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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.       

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

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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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 4 of 37, 727 total comments)

AngATL

+

Just finished Day 1 on the CSD. Not too bad, but did get tired early evening and took a cat nap. Already decided to add an egg white to my Day 2 morning vegetables so I have enough protein to get through my morning workout!! Hoping this cleanse will help me lose those pesky final lbs!!

posted Feb 20th, 2012 3:48 am


maggie

This is my first day on the csd. I hope it works. I feel so hungry, like I'm missing out on something :(

posted Feb 15th, 2012 4:56 pm


k12

I have started today. weighing 10 stone 2 pounds. just ,made the soup and had first bowl i quite like it.... for now anyways. does anyone know if you are allowed to drink green tea?

posted Feb 13th, 2012 11:55 am


mamta

Did not work for me. I quit the diet and planning to start again later.

I think I eat more when taking soup than I usually eat. My weight gain did took me to this conclusion to leave it now and try after week or so. I am not a looser but will try it again next week.

posted Feb 10th, 2012 5:10 pm user comment


mskey

BEGINNING OF DAY 3, I feel fine. I lost 1 more pound. So far 5lbs down in 2 days...

posted Feb 10th, 2012 3:38 pm


mskey

@ Claudia, this is my first time doing the csd. I did not do any exercising yesterday. I wanted to see what my results were bf i decided to walk a couple of miles a day. I actually have more energy than I expected. So I persaonnally think you can not go wrong with a little physical activity. However if you are really weak I would take it easy, follow the diet and you should be fine.

posted Feb 9th, 2012 7:03 pm


mskey

I AM ON DAY 2, I am down 4lbs from yesterday. I fell somewhat ok. If I jump up too fast, I feel a little lite headed, but nothing too serious. I am very pleased with my results so I plan on taking it alllll they way.

posted Feb 9th, 2012 6:56 pm


claudia

today is my day 2 and im feeling so weak... i dont do excercise, only following correctly the soup diet. do you guys think i can cut off some weight if i only follow the diet plan? anyone wth same experience??plz share

posted Feb 9th, 2012 7:16 am


mskey

Day 1 of the Cabbage Soup Diet. So far so good. Can't wait til I weigh myself in the a.m.

posted Feb 8th, 2012 7:29 pm


mamta

Day 3. I am 114.6 today. lol.

Disgusting even after eating lot of soup why I am gaining weight?

I will try one more day today then will decide if I need to continue or my other ways are better to work.

start weight-114 lbs.
day 1-114 lbs
day2-114.6 lbs.


posted Feb 8th, 2012 2:22 pm user comment


Nindi

Today is my first day eating the Soup. Ive had 3 bowls of it and Im already sick of it and gassy. Im feeling lighter though so Im going for a run. On my way back Ill buy some berries for tonight and get the veggies for tomorrow. Do you know if I can do beans? Gee, I crave cheese and bread :s

posted Feb 8th, 2012 12:44 am


mamta

Day 2 started no weight loss yet. infact yesterday i gained 4 lbs after eating my soup. today morning I am at 114lbs.
starting weight-114lbs
day 1 114lbs

posted Feb 7th, 2012 2:08 pm user comment


Nindi

Hey Mamta, Im starting my cabbage soup diet today. My weight is 135 pounds, Im 5'3. As you see I have much more to loose but please keep me posted on your progress. Ill do the same. Help!

posted Feb 7th, 2012 5:36 am


mamta

+

Starting my cabbage soup diet today and this is day 1.
I am 114 lbs today and 5'2 . I was 100 lbs before pregnancy and gained 40 lbs during pregnancy lost around 18 lbs in first month after delivery of my baby after that weight was stuck at 122 lbs.
for last week I gave it a thought and lost some weight and now I am 114lbs. I want to get little more low in scale for my "V' day dress. I know Iosing weight is not a big problem for me but I wanna get my more than a flat bally back with this diet.

Let's see how it works and will update you everyday watching my weight at 7am.

posted Feb 6th, 2012 6:08 pm user comment


andrea

guess i'm the only one here. anyways....on DAY 7 weight is now 130.5.

so far have had 2 servings of stir fried brown rice. in it i put cabbage, mushrooms, scallions, onions and asparagus and a scrambled egg.

cant face the soup at all. have two more servings left. would be nice to see the 20's in the morning!

posted Feb 5th, 2012 8:35 pm


Sasha

So I am coming to my 7th day tommorrow! I have only lost like 5 lbs though, thought i would have lost more! I followed the plan properly! I would really like to start the diet back, It wasnt bad at all! But after researching I saw that it was said not to do so! But I really need to loose another 5 lbs! So i am thinking to skip 1 day n start again! What is the most that will happen? Also i am in the gym! I have rel energy!

posted Feb 5th, 2012 7:07 pm


Jay

Ok, so this is day two of the csd. I started out at 152lbs... Day one was ok, however I don't think I really lost anything. Was also wondering if you could eat canned vegetables? Maybe after rinsing them or so? Well I am hungy again, so here goes to another bowl of soup.

posted Feb 5th, 2012 2:14 pm


andrea

+

day 4 coming to a close. todays menu
banana, milk, soup. banana, milk, soup. banana, milk. two cups of herb tea and water thru out the day.

will be cooking my steak with green onions, reg onions and mushrooms in the am.
here's hoping the scale is kind tomorrow!

posted Feb 3rd, 2012 3:18 am


andrea

good morning DAY 4.

1/2lb down this morning for a total of 5.5lbs down.

SW 139
CW 133.5
GW 130

posted Feb 2nd, 2012 12:33 pm


kirnose

hello andrea.no its my second time.last time i lost total 6 pounds in 6 days.i quit on actaully 6th day so u can say 6 pounds in 5 days.yes i do feel diffrence in my clothes.they r loose on me.today after completing 4 days i am down to 4 lbs.i have no idea how people lose 4lbs in one day.how r u doing how much u lost dear do let me know.

posted Feb 2nd, 2012 8:25 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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