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.
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 mass. So, here’s your exercise plan for Day 1.
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 metabolism 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.
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 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 would 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.
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 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 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 Scarsdale diet is safe for you to follow. Let’s find out.
Is Scarsdale Diet Safe?
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. The Scarsdale Medical Diet is not actually nutritionally balanced, 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. But, for quick results or for cosmetic purposes, you can follow the Scarsdale diet along with a workout routine to reap the following benefits.
Scarsdale Diet Benefits
May help lose water weight. May kickstart fat mobilization. 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, 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. Kidney and liver Damage – Ketosis is a common side effect of the Scarsdale Diet. If this diet is continued for a long period, ketosis can cause serious damage to the kidneys and liver. Metabolic Disorder – The Scarsdale Diet can cause porphyria (excretion of excessive number of porphyrins), an inherited metabolic disorder that occurs due to fasting or long-term use of a VLCD. Starvation Mode – Not eating for more than 4 hours can make your body go into the 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).
Is the Scarsdale diet the same as keto diet? Check out the infographic below to know the most important warm up exercises that should be included everyday with the Scarsdale diet plan. No, while the keto diet majorly restricts the portion sizes and measure of macronutrients, 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.
