daily for basic functioning to occur. This minimum level provides energy for your brain, muscles, heart and blood.”

The Scarsdale Medical Diet is not actually a nutritionally balanced diet or a healthful diet, and you may gain back all the weight once you discontinue this diet. So, the bottom line is, the Scarsdale diet is not a safe option beyond 2 weeks and for those who want a permanent solution.

Quick Tip

People with diabetes or high blood pressure should not follow this diet without consulting their doctor first.

Scarsdale Diet Benefits

• May help lose water weight.
• May kickstart fat mobilizationⁱ  The breakdown of fat to fatty acids and glycerol to be released into the bloodstream when the body requires energy. .
• May help build lean muscle if incorporated with good-quality protein intake.
• May improve muscle power.
• May help flush out toxins.

Like other fad diets, the Scarsdale diet also has disadvantages or side effects. Here’s what you should know.

Scarsdale Diet Side Effects

• Calcium Deficiency – Exclusion of milk lowers the level of calcium intake and poses risks for women.Jessie Hulsey, RD, LD, and a specialist in weight management says, “In terms of milk on the Scarsdale diet, it’s recommended that you opt for non-fat dairy options or reduced-fat versions such as skimmed or 1% milk wherever possible. If you do have a full-fat version of dairy, then be sure to watch your portion sizes in order to keep your calories under control.”
  She adds, “It’s also important to include calcium-rich foods in your meal plans so aim for 3 servings per day from sources such as fortified cereal and breakfast bars; yogurts; cheese; almonds and spinach – all good sources of antioxidants too!”

• Kidney and liver Damage – Ketosis is a common side effect of the Scarsdale Diet. If this diet is continued for a long period, ketosisⁱ  A state where the body burns fat instead of glucose and this helps reduce hunger and thereby promotes weight loss. can cause serious damage to the kidneys and liver.
• Metabolic Disorder – The Scarsdale Diet can cause porphyria (excretion of excessive number of porphyrinsⁱ  Powerful photosensitizing substances which in abnormal porphyrin metabolism can cause skin-related syndromes. ), an inherited metabolic disorder that occurs due to fasting or long-term use of a VLCDⁱ  A semistarvation, rapid weight loss diet in which calories are strictly restricted to less than 800 a day. .
• Starvation Mode – Not eating for more than 4 hours can make your body go into starvation mode, where it will start storing any kind of food as fat instead of using it as an energy source.
• Mood Fluctuations – It can make you feel starved, which might make you highly irritable.
• Increased Cravings – Eating the same foods for two weeks can result in strong cravings for high-calorie foods.
• This medical diet plan focuses on including diet soda, which is much more harmful than normal soda. Daily intake of diet soda may lead to stroke and dementia (loss of memory) (4). This two-week diet is not a nutritionally sound diet.

Infographic: Warm Up Exercises To Do While Following The Scarsdale Diet Plan

Losing weight requires a lot of discipline and commitment, particularly when you are dieting for weight loss. The Scarsdale diet is a 1000-calorie diet which includes working out daily to reduce weight. It is very important to warm up before starting an exercise routine.

Check out the infographic below to know the most important warm up exercises that should be included everyday with the Scarsdale diet plan.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Scarsdale diet the same as keto diet?

No, while the keto diet majorly restricts the portion sizes and measure of macronutrientsⁱ  Essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fat and proteins that are required in large quantities by the body. , the Scarsdale diet features a completely prescribed meal plan for a set period of time.

Is the Scarsdale diet safe for diabetics?

This is a fad diet that helps you lose weight fast. You can try it but you should keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly.

How does the Scarsdale diet compare to other popular diets, such as the Atkins diet or the Mediterranean diet?

The Scarsdale diet focuses on protein-heavy meals and limits to 1000 calories daily. It is a 2-week plan designed for heart patients that works by suppressing the appetite. However, the Mediterranean and Atkins diets are not 2-week plans but can be followed for life. While the Mediterranean diet focuses on eating plant-based traditional foods rich in nutrition, the Atkins diet is a low-carb diet that does not restrict protein and fat.

Can the Scarsdale diet be modified for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, the Scarsdale diet can be modified for vegetarians and vegans. The above article provides a list of vegetables and fruits you can consume while following the diet. Replace non-vegetarian items with vegetarian foods that match the nutritional profile. Consulting a nutritionist will be helpful to determine the diet.

What are some tips for successfully following the Scarsdale diet and achieving weight loss goals?

The key to achieving weight loss is consistency. Be consistent with your diet and exercises, drink enough water to prevent dehydration and improve energy, and munch on nuts when you feel like snacking. These are a few important tips to stay healthy and suppress your appetite during your weight loss journey.

Can the Scarsdale diet be adapted for individuals with dietary restrictions or food allergies?

Since the diet focuses on extreme restrictions, it will be difficult to adapt for individuals with dietary restrictions and food allergies. But, it is not impossible. You can consult your healthcare provider or a nutritionist to get an alternative diet chart based on your issues.

Can the Scarsdale diet be followed while eating out or traveling?

According to the Scarsdale diet, you should avoid eating out. There is a strict restriction on eating out. You can always carry your food with you while traveling.

Illustration: Scarsdale Diet: Menu Plan + What To Eat And Avoid

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to create a diet plan tailored to your health needs and goals. Check out this video to know more about how to integrate the Scarsdale diet into your daily life.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP

   

Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a Certified Practitioner from the Institute of Functional Medicine.

Read full bio of Tracy Tredoux

• 
  Jessie HulseyRD, LD Jessie Hulsey, RD, LD, is a consultant dietitian specializing in weight management, healthy aging, and mental health nutrition. She has two years of experience and earned her master's degree in human nutrition from The University of Alabama.
  
  Jessie Hulsey, RD, LD, is a consultant dietitian specializing in weight management, healthy aging, and mental health nutrition. She has two years of experience and earned her master's degree in human nutrition from The University of Alabama.
• 
  Sarah BullardMS, RD, LD Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and writer with a master’s degree in nutrition from Oklahoma State University. She has over 14 years of experience in research and clinical nutrition, personalized nutrition counseling, and nutrition education.
  
  Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, is a registered dietitian and writer with a master’s degree in nutrition from Oklahoma State University. She has over 14 years of experience in research and clinical nutrition, personalized nutrition counseling, and nutrition education.
• 
  Eva De AngelisRDN Eva De Angelis is a Dietitian Nutrionist from Argentina. She specializes in food and nutrition education, and healthy cooking. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health, a culinary diploma, and an intermediate-level technical degree in Food Science.
  
  Eva De Angelis is a Dietitian Nutrionist from Argentina. She specializes in food and nutrition education, and healthy cooking. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from ISalud University, a postgraduate certificate in Nutrition, Gastronomy, and Health, a culinary diploma, and an intermediate-level technical degree in Food Science.

Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

Read full bio of Charushila Biswas

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Himanshi MahajanHealth & Wellness Writer

Himanshi Mahajan is a Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach. She has a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from Guru Nanak Dev University and two years of experience in writing SEO-based and research-backed content across health and lifestyle genres.

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