The Medical Diet refers to a program created by New York cardiologist Herman Tarnower, M.D.,to help his patients lose weight for heart health and is marketed under the name the Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet. In generic terms, a medical diet is prescribed by a health professional for treatment of a specific condition. Prescribed medical diets are specific to the physician and the patient, but the Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet is widely available.
Background
Tarnower believed his diet would benefit those who wanted to lose weight quickly, with strict restrictions. The diet is detailed exactly for the first seven to 14 days, which is called the "on" phase. Dieters move to an "off" or maintenance phase, that lasts two weeks. If they still have weight to lose, they can then return to the "on" phase and continue to alternate phases until the goal weight is reached.
"On" Phase
The "on" phase diet consists of 650 to 1,000 calories a day, in a ratio of 43 percent protein, 22.5 percent fat and 34.5 percent carbohydrate. This ratio is intended to stimulate fat-burning and claims to allow for losing up to 20 lb. in 14 days, although this rate of loss has not been substantiated, according to the website Health.
Diet
During the "on" phase, grapefruit, which contains certain enzymes thought to aid weight loss, is included at breakfast and dinner, supplemented by protein toast, coffee and other lean protein and carbohydrate foods. Four glasses of water, tea or diet soda every day and certain seasonings are allowed, including salt, pepper and Worcestershire and soy sauces, according to the Diets website.
"Off" Phase
During the "off" phase, foods allowed include lean proteins, some carbohydrates and some fats, although the diet is still restrictive, according to Health. Pasta, potatoes, bread, sugar, dairy, desserts, peanut butter, butter or margarine and fatty meats are prohibited during both phases of the diet. Tarnower allowed for more foods in the published version than in the original, according to Diets.
Criticisms
The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet is considered a very low calorie diet. Very low calorie diets, typically less than 800 calories a day, should be undertaken with the supervision of a doctor. Another major criticism of the diet is that it is extremely restrictive, causing most dieters to lapse and regain any weight that is lost, reports Health.
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