What is the Scarsdale Diet?
The Scarsdale diet was originally popularized in the 1970s as a popular way to lose weight quickly. It restricts those on the diet to only 1,000 calories a day, regardless of their age, weight, sex, or exercise level. It places a heavy emphasis on protein.
There are numerous foods that are forbidden on this diet, such as rice, avocadoes, and sweet potatoes. The strictest part of this diet takes place over the first two weeks, after which you can slowly reintroduce banned foods. The Scarsdale diet uses the premise of putting yourself in a calorie deficit to lose weight. By burning more calories than you consume, your body will turn to existing fat stores. In turn, you will lose weight.
- Fresh, Never-Frozen Meals: A new menu of 30+ dietitian-designed options every week.
- Cooked to Perfection: Prepared by gourmet chefs and delivered fresh to you.
- Zero Prep, No Mess: Just heat and enjoy in minutes.
Due to the strict requirements of this diet, many have criticized it as unsustainable. Medical professionals have advised that losing a rapid amount of weight in a short period of time is unhealthy and possibly dangerous. The Scarsdale diet causes many people who are on it to rapidly lose weight, which could cause health problems.
Despite these drawbacks, some people like the Scarsdale diet for its affordability and simplicity. If this diet interests you, talk to your doctor first to make sure it's right for you. If you both agree that trying the Scarsdale diet is right for you, then use this shopping list the next time you head to the store!
This is a basic shopping list guideline for the first two weeks on the Scarsdale Medical Diet.
Protein Bread – Whole grain, whole wheat, or low carb. 1 loaf
Fruits
Grapefruits – 6
Assorted Fruits (at least 28 pieces or more)
Lemons / Limes
Vegetables
Celery (enough for 14 days of snacks)
Carrots or Baby (enough for 14 days of snacks)
Cucumbers (approx. 6 large)
Tomatoes (approx. 6 large or 4 cans stewed) or Salsa
Lettuce or basic salad mix (enough for every day)
Mushrooms (enough for 4 days)
Brussels sprouts (enough for 4 days)
Zucchini (two medium)
Green peppers (two-three large)
String beans (2-4 cans)
Spinach (2-4 cans or frozen boxes)
Assorted vegetables for dicing and cooking with dinners
Cabbage (1 head)
Broccoli (1 bag frozen or 1 head)
Cauliflower (1 bag frozen or 1 head)
Optional for flavoring in cooking or salads:
onion, scallions, leeks, shallots
garlic
fresh or dried herbs (parsley, thyme, cilantro, basil, oregano, rosemary, ginger,chives, etc.)
Meats
Lean hamburger (two meals worth)
Roast lamb or Chicken/Turkey/Fish/Seafood (two meals worth)
Broiled steak (two meals worth)
Roast, broiled or barbecued chicken or Turkey (eight meals worth)
Fish or shellfish, any kind (two meals worth)
Tuna fish (two meals worth)
- Fresh, Never-Frozen Meals: A new menu of 30+ dietitian-designed options every week.
- Cooked to Perfection: Prepared by gourmet chefs and delivered fresh to you.
- Zero Prep, No Mess: Just heat and enjoy in minutes.
Dairy
Large eggs (one dozen)
Low-fat cottage cheese (if using for substitute lunch)
Low-fat sour cream (if using for substitute lunch)
Assorted cheese slices (hard cheeses, low fat or non-fat)
Condiments and Miscellaneous
walnuts or pecans (if using for substitute lunch)
Vegetable Broth & Low Sodium Chicken Stock
vinegar (balsamic, apple cider, rice wine, red wine, etc)
mustard (dijon, etc)
salt & pepper
ketchup
barbecue sauce
oil-free cooking spray (olive oil pam)
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray
artificial sweetener (splenda, equal, stevia, sweet & low)
Beverages
Coffee
Tea
Diet Soda