The Scarsdale Diet is a diet that has been around since the 1970's and was invented by Dr. Herman Tarnower, whose specialty was treating obesity. The diet gets its' name from the town in which the doctor created it.

The Scarsdale Diet combines the medical condition known as ketosis with a specific food program known to cause this condition in those who eat it. Sound like any other diets that you've heard of lately? You're probably thinking of at least 3 or 4 diets that use this same method that are "hot" right now. Regardless, the Scarsdale Diet plan consists of the following formula:

On either a 7 day or a 14 day diet plan, the Scarsdale Diet outlines the foods that you are to eat at each of your 3 meals per day. The meals include fruit and vegetables (though some vegetables are not permitted) and an unlimited amount of lean sources of protein (either through food or through protein supplements, if you're a vegetarian and can't eat chicken, etc.). Salads are also highly recommended under this diet, although the dressings you use on them are scarce -- namely lemon, and vinegar are permitted). Scarsdale relies VERY heavily on a drastically reduced number of carbohydrates and a drastically increased amount of protein in your diet. In order to reduce the caloric intake, artificial sweeteners such as Splenda are recommended in place of sugar.

You might be thinking right now, hey, that's not so bad -- I can do that! Well, if you can then that's wonderful news but you must be aware that you'll need to limit yourself to 1,000 calories or less per day. A lot of people find this extremely hard to do, and those that do it report frequent headaches and sometimes dizziness. Your results may vary. I would recommend not continuing this diet if you experience either of these side effects.

Be ready to drink a LOT of water on this diet, as most of your favorite drinks are more than likely not permitted. You can get away with coffee and tea, as long as you use artificial sweeteners. Other drinks may be permitted as well, though I can't possibly list everything on this one web page that is or is not permitted. If you purchase the diet, it outlines exactly what is and is not allowed.

If you are on a rigorous exercise schedule, then the Scarsdale Diet is probably not for you -- and for good reason. At just 1,000 calories per day (or less) on this diet, you probably are not going to want to exercise to burn more calories. You may still do light cardio, etc. if you feel the need but be careful to stop doing even that if you feel faint, dizzy, etc.

All in all, I'd say this is a good diet for some and a bad diet for others. Your lifestyle needs to be a certain way in order to follow the diet's recommendations strictly and there are things in it that are probably just not possible for everyone to do. At the end of the day, it's best to look through the information included in the diet first to make sure you think you can handle it before diving in head first. It is hailed as an "express route to weight loss" by some who have had great success with it, and while it may have worked wonderfully for them it may not for you if you cannot follow it for the entire term. Read it and research it first before starting, and good luck!