The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term weight loss plan that is centered around eating large amounts of cabbage soup along with a limited number of other foods. It is a low-calorie, restrictive diet that typically lasts for about seven days. The diet is designed to promote rapid weight loss by drastically cutting calorie intake, primarily through the consumption of a low-calorie soup made from cabbage and various vegetables. While it’s primarily marketed as a quick way to lose weight, it’s not intended for long-term use and may not provide balanced nutrition.
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet and How it Works
The Cabbage Soup Diet involves eating as much cabbage soup as desired as the main component of each meal, with additional foods allowed on certain days of the week. These foods are usually low in calories and include fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. The basic principle is that cabbage soup is low in calories but high in fiber, helping to promote feelings of fullness while limiting overall calorie intake.
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The cabbage soup diet is a short-term, low-calorie diet designed to help people lose weight quickly, typically shedding 5-10 pounds in just 7 days. The core of this diet is eating unlimited cabbage soup, which is low in calories but high in fiber, making you feel full while consuming fewer calories. Each day, you can also eat specific foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, which vary throughout the week. This diet is a variation of the original cabbage soup diet that has been around for years, promising rapid weight loss through a structured, week-long eating plan.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
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Day 1: Only cabbage soup and fruit (except bananas).
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Day 2: Cabbage soup and vegetables (raw or cooked, but no starchy vegetables like potatoes).
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Day 3: Cabbage soup, fruits, and vegetables.
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Day 4: Cabbage soup, bananas, and skim milk.
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Day 5: Cabbage soup, lean beef (or chicken), and tomatoes.
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Day 6: Cabbage soup, lean beef or chicken, and vegetables (no starchy ones).
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Day 7: Cabbage soup, brown rice, and vegetables.
Each day allows for varying amounts of cabbage soup along with specific food groups, ensuring that the diet remains low in calories while still providing some nutrients.
Allowed Foods on the Cabbage Soup Diet
On the cabbage soup diet, you can enjoy unlimited cabbage soup along with certain foods each day. Here’s what you can have:
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Fruits: Apples, oranges, and other fruits are allowed, except for bananas on most days.
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Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and other non-starchy vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked.
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Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, and turkey are included on specific days to provide necessary protein.
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Brown Rice: This whole grain is allowed on the final day to add some variety and fiber.
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Unsweetened Fruit Juice: A small amount of unsweetened fruit juice is permitted to add some natural sweetness.
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Homemade Cabbage Soup: The star of the diet, this soup can be consumed in unlimited quantities to keep you full and satisfied.
Prohibited Foods on the Cabbage Soup Diet
While on the cabbage soup diet, it’s important to avoid certain foods to ensure you stay within the low-calorie guidelines. Here’s what to steer clear of:
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High-Calorie Foods: Sugary drinks, fast food, and processed snacks are off-limits.
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High-Fat Foods: Fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products should be avoided.
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High-Sodium Foods: Processed meats and canned goods, which are often high in sodium, are not allowed.
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Foods High in Added Sugars: Candy, baked goods, and sweetened beverages should be excluded from your diet.
Homemade Cabbage Soup Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for homemade cabbage soup that you can enjoy throughout the diet:
Ingredients:
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1 head of cabbage, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 can of diced tomatoes
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4 cups of chicken broth
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1 teaspoon of olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened.
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Add the chopped cabbage and cook until it starts to soften.
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Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, spices, or herbs to suit your taste. This homemade cabbage soup is the foundation of the diet, providing a low-calorie, filling meal that you can eat as much as you want.
Benefits of the Cabbage Soup Diet
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Rapid Weight Loss: Due to its low calorie content, the Cabbage Soup Diet may lead to quick weight loss, especially in the first few days. However, it is important to note that much of the initial weight loss may be water weight rather than actual body fat.
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Low Cost: The ingredients for the cabbage soup are inexpensive and easy to find, making this diet affordable.
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Detoxification: The high fiber content of the cabbage soup may help promote digestion and act as a gentle detox by flushing out waste from the body.
Drawbacks and Considerations
While the Cabbage Soup Diet may result in short-term weight loss, there are several drawbacks to consider:
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Nutritional Deficiencies: The diet is extremely restrictive and may not provide all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for long-term health. While the diet may lead to rapid weight loss, it is not considered a healthy or balanced approach to long-term weight management.
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Sustainability: Due to its monotony and restrictive nature, it can be difficult to maintain, and the diet provides so few calories that it may lead to fatigue and nutrient deficiencies.
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Low Protein: The diet is low in protein, which is crucial for muscle maintenance and overall health. The cabbage soup diet is a very low calorie diet, which can result in rapid weight loss but also poses significant health risks if followed for an extended period.
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Possible Side Effects: The diet may cause bloating, fatigue, and irritability due to its low-calorie content and lack of sufficient nutrients.
Is the Cabbage Soup Diet Safe?
The Cabbage Soup Diet is not recommended for long-term weight loss because it lacks balance and could lead to nutrient deficiencies. For healthy weight loss, it is essential to follow a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. Additionally, it’s important to note that while you may lose weight quickly on this diet, most of it will likely be water weight or lean muscle mass rather than fat. This makes it an unsustainable and unhealthy approach to weight management in the long run. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist before starting any restrictive diet to ensure you are losing weight in a safe and sustainable manner.
Conclusion
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a quick, low-calorie weight loss plan that involves consuming cabbage soup and a limited selection of other foods. While it may result in short-term weight loss, it is not a sustainable or balanced approach to healthy living. For long-term weight management, a more balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is recommended.
FAQs
How much weight can you lose on the Cabbage Soup Diet?
Many people report losing 10–15 pounds during the seven-day diet, but much of this weight loss may be due to water loss rather than fat.
Is the Cabbage Soup Diet safe for long-term use?
No, the Cabbage Soup Diet is not suitable for long-term use because it is highly restrictive and lacks essential nutrients. The cabbage soup diet plan is designed to be followed for only seven days due to its restrictive nature.
Can I add other ingredients to the cabbage soup?
While the basic cabbage soup recipe is low in calories, adding high-calorie ingredients like oil, cream, or cheese will defeat the purpose of the diet.
How can I maintain the weight loss after the Cabbage Soup Diet?
After completing the diet, transitioning to a balanced, nutrient-rich eating plan that includes whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables will help maintain weight loss. Continuing to eat cabbage soup occasionally can help maintain the weight loss achieved during the diet.
Can I exercise while on the Cabbage Soup Diet?
Due to the very low calorie intake, strenuous exercise is not recommended while on the Cabbage Soup Diet. Light physical activity like walking may be tolerated, but it’s important to listen to your body.
