VLCDs or very low calorie diets have been used as a weight loss solution for years. One great example of a VLCD is the Scarsdale diet. People have long been discouraged from following these diets because of their potential to harm the body. However, Dr. Tarnower, the pioneer of the Scarsdale diet, managed to formulate an eating plan that minimized health risks to help dieters shed weight fast. Although it was developed by a physician, many experts still debate the safety of this unique diet.
The Scarsdale Diet Explained
While many experts argue that the best way to rapid weight loss is cutting down carbohydrates, the Scarsdale diet takes a different approach. It claims that if people keep their food ratios to 30% carbohydrates, 23% fats and the rest protein, they can achieve quick weight loss. Certain foods are paired to make meals that provide less than 1000 calories a day to create a significant calorie deficit.
The Scarsdale Diet Basic Meal Plan
Dieters are required to follow the Scarsdale meal plan with unwavering discipline to achieve desired results. The foods that form the foundation of this diet include grapefruits, celery, tomatoes, chicken, fish and whole wheat bread. Beverages with sugar are prohibited and so are cooking oil and mayonnaise.
It is highly advisable to follow the exact meal plan. Although the diet is very specific about the meals you should have for breakfast, lunch and supper, you can still use its general structure to create a low-calorie diet of your own. The Scarsdale diet generally recommends that dieters should:
- Have 2 whole grapefruits daily, one of them early in the morning
- Have 2 servings of protein-rich food like fish, chicken, turkey, beans or eggs a day
- Add low-fat cheese to either lunch or supper
- Snack on celery
- Include plenty of vegetables with lunch and supper
- Avoid cooking foods with oil or using oil-based dressings with salads
- Drinking sugar-free beverages only, whether hot or cold
Useful Tips and Tricks
To achieve success with the Scarsdale diet, there are some tips and rules you can follow to increase your chances of losing more weight. One of the most important rules is to stay away from alcohol. All types of alcohol can hinder weight loss because it slows down the body’s metabolizing ability. Another rule is to avoid snacking between meals. If the urge to eat something between meals is too strong, snack on celery only. You can exercise if you have the energy. If not, save the workout program for after the diet has ended.
Does the Scarsdale Diet Work?
If followed correctly, you can lose weight quickly with the Scarsdale diet. How well you follow the rules and meal plan will influence how much you lose. Many people have reported losing a pound a day with this meal plan, however, results can vary.
The Scarsdale diet is an interesting meal plan because of its protein-fat-carbohydrate ratio and rigidity. It encourages dieters to eat a moderate amount of carbohydrates, while keeping the total calorie count under 1000. Because it is a very low calorie diet, it is considered by some to be harmful to your health. However, if followed correctly for a short period of time, it can have great results.
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