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Cabbage Soup Diet

Cabbage Soup Diet

The very definition of an ill-advised fad diet.

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What is it?

Cabbage Soup Diet is a weight loss plan said to be a short term solution for 10 pounds of weight loss in a week. It emphasizes eating an unlimited amount of cabbage soup, and many different websites offer different variations.

Generally, one is allowed to eat certain added fruits and vegetables depending on the day of the diet. It’s unknown who came up it with this plan, but it’s believed to have started in the 1980’s. It’s considered a crash diet, and much like other similar diets is advised only for a few days with no guarantee of long term weight loss. Our experts reviewed many diets and found the 18Shake Diet to be the best solution for weight loss. Discover more about the 18Shake Diet by clicking on the link found here.

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Cabbage Soup Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

The Cabbage Soup Diet dies not rely on diet pills or pre-packaged foods, all the food eaten have to be prepared. One website that promotes the Cabbage Soup Diet says:

“not suitable for long-term weight loss”

It’s instead intended:

“If you have a special occasion coming up or you simply need to lose weight fast”

Often it will be advised that in order to maintain the diet one should follow these rules:

  • Drink a minimum of 4 glasses of water.
  • Take a multivitamin.
  • Eating as much soup as possible, not starving oneself.
  • Introducing different recipes to avoid boredom.

A 2 week break is recommended for people who want to restart the diet. Cabbage isn’t the only produce allowed; one can also add things like onions, celery, asparagus, zucchini, squash, barley, some meats, and many different seasonings.

Though this can be healthy, relying on it solely can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies. Web MD also adds:

“this crash diet won’t help you in the long run, and it doesn’t give your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy”

Furthermore, they add:

“Health experts don’t recommend following very low-calorie diets unless you’re under a doctor’s care”

This is due to there being numerous damaging health effects that the diet can have. A list of the highest rated diet plans is found in the link provided here.

The results of this diet are not likely to continue, as Web MD confirms:

“you’ll like regain any weight that you lose”

“It will likely leave you feeling hungry, weak, and bored. You might even feel sick”

This is because there’s a lack of adequate food options. It’s not offered as a long term solution, and instead is said to be a quick weight loss solution. There’s one Cabbage Soup Diet website that admits:

“A lot of people quit because the soup can be a bit bland, and they quickly tire of eating it every day”

There are several considerations to keep in mind. It’s not recommended for long-term use, and it’s believed the only reason one might lose weight is due to water weight and not fat. Live Strong.com adds:

“It’s possible to lose as much as 20 pounds of body weight during one week, most of which is water”

This is likely the reason why one sees any weight loss from this diet, since it’s low in carbohydrates and high in fluids, most water weight is flushed out of the body. As you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Cabbage Soup Diet”, many customers regained their weight as soon as they stopped the diet.

One popular variation of the diet allows for the following:

  • Day one: Unlimited fruit except for bananas alongside water, tea, and coffee.
  • Day two: No fruit, only raw vegetables and one baked potato
  • Day three: Unlimited fruits and vegetables except for potatoes and bananas.
  • Day four: 8 bananas and unlimited skimmed milk.
  • Day five: 6 tomatoes and 565g of beef
  • Day six: Unlimited vegetables and beef but no potatoes.
  • Day seven: Some brown rice and sugar free fruit juice.

A comprehensive list of the top 10 diet plans is offered in the link provided here.       

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Cabbage Soup Diet Quality of Ingredients

Many of the ingredients are healthy as it relies on fresh produce and grains. However, there is an issue with boredom as the same basic good groups have to be eaten repeatedly.

Also, there’s no science that eating only cabbage soup is healthy and safe. A Dr. Melinda Ratini says:

“You’ll likely get less than 1,000 calories a day on the limited menu. That’s far fewer than the 2,000 daily calories recommended for most adults”

“The pounds come off quickly, but mostly you’ll lose water weight”

“chances are, you’ll regain it all back as soon as you start eating a normal diet again”

The diet was made to help one with weight loss in a one week period, but this does not mean it will help with long term weight loss. Health experts also agree it’s likely not a quality solution for weight loss due to its limited food options. A top 10 list of the highest ranked diet plans is offered in the link provided here.

The Price and Quality of Cabbage Soup Diet

The price depends on where one gets their grocery from, as no prepackaged foods are needed.

The diet does advise to get a multivitamin, due to the lack of food options that are high in nutrients. It’s also necessary to eat unlimited amounts of cabbage soup. This means one will have to cook for the full 7 days, as the diet also limits the kinds of seasonings through reducing sodium provided from salt.

Due to the lack of clinical studies proving that this is an effective and safe weight loss solution, it’s a very poor diet. A comprehensive top 10 list features the highest rated diet pills.

The Mayo Clinic also had this to say:

“Fad diets like this one may be tempting, but keep in mind that long-term weight loss depends on making lasting healthy changes”

The changes needed in this diet are too short term to truly be a quality solution for weight loss.

Business of Cabbage Soup Diet

It’s unknown who created this diet, though many websites offer books and tips. Each group offers slightly different advice, with the only key thing being that you can only eat cabbage soup alongside some fruits and vegetables for a total of 7 days.

The diet will often be presented in either a free format via a PDF, or through a book. There are no claims that anyone made this diet, though each book claims it has the optimal guide. There are often recipe books offered as well as tips.

No studies or proof that this diet actually works and is safe is available anywhere. This makes it impossible to determine why the diet was created and suggested in the way it’s displayed. It also allows many different groups to make claims about what to add to the diet, without providing any proof. Our experts compiled a list of the highest rated diet plans in the list featured here.

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Cabbage Soup Diet

Here are some reviews from users who have used this diet:

“Cabbage soup is not a filler upper”

“I see no real physical weight loss”

“have quite a headache”

“worst heart burn I have ever had”

People did mention they lost weight, but that they often gained it all back one they resumed eating. This makes sense as it’s likely the only reason one is losing weight is due to water weight.

Some also experienced side effects such as gas, bloating, and nausea. There were also concerns from people that they quickly became bored of it, and that they often felt like quitting. A list of the highest ranked diet plans is available in the link provided here.

Conclusion - Does Cabbage Soup Diet Work?

There are many things to consider about the Cabbage Soup Diet. There’s no science or proof that this diet actually works, and that’s why there’s many different variations on it. Many people who tried it say they regained all their weight loss, which is common for crash diets that serve to reduce water weight instead of fat. Health experts on the Mayo Clinic and Web MD website also confirm its likely not safe or effective for real weight loss.

The highest rated diet plan of 2024 was found to be the 18Shake Diet. It combines a high protein, appetite suppressing meal replacement as well as a natural stimulant free metabolism booster. Many customers say it’s effective for weight loss, and that it’s easy to use. There are no added filler ingredients, stimulants, or processed additives. It contains only natural extracts and ingredients clinically shown to help with weight loss. Many users have left glowing testimonials and positive reviews on their website.

The 18Shake Diet offers its supplements with a full 30 day money back guarantee. Returns are allowed within these 30 days with no risk and no questions asked. Learn more about the 18Shake Diet by clicking the link provided here.

How Does Cabbage Soup Diet Compare?
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  • Cabbage Soup Diet
  • 29 /100
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Wikipedia

The Cabbage soup diet is a radical weight loss diet designed around heavy consumption of a low-calorie cabbage soup over the time of seven days. It is generally considered a fad diet, in that it is designed for short-term weight-loss and requires no long-term commitment. It has inspired several copy-cats based around similar principles.

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User Feedback

(Page 23 of 37, 727 total comments)

dimps

Hi everyone! I am starting the diet today! Have all my fruit and veg ready! I am going to make the soup today. I have a couple of questions though and would really appreciate someones help!
1) Is it ok to freeze the soup? I am planning on making a big batch but am worried about it not being very fresh after a couple of days!
2) Can I blend the soup up? Or does it have to be chunky?
3) I live in the UK and the recipe contains something called Lipton soup mix, where can I get this from or is there something in the UK which substitutes it well?

Really appreciate anyones help! I will update you on my progress! Hoping to lose 10llbs!

posted Feb 28th, 2009 3:38 am


shay

Day 5

Now the slow drop has caught up with me. Down to 172 only 1. BUT I am NOT sad because I lost a total of 13 pounds in only 5 days and I pray to make it to the 160s by Monday morning! Yeah, this soup diet rocks!

SW 185 (Feb 23)
CW 172
GW 125-130

posted Feb 27th, 2009 6:54 am


shay

Day 4

Made it pass the usual day 3, YEAH! Down another 3, which puts me at 173. Oh yeah! This is the greatest jumpstart ever and believe me I have tried plenty! Oh and bake potato day was GREAT! You are talking to a nonbake potato person. Is there a bake potato diet?

SW 185 (Feb. 23)
CW 173
GW 125-130

posted Feb 26th, 2009 6:40 am


shay

Day 3 down three more pounds for a total of 9 pounds in three days! Yeah!!!! Going to the store today to buy more fruit! YUMMY!

SW 185
CW 176
GW 125-130

My stomach is shrinking!!!!

posted Feb 25th, 2009 7:15 am


shay

Sabrina, I wish you luck on you loss AND congrats on the big day!

posted Feb 25th, 2009 6:48 am


Sabrina

I've tried this soup before and I think it's actually really good when made right. I do add a lot of seasonings. The last time I did this diet, I lost 11 lbs. I'm 5'2 and weigh 150. I'm on it for the second go round and on day 2 right now...have already lost 4 lbs. I'm not feeling light headed or ill and I do cardio everyday. My wedding is in 11 days and I'm hoping to get off just a few more before then! Wish me luck!

posted Feb 24th, 2009 4:55 pm


shay

There is NO WAY!!!!! My scale MUST be broken (which I only bought last week) I am on day 2 and it says I lost 6 pounds?!?!? What?!? This huge drop has me committed to the WHOLE 7 days! I am so excited! I know many are going to say its only water, but guess what I don't care because it is a loss and I feel much better. My stomach looks flatter already ! Glad I was home most of the day though....cause I was hitting the bathroom whether if it was one or the other. Sorry to go on and on, I am just excited!!!! Oh AND the soup was GOOD yesterday! Oh my goodness. But I had made changes too. Instead of green cabbage, I used the red one (which taste much better) and instead of white onion I used the red onion. I don't normally drink the liquid at the end, but I was slurping that soup!

posted Feb 24th, 2009 6:52 am


Car

Question, does anyone know what can be substituted on banana day besides bananas? I hate bananas AND skim milk, but I do drink soy milk. I just don't want to be "starving" myself on that day...
Thanks!

posted Feb 23rd, 2009 11:09 am


sha

I am starting day one today. I have been reading the comments made here and love the end results of the 7 to 15 pound loss in one week. I have tried this about 10 years ago and I think I made it day 3, but this time I am sticking to it! So, my starting weight is 185 and I am 5' 2". I hope to eventually get down to between 125 to 130. Of course by not eating this soup daily, but I hope this will be a jumpstart to weight loss!

posted Feb 23rd, 2009 11:07 am


claire

Im on day 1 of this diet and dont feel as though im missing any normal day food. Its tonight im worried about coz thats the when i eat most. I tryed a different soup just veg through and through except cabbage. I hate the stufff but what ive came to realise is that its the low cal/no cal soup that works. nothing to do with cabbage.

posted Feb 23rd, 2009 7:43 am


Juicy

Little question - does anyone know of a veggie alternative for day 5 & 6? Is it ok to get quorn chicken maybe?

I'm on day 4 (have lost 5lbs so far) :) and love the diet, just can't face the meat days!

HELP!!xx

posted Feb 21st, 2009 2:25 pm


Jessica

+

It is day 3 and I am very glad to say I haven't cheated at all!

I made a fresh pot of soup last night. I made a few adjustments I left out the tomatoes and V8 and added shataki mushrooms,fish boullion and ginger, YUM! put as few fresh bean sprouts on top before you eat it and WOW. It is really good.

I feel great : )

posted Feb 20th, 2009 1:44 pm


Jessica

Ok so today is day one....

I have had a grapefruit so far and have a bunch of peaches and strawberrys cut up fro snack. I brought a very large bowl of soup to work for lunch. I added some curry to my soup and it is yummie!! I hava a ton of ideas for veggies tomorrow,
( go to fatfreevegan.com for some great ideas).

Also I got a multi-vitamin and a vitamin c if I feel light headed, I have found that this combo works quite well.

Today I am 155 lbs. I will update daily and share any good recepies I come across!

Good luck all : )

posted Feb 18th, 2009 12:31 pm


pete

-

Hi.I am a 40 yr old male recently divorced and now living in my own home. Bliss... I have developed quite a bit of weight around my stomach region and i heard the girls at work discussing this diet. I carefully/discreatly listened and started it this morning. The first cup was quite nice so i had to have another. 8 hours into the diet and i have nearly finished the pan. I have also had 1 pint of water to 1 mug of soup. BUT.... I am starving. For some reason i fancy a fish finger sandwich of which i do not usually have. I have to admit i have passed quite a bit of water but i dare not go anywhere due to the wind problem. If this is whats its like only 8 hours into the diet god only knows what the end of the week will bring. HELP.. I need food.....

posted Feb 18th, 2009 9:58 am


Jessica

I will be starting the diet tomorrow. Since I was a little kid my mother has been using this diet and it has always worked.

I actully like the soup so I don't think it will be hard.

Also, I have recently lost about 15lbs., over the last 4 MONTHS! by counting my calories and exercising......I have since plateaued and the Cabbage Soup Diet is just what I need to kick start my continued weight loss!

I will keep ypou posted on my progress:)

posted Feb 17th, 2009 6:10 pm


kelly and liam

my husband and myself are on our 1st day today and though i don't feel hungry i do want to eat something like a sandwich..............
oh well i think we are off to bed early so we can't have owt to eat, hope we feel more positive tomorrow!

posted Feb 16th, 2009 1:18 pm


Julian

+

Here is what I have discovered, if you check back I tried the soup in Jan. Well time has gone by and I have gained the weight back and whatever, I have realized how important it is to keep track of what I put into my body (mypyramid.gov is good) um... I have stepped up my workouts and continue to supplement my regular meals with the soup. Rather than just the veggies I have been adding a mix of proteins to each pot I warm up. Fish one day, ground turkey another, shrimp, chicken breasts and a bit of feta or other cheese. Doing this has allowed me to keep up my energy, step up my workouts and really enjoy the soup. Ill be back to let you know results.

posted Feb 6th, 2009 11:48 pm


emily

-

The diet i tried didnt have cabbage in it, but it required the same schedule.

I wanted to lose 10 lbs max... flush out my system.. have more energy etc.

I made it to the middle of day two before i was so incredably nausous that i had to leave work. I felt so weak and faint.

I ate the soup all the time and drank the cranberry juice but it didnt matter..

It was making my system all out of wack.. I didnt have to pee at all for those 2 days... that cant be good.

Maybe it was too much on my system because im not in need of weight loss? I tended to eat alot of junk food and thought this would clean me out and make me feel better,

Now.. i'll stick to watching what i eat and working out.

Good luck to all who try this.. :)

posted Feb 5th, 2009 1:34 am


Soni

Can you have a cup of coffee durig this diet?

posted Jan 28th, 2009 9:16 pm


dina

+

Okay so today is Monday! Yesterday was my 7th day on the cabbage so here are the results ! Me and my husband stated this diet on 01/19/2009 he is 5�??4 and 326 33 yrs old I am 5�??3 250 and 28 yrs old, So a week later we both got onto the scale he lost 15(311) pound and I lost 8 (242) hmm I ate the same thing as he did but he lost more! But anyhow I am still happy with that ! Well I�??m going to start another pot of soup today! Because I know this has worked! I don�??t drink soda and the craving for it has went away so im good now the only thing I cheat on is my coffee I use splenda in it! I c ant live without my cup of coffee! Well I will let everyone know in another week how we did! Good luck to you all! P.S Set your mind to it and you will be able to do so!!







Oh as for the soup I found that you should only keep the soup for 2 days! Because it gets a taste that is yuk not good! So for day 3 start with a new pot of soup! Once again good luck!!!!

posted Jan 26th, 2009 9:51 am



 

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND Start the Diet Now Advertisement

Look up the definition of fad diet and you’ll see a picture illustrating the Cabbage Soup Diet. It should not be followed as a long-term eating plan, as it is dangerously low in calories and could do more harm than good. It is possible to lose 10 pounds in a week when you stick to this uber-low calorie plan.

The Cabbage Soup Diet does offer fast weight loss, but it is completely lacking in nutrition, flavor and variety. You'll consume mostly soups of cabbage, onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms. Nutritionists argue that the pounds shed are more likely attributed to the dramatic and dangerous loss in calories and not the proposed fat-burning power found in the cabbage. This diet deprives your body of essential nutrients and has been correlated to difficulty concentrating, feeling light-headed and weak.

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PROPRO
  • You will lose weight
CONCON
  • Unhealthy
  • Dangerously caloric intake
  • Primarily losing water weight
  • Will regain lost weight if don't stick to healthy eating and exercise following completion
  • Does not promote exercise; would be too weak to do so
DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

The one-week Cabbage Soup Diet relies on this simple plan:

  • Day One All-you-can-eat soup and fruit (no bananas). Consume plenty of water, cranberry juice and unsweetened tea.

  • Day Two Consume all the soup and vegetables you like (no beans, peas or corn). Have a buttered baked potato with dinner. No fruit today.

  • Day Three Eat all the soup, fruits and vegetables you like, nothing else.

  • Day Four Eat your soup, no more than eight bananas and all the skim milk you want.

  • Day Five Have at least one serving of soup today. You can also have 10-20 ounces of skinless chicken or beef and no more than six tomatoes. Drink plenty of water.

  • Day Six Eat plenty of vegetables and your servings of beef. Today is the day you can go a bit overboard with the meat (2 steaks if you like) - just make sure to add salad and vegetables. Stay away from the carbs - no fries, potatoes, etc.

  • Day Seven Have at least one serving of soup. Only eat brown rice, vegetables and unsweetened fruit juice.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

No recommendations are made. Given the severely low calories you'll be consuming, you likely won't have the strength for physical activity.

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

For rapid weight loss as a jump-start to a more healthy eating plan, the Cabbage Soup Diet could possibly be a solution. However, fasting or liquid diets like Cabbage Soup promising dramatic weight loss results in only a week are typically only helping you shed water weight. This weight will creep right back on once you stop the diet and continue with previous poor eating habits. Finishing the Cabbage Soup Diet and beginning a healthy eating and exercise regimen is the best advice anyone following this unhealthy approach can receive. Be sure to speak with your physician before beginning.

Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

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