The Skarsdale Diet: The Legend and Core Principles of Losing 10 Kilograms in Two Weeks

In recent years, numerous weight-loss books have been published in the United States, with one or two appearing on Time magazine's top ten best-selling nonfiction list almost every year. However, the most popular is likely Dr. Henman Tanover's new book, "The Skarsdale Diet," which boasts the ability to "lose 10 kilograms in two weeks." Published in January 1984, the book sold 270,000 copies by mid-April. After jumping to number one on the top ten best-selling nonfiction list in early April, it remained firmly in fifth place until October 15th. Dr. Tanover's weight-loss diet was implemented only after being tested by many people.

The Skarsdale diet is extremely restrictive in its food choices. Over 14 days and 42 meals, a person can only eat a total of 22 slices of toast. While this averages to a little over one and a half slices per day, 20 meals are completely bread-free. Even more stringent is the restriction: no sugar cubes, no visible fat, no alcohol, and not even a drop of vegetable oil are allowed for 14 days. On April 23, 1984, Time magazine, in introducing Dr. Tanof's new book, stated that U.S. House Speaker O'Neill lost 40 pounds after using the Skarsdale diet for four weeks, demonstrating its effectiveness both domestically and internationally.

Of course, before starting any weight loss program, it's best to consult an internist to determine if rapid weight loss will have any negative effects on your health. Whether the "Skasdale Menu" is suitable for Chinese people depends on your willingness to change your eating habits in a short period. Dr. Tanofa states that it's best not to replace his menu with other foods, as the combination of different dishes is also important for weight loss. For best results, you should follow his menu exactly for two weeks. Breakfast for 14 days consists only of toast, fruit, coffee, or tea. Lunch is also less problematic; the stewed lamb for dinner is prepared almost identically to Chinese cuisine. Some dishes, such as roast chicken and steak, require an oven. If you don't have an oven, you can use roast chicken instead of roast chicken, and braised beef instead of steak. Although the taste is different, the weight loss efficiency won't be significantly different.

Here are some points to note about this weight loss method: 1. Things to know before starting: This is a cost-effective weight loss menu that is very budget-conscious. While vegetables are expensive these days, many of the vegetables listed on this menu, such as carrots, celery, and cabbage, are relatively inexpensive and common vegetables. 2. Meat selection and preparation: Buy the leanest cuts of meat from the market, as they tend to be tougher. It's best to buy a packet of MSG to tenderize the meat. Sprinkle the MSG evenly over all surfaces, prick the meat with a fork, and let it sit for at least half an hour (at room temperature) before cooking. Do not add salt when using MSG. Using braising liquid can also tenderize tough meat and enhance its flavor. The meat should be submerged in the braising liquid, the container covered, and refrigerated for at least an hour, or overnight, turning it occasionally.

3. Basic principles of the diet plan: ① Strictly adhere to the designated foods; do not use substitutes. ② No snacks or sweets between meals; only carrots and celery are allowed, in unlimited quantities. ③ No alcohol whatsoever. ④ Permissible beverages include tea, unsweetened milk, coffee soda (with a touch of lemon juice), and any soft drink made with stevia instead of sugar, in unlimited quantities. ⑤ Do not add oil, salad dressing, or vegetable juice when making salads. Only lemon juice and vinegar, or a special diet dressing, are allowed. ⑥ Do not add butter, margarine, or other fats to vegetables; a little lemon juice is acceptable. ⑦ All meats must be extremely lean. Remove all visible fat before eating. Remove the skin and fat from chicken. ⑧ Do not finish all the food on the menu; stop eating once you feel full. ⑨ The Skarsdale diet plan should not be used for more than fourteen days.