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.
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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.
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User Feedback
(Page 14 of 37, 727 total comments)N Mo
+Morning of Day 3 and I've already lost 4 lbs! Ramadan started yesterday so I am also fasting.. but the soup is so filling! I feel so liberated of bad foods.
posted Aug 12th, 2010 1:42 pmGoing to do this throughout the year, maybe every couple months or so.
Alex Anton
+I tried this diet about a year ago and I started eating granola and eating very healthy 3 days before I got on this diet. After 3 days of eating extremely healthy and being on the diet for 7 days. I lost a total of 19 lbs. After the diet I didnt eat a hamburger right away I started eating healthier again before eating the greasy foods. I did not gain the weight back though. Great Results but I hated being on the diet.
posted Aug 10th, 2010 6:56 pmHeather
+Today is day 4 and it's the first day I have felt bad. I have a head ache and have no energy. If I have one more banana I might get sick! Today is the hardest for me. Can't wait for my steak tomorrow night. I have stuck to this diet 100%. I started out at 152 and today I weighed in at 148. I would like to lose 3 more, we'll see.
posted Aug 5th, 2010 4:40 pmNext week I am going to follow the diet but eat tuna instead of the soup. I want to be 135 in less than 2 months!!
sonbeky
I started this diet today i am 139 pounds and would like to get down to 130 by the end of the week, so far i feel very full!! so even wonder is this really working?? ate two bowls of soup and 2 mangos, lots of grapes and 2 glases of water so far need to drink more,,,,...so far so good will see later...
posted Aug 2nd, 2010 10:06 pmstefanee
+im on day 3 lost 3 already but i am just eating the soup and nothing else, anyone else do that will it still work? starting exercise tonight! i like it so far!
posted Aug 2nd, 2010 12:28 pmD L
i'm not sure about the chicken thing, what exactly can i eat the day of the chicken thing..?
posted Aug 1st, 2010 1:15 pmCL
A few suggestions for breaking the monotony of the soup. Blend it, eat it hot or cold. Add different spices like chili powder, cumin, jalapenos, cilantro and fresh lime squeezed in for a Mexican flare. Or...on day 4 add some curry and non fat plain yogurt (sub yogurt for 1 cup of NF milk that's allowed). My fav way is to eat it like Gazpacho. Blend and eat cold with chunks of cucumber, red bell, celery and red onion,Worcestershire and red wine vinegar added (on a veggie day only) Yum. Hope these help for those struggling to get through.
posted Jul 28th, 2010 7:26 pmsuzanne byrne
+you definrtly loose the pounds but u really have to stick it out..u also feel very weak and light headed.
posted Jul 27th, 2010 3:51 pmMia's Mamma
Here's another tip for those of you who think the soup is bland. You don't have to be Emeril to spice this soup up. Just get some Mrs. Dash (they make several blends) and start adding to the soup mixture. I also tried a Durkee steak seasoning mix. Or just add some garlic and a little salt and pepper. You can make it work for you!
posted Jul 27th, 2010 12:51 pmMia's Mamma
I did this diet once in high school (about 12 or 13 years ago) under the supervision of my mother. No, it is not always easy to stick to, but you have to view it like it's only 1 week and you can do it. When I did this diet previously, I lost 20 lbs in the weeks and months subsequent do doing it. I think it's important once you finish this, to maintain reasonable eating habits and exercise. This is a great kick start, or maybe a way to help you out from time to time, but not something you should do all the time. I'm on day two now. Doing just fine and feel just fine. I don't know why some people are complaining of being hungry a lot. Eat more! You can pretty much eat as much of the soup or whatever else you're supposed to eat for the day, unless where specified. Good luck everyone!
posted Jul 27th, 2010 12:49 pmwry
after day 3 and i was feeling good. i even eat siomai and chinese noodles for lunch, i run for 20mins. i lost 5lbs. day 4 and looking forward for more pounds to lost
posted Jul 9th, 2010 8:55 pmjanelle
i am on daytwo i weighed my self this moring an in down 5lbs wow is all i can say
posted Jul 8th, 2010 10:47 pmwry
im starting my cabbage diet today, I am not into fruits and vegetables thing but since im on summer holiday, it wouldn't be that hard(i hope)...i will be checking your status guys to keep me motivated. thank you for the comments,
posted Jul 6th, 2010 9:38 pmwry
+im starting my cabbage diet today... goodluck to us!
posted Jul 6th, 2010 9:27 pmcris
+perhaps i will start by tomorrow wish me luck and for me FIGHT !!!!!! good luck x_X
posted Jul 3rd, 2010 1:11 amELIZA
+Day 5 and I am down 9 lbs. It hasn't been as hard as I thought. on day 4 I felt kind of weak but this morning I feel great! Looking forward to eating steak or chicken.
posted Jul 2nd, 2010 9:04 amELIZA
Day 4! I have lost a total of 6lbs. I am so looking for tomorrow STEAK NIGHT!
posted Jul 1st, 2010 9:17 amLaura
This diet works! I am on day 4 and have lost 5lbs. Started at 165lbs and am hoping to shed at least 3 more lbs! Day 3 was tough and I had a headache by the end of the day but I don't think I drank enough water. So today is Banana day and I am really looking forward to day 5 for some yummy chicken! I believe the weight I have lost is water weight but this has really made me focus on eating more fruits and veggies. I exercise on a regular basis but since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism I have struggled to lose weight. So this has been a great jump start to my metabolism and I plan on changing my eating habits for the future! Good luck to everyone who tries this and remember exercise and diet are the only way to keep weight off!
posted Jul 1st, 2010 7:51 amELIZA
Day 3 on my diet. I lost a total of 4 lbs. I am excited that the diet is actually working! Today will be the hardest for me, I want the bake potatoe again : )
posted Jun 30th, 2010 8:15 amELIZA
I am on day 2 of this diet. Not bad I lost 2 lbs since yesterday. Gave me modivation for day 2. I added some lime in my soup and it was very tasty. I will keep everyone updated.
posted Jun 29th, 2010 9:14 am