Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating as history
Review: The history of diet, weight loss and physical improvement movement through popular books and publications would make a fascinating study; perhaps it's already been done. When I happened upon this book in a stack at the back of my closet, I thought I'd re-read it from that perspective. First, a few words about the diet itself: Written in the 1970s by New York cardiologist Herman Tarnower (who was murdered a few years after the hugely successful book was published), the Scarsdale Medical Diet is really a two page, two week, low fat, low carbohydrate, higher protein diet. For some people it works well. For others it may not. Tarnower's diet is more healthy-seeming than Atkins' in that it includes some complex carbohydrates such as bread and fruits, but that point is arguable, I'm sure. It also bridges the gap somewhat between Atkins' wide-open, free choice (within strict bounds) diet and the minutely-detailed diets often sold by "weight loss centers," in that it lists what should be eaten by meal by day, but stops at prescribing how much of everything. (Certain items are quantity limited; for example, breakfast is one slice of "protein bread" and one half grapefruit or fruit in season.) Another interesting wrinkle is Tarnower's admonition to remain on the diet for two weeks, take off (and eat sensibly) for two weeks, and return to the diet for two more weeks if needed. After the initial session, Tarnower offers variety in his meal suggestions, with international, gourmet, vegetarian and other options. As history, this book is certainly more interesting. When Tarnower wrote this book, U.S. society had not yet completely fallen under the control of the processed foodstuffs conglomerates. Indeed, one often bought a twelve-ounce bottle of a carbonated beverage and had to worry about how to keep the product fizzy between servings. Contrast that to today's Super Big Gulp-sized servings of carbonated (and sugar- or chemical-laden) beverages! Exercise, too, was an entirely different undertaking in the 1970s. Very few people actually worked out at a gymnasium, and almost no women lifted weights or participated in sports. (Some things have changed for the better!) People jogged or played tennis for exercise. Tarnower suggests walking, especially for the aged (anyone over forty fell into that category), as sufficient exercise. Eating out was still a special occasion, not a regular part of daily life. Reading this book is a reminder of those days. In summary, the Scarsdale diet may or may not help one to lose weight. The book is moderately interesting as a part of the body of work comprising weight-loss history; I certainly wouldn't suggest buying a book for a diet plan that is freely available on the Internet. In all likelihood, the best way to be healthier and more fit is to follow the tried and true four word plan that's always worked: Eat less, exercise more.
Rating: 
Summary: No Yo-Yo's from this Book
Review: This book has worked better for me than any of the current best selling $40 diet books out there. I have been off of this diet for at least 9 months now and without ever working out or dieting. I first whent from 220lbs to 197lbs in less then 2 months. And 9 months later I am jumping back and forth from 200 to 205 lbs. If you still want to call that a Yo-Yo diet then I guess I am hapy with this YoYo. This is not a diet for everyone. It takes 100% will power and, trust me... You will have to fight to stay on it. But if I could do it. So can you!!! Trust me! I can recall me cheating and eating some mexican food for lunch and/or dinner. I did not fallow the book to the "T" But with me cheating with only one meal a day it worked! Just the other day my friend, who hates to say I am right. Asked me for this book. He asked me if I was still on it and I said not for 9 months and he said "WoW". So I gave the book to him. I dont think he will have the will power to fallow the first 2 weeks. But I have enough trust in Scarsdale that evin if he cheats more then I did he will still lose the weight. I plan on buying this book for all the women I know. This book is just that good. I laugh at people on South beach and Atkins. This book putes all the over priced books and ideas to shame.
Rating:
Summary: No Yo-Yo's from this Book
Review: This book has worked better for me than any of the current best selling $40 diet books out there. I have been off of this diet for at least 9 months now and without ever working out or dieting. I first whent from 220lbs to 197lbs in less then 2 months. And 9 months later I am jumping back and forth from 200 to 205 lbs. If you still want to call that a Yo-Yo diet then I guess I am hapy with this YoYo. This is not a diet for everyone. It takes 100% will power and, trust me... You will have to fight to stay on it. But if I could do it. So can you!!! Trust me! I can recall me cheating and eating some mexican food for lunch and/or dinner. I did not fallow the book to the "T" But with me cheating with only one meal a day it worked! Just the other day my friend, who hates to say I am right. Asked me for this book. He asked me if I was still on it and I said not for 9 months and he said "WoW". So I gave the book to him. I dont think he will have the will power to fallow the first 2 weeks. But I have enough trust in Scarsdale that evin if he cheats more then I did he will still lose the weight. I plan on buying this book for all the women I know. This book is just that good. I laugh at people on South beach and Atkins. This book putes all the over priced books and ideas to shame.
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