The Scarsdale Diet is a low-carbohydrate, low-fat, high protein diet released by Dr. Herman Tarnower in 1979, based on his own recommendations for cardiac health. The diet encourages the intake of fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and oily fish in a dietary ratios of 43 percent protein, 22.5 percent fat and 34.5 percent carbohydrate. The intake of fats, salt, sweets and alcoholic beverages is strictly limited. The Scarsdale Diet lasts for two weeks and claims to allow for up to 20 lbs. of lost weight. Though this diet may allow men to address some health concerns, it is a fad diet that does not adhere to some accepted guidelines for a healthy diet.
Men's Heart Health
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men. Risk factors that may be associated with heart disease include high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and diets high in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium. Because of the possibility of increased blood cholesterol levels, CDC recommendations for improved heart health include the reduction of food sources containing saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.
What Scarsdale Does Right
Because it recommends the intake of lean protein sources and the reduction of dietary salt, the Scarsdale Diet is, in these ways, alignment with CDC recommendations for heart health. In addition, the Scarsdale Diet food list includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, the nutrient and fiber content of which may help to reduce the risk of heart disease development. Fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and thus help prevent heart disease.
Questionable Weight Loss
Men who are overweight are at higher risk for heart attacks and stroke than men of a healthy weight, according to the American Heart Association. The Scarsdale Diet promises rapid weight loss during the two weeks of the diet's duration. Though weight loss placing a man closer to a healthy body weight may be helpful for reduced heart disease risk, weight loss of more than 1 lb. per week is considered undesirable by the American Dietetic Association. The best rule of thumb is gradual weight loss through the intake of a well-balanced healthy eating plan.
Healthy Eating
To help men reduce their risk factors for developing heart disease, the Scarsdale Diet may not be the best choice. Eating a diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean proteins is important. However, a varied intake that also includes low-fat dairy and whole grain sources, often limited on a low-carbohydrate diet like the Scarsdale Diet, is equally important. A healthy, balanced diet, with the addition of regular physical activity, can help a man reach and maintain a healthy body weight and help improve his health status.
References
- The Scarsdale Diet: About
- Every Diet: Scarsdale Diet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Facts
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Conditions
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Heart Disease Behavior
- Cleveland Clinic: Heart and Vascular Health & Prevention
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