If you’re looking to shed a few pounds quickly and efficiently, the Cabbage Soup Diet might be the solution you’ve heard about. This popular weight loss diet promises fast results, with the potential to lose up to 5 kilos in a week. But does it really work, and is it safe for long-term health? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the Cabbage Soup Diet, its effectiveness, and provide tips to maximize your results.
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term, low-calorie weight loss program that relies on eating large amounts of cabbage soup alongside specific foods over a seven-day period. While the diet claims fast results, it is designed to be followed for only one week. The idea is to detoxify your body and help you lose weight quickly by consuming low-calorie foods that provide essential nutrients.
Before you dive in, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Limit the diet to one week.
Take a 2-week break before repeating the program.
Drink 6 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Avoid starving yourself—eat when you’re hungry.
Stick to low-fat drinks like black coffee, green tea, or unsweetened fruit juice.
How the Cabbage Soup Diet Works: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Fruits Only
Start the diet with a fruit-focused day. You can eat as much fruit as you like, but avoid bananas. Focus on watermelon, apples, pears, and apricots for optimal results. These fruits are hydrating and low in calories, providing natural sugars that keep your energy up.
Day 2: Vegetables Only
On Day 2, it’s time to load up on vegetables. You can eat raw or cooked vegetables in any quantity, except for baked beans, corn, or peas. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to cooked veggies for extra flavor. Be cautious with salt and spices, as they can cause water retention, which hinders weight loss. At dinner, treat yourself to a baked potato with a small pat of butter, and of course, enjoy a bowl of cabbage soup.
Day 3: Fruits and Vegetables
Day 3 combines fruits and vegetables from the previous two days. You can eat all the fruits and veggies you want—just skip the potatoes. Whenever hunger strikes, have some cabbage soup. This day helps your body adjust to a low-calorie, high-fiber diet.
Day 4: Bananas and Skim Milk
On Day 4, you can consume up to 8 bananas along with at least three glasses of skim milk. This day is designed to curb your sugar cravings and provide a potassium boost. Don’t forget your cabbage soup, as it helps balance your calorie intake.
Day 5: Protein Day
For Day 5, focus on protein-rich foods. If you’re a vegetarian, substitute the animal protein with tofu, cottage cheese, or soya chunks. You can eat up to 20 ounces of chicken, beef, or fish and 6 tomatoes. Increase your water intake to 10 glasses to flush out excess uric acid. One serving of cabbage soup is also required.
Avoid curries or heavily spiced dishes to keep the diet on track.
Day 6: Feast Day
Day 6 allows you to eat as much protein (chicken, beef, or fish) and vegetables as you like. Stick to one type of protein and avoid potatoes. Vegetarians can enjoy cottage cheese, tofu, or soya chunks as a substitute. Don’t forget to consume cabbage soup to keep your metabolism active.
Day 7: Back to Normal Diet
On Day 7, gradually return to your regular eating habits. Start with one bowl of brown rice, drink unsweetened fruit juices, and load up on green leafy vegetables. You can have two portions of cabbage soup on this day to help your body adjust to solid food again.
Cabbage Soup Recipe: The Key to the Diet
Here’s how to prepare the cabbage soup that’s central to the diet:
Ingredients:
6 large spring onions
2 green peppers
250 grams of diced tomatoes
3 carrots
100 grams of mushrooms
1 bunch of celery
1/2 head of cabbage
Season with pepper, parsley, and garlic powder (use little or no salt)
Instructions:
Sauté the onions in olive oil until golden brown.
Chop the green peppers and add to the pot.
Wash and chop the mushrooms, celery, and carrots, then add to the pot.
Add the diced tomatoes and season to taste.
Pour 12 cups of water into the pot, bring to a simmer, and cook for about two hours until the vegetables are tender.
Tips to Make the Cabbage Soup Diet More Palatable
To make the diet more enjoyable, you can:
Substitute bananas with papaya, kiwi, or apricots on Day 4.
Replace tomatoes with watermelon, grapes, or red peppers on Day 5.
Things to Avoid
To ensure the success of the Cabbage Soup Diet, avoid:
Alcohol during the week.
High levels of salt and spices.
Artificial sweeteners and soda (even diet sodas).
Does the Cabbage Soup Diet Really Work?
While the Cabbage Soup Diet may help you lose weight quickly, it is a short-term solution and not intended for long-term use. By following the diet for one week, you may experience quick results, but it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet afterward. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as the cabbage soup plan.