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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 24 of 37, 727 total comments)

pinky

+

just a question.....do u have to make this soup once a week and drink from it everyday....or do u make a fresh pot everyday? pls help!!

posted Jan 22nd, 2009 8:16 pm


preeti

hi...quick question...it might be stupid...but i just wanted to know....

the recipe given on the cabbage soup diet site....are you supposed to make it once...and drink it for the week...(like left-overs)

or do you have to make a fresh pot everyday?? :S pls help....

i've done this diet before...and i made a fresh pot everyday....its a bit of a task to chop these veggies day after day haha.....

i lost 10lbs and i wanna lose some more....

posted Jan 22nd, 2009 7:53 pm


dina

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okay im back day 4!! i had a very rough first 2 days but i have done it!! i have not cheated and im very happy so far i have lost 6 pounds so i see the change!!!!!

posted Jan 22nd, 2009 11:09 am


dina

Well today is day 2 omg maybe its in my head but i am still hungry! even after i eat the soup and just thinking about it is making me sick, Also because i had to stop drinking soda i would drink maybe 6-8 cans a day plus have 4 red bulls, will this go away? Will i stop felling hungry? this sucks!!!

posted Jan 20th, 2009 6:07 pm


Ia

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I tried this diet and to tell u the truth I didn't loose12 pounds as like it says, but I did loose 8 pounds, and I am glad about it. Now I am having a brake by eating diggerent kinds of fruits and veggies(salads) and in couple a days I am planning to starrt cabbage soup diet again. Try it, you have nothing ro loose I think, if you won't like simplu quit it.

posted Jan 14th, 2009 7:19 pm


Mary

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I tried this diet last week for the first time and lost 7 pounds. Pretty simple!!!!

posted Jan 13th, 2009 4:43 am


julian

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I did it for one solid week yup made it 7 days, and I lost 5 pounds. Ive been working out, jogging, hiking, and not cheating. I have done a number of things to dress up the soup throughout the week and am making a 3rd pot right now for week number 2.

posted Jan 11th, 2009 10:04 pm


Edith

HI today is my first day!!! and so far not bad, because i like fruits and veggie good.

posted Jan 9th, 2009 11:05 am


krish

Today is my 3rdday and iam doing fine.3rd is really good you can eat all vegtables and fruits.Dialy iam adding different spices to the soup(adding all veggies mushrooms,califlower,greenoninos,celery..)Also adding some indian spices(sambhar powder) which makes the soup yummy and spicy...Hope this helps.

posted Jan 7th, 2009 12:36 pm


Julian

+

OK day 3 so far so good, I did one minor cheat that was I had a smashed potato rather then baked potato, other than that I have been pure. The scale at the gym said 243 this evening which is -2 pounds. But the good part is I tried on some cloths and YES they already are fitting better in the legs like upper thigh region!!!

posted Jan 7th, 2009 12:49 am


Julian

Day 1, I am 5'10 245lbs 29 years old. I am active and love to work out. I have gained however about 20lbs since getting out of the military and am going to give the diet a try and see if that can act as a jump start into losing the weight and getting into a proper eating pattern again. Ill be back in a few days to comment.

posted Jan 5th, 2009 3:31 am


liza

+

I am going to try this and for my protein will eat a can of tuna each day. Normally I eat plenty and am active, but this Christmas gained weight. My mistake was not getting on the scale for a month- usually I can nip any wt. gain in the bud by cutting down for a few days.
The test of this diet will be if I can do it for longer than 2 days!

posted Jan 4th, 2009 1:59 pm


big b

+

I did this diet last week, my last day was last Saturday and today is Wednesday, with a little cheating here and there but for the most part followed it and I lost 7 lbs. in 7 days so I was 146 and got down to 139...unfortunatly I went back to eating "normal" not over eating but just normal and I am already back up to 147 in only 4 days :( so unless you plan on eating 1000 calories from here on out per day, you'll probably gain it right back like I did...

posted Dec 24th, 2008 1:39 am


Christine

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Today is day one and im just not hungry....I barely had any fruit and the thought of the soup has me nauseated....I will see how it goes

posted Dec 4th, 2008 11:38 am


Christine

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Today is day one and im just not hungry....I barely had any fruit and the thought of the soup has me nauseated....I will see how it goes

posted Dec 4th, 2008 10:58 am


Hollenred

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This is my first day Second time! Feel fine. I am making sure the veg's and Fruit has enough carbs, fiber, and protien. and I am doing my best to keep it around 1200 cal a day! Under that your body will go into a starvation mode! In the morning I also have a whey Protien shake. 20g for 110 cal.





I lost 20lbs the first time. Coming back for more. I loved the soup I added hot sause with chilli powder.



Also, around noon 1 hr-30 min before a meal I would have a yummy hoodia lolly pop. Loads of great flavers exc..



Well, I have loads to go. I going to take a break after this with the grapefruit diet then after that the master cleanse.



then back to cabbage soup. Got to mix it up and make educational choices learn for yourself. I loved it because I now know lots about fruit and veggies!



have fun!

posted Nov 29th, 2008 5:09 pm


PG

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I am on day 3, have lost 5 pounds so far. I really love fruits, so Day 2 was kinda hard with no fruits at all. I am planning to add cardio for 2-3 days.

posted Nov 27th, 2008 3:41 am


melina

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actually,i havent done it yet...but im planning on starting it on the 1st december:)im 153cm tall and weight 46.8kg.i know this may sound like im not fat but my bones are very small and after ive had my son,my stomach has gone very fat and so with my face and thighs!i cannot fit into anything that i use to wear before the pregnancy and im sick of feeling like this.i love cabbage soup and i use to eat this often in winter (im from newzealand so its spring now) so i think ill really enjoy this.i have done tuna+snack(dinner) diet and lost 4.6kilos in just 4weeks.so i have lost 12kilos in just 10months and now i have another 4kilos to lose and i hope this diet will get me back into shape before cend of year:)im so excited!!!!hopefully it will work!

posted Nov 26th, 2008 8:37 am


Debbie

+

I am loving this diet. I made the soup according to the directions and from there add different spices to jazz it up. My favorite is cilantro and hot sauce!. Also on day 5 and 6, the meat days, I cook up the meat and thinly slice at and add it to the soup. Which makes the soup into a beef stew.

I am on Day 7 and plan to continue this regimine for a few weeks. I really do think a vitamin supplement is important and will be adding that to the program along with exercise. I know there will be days in which I fall off the program but my intent is to get back on.

BUT...still after 7 days I do not feel any thinner. My clothes still feel the same. However, I feel better. I feel healthier. And that may be because I am not loading up on useless carbs. If nothing else, this diet is making me more conscious of what I put in my mouth. And when I get hungry, I reach for the soup and not buttered toast or a trip to McDonalds.

I am glad I like the taste of the soup but worry about the nutrients my body is missing.

OH...one other big thing! If you have ever been to Chilis and tried their Lettuce wraps....well, one adaptation I made was to use the soup minus the broth and wrap it up in a big leafy green. Adds variety so I dont feel like I am only eating soup all the time.

posted Nov 21st, 2008 3:31 pm


embracesme

+

i have done this diet before about 5 years ago and i lost 20bls in 2 weeks working out 2 times a day for

the 2 weeks good luck everybody i will be doing the diet Dec 1st

posted Nov 17th, 2008 9:38 pm



 

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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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