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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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  • 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 25 of 37, 727 total comments)

priya

+

hi all `today is my first day . but this is my third trial . the first time i did it after my first delivery which was nine years back i did lost all my extra kilos. But the only drawbacks was the taste i hated it but stick to the diet seven days. The second time after second baby i was not so brave unfortunately the soup went down the drain after two days. well all of you wish me luck as i gathered all my courage to give it a try again as i need to to loose 8 lbs .

posted Nov 12th, 2008 7:51 am


Lighterload

+

Hi I did the cabbage diet for a week and lost 8 pounds. It was the first time I ever did a diet in my life and I did feel terrible but stuck to it. I waited for about 4 days and did it again and must say while I hated eating veg all day that all the headaches and weakness did not occur second time round. I believe it is all the toxins coming out so the first time u do it u really feel terrible. Also I had loads of energy second time round but still I didn't bother to exercise. Today is my last day and I've lost 6 pounds. U will regain 2 pounds back from water but if u follow a more moderate but still healthy diet plan u shud be able to keep the rest off with some exercise. I wud defo recomend it as a quick start as it will give u the determination not to eat terribly wen u c the results. I did it for a wedding coming up and I basically had only 1 month to change my look. I have succeeded as my mother said to me "u got thin" she hadn't seen me in 2 weeks. Its grt for those people who get frustrated wen they kill themselves trying to lose weight and don't c the results on the scale. I'm a binger and so need this strict discipline to MAKE ME APPRECIATE wat I put in my mouth and believe me I will appreciate it tommorrow! It is worth every discomfort. Best of luck! If i cud it anyone can.

posted Nov 6th, 2008 3:00 pm


Mel

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Well, today is day 1! So I guess i can say so far so good, i like it! I had some fruit for breakfast and snacks. Had a couple bowls for lunch! I added variety to mine. I added 46 oz. low sodium v8 juice, low sodium 14 oz. beef broth, diced tomatoes with oregano, basil and garlic. 1 cube of beef bouillon..Oh and a packet of liptions beefy onion soup mix (got this recipe from a friend...she lost 8 pounds in a week!), SO, needless to say the soup is quite tasty. Although, I am starting to get a headache...low sugar probably...so Lord help me through the next few days! This is a challenge for me, BECAUSE I am allergic to fresh fruits and vegetables! BUT can eat pineapple..strange I know. After 7 days of this I will be doing the Braggs ACV to get down where I need to be. I am an avid weight-lifter and taebo hound. So I'm sure I"ll reach my goal of 135. I'm now at 165!!! Wish me luck!! I'll report in, in a few days to report how it is going!!

posted Nov 3rd, 2008 1:24 pm


Hollie

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I can't stand it. I was trying to do the cabbage one week and the Three Day Cardiac diet the next. I need to lose a lot of weight and was trying to get some variety in there. Well, can't take the cabbage diet anymore. I will though go back to the 3 day diet. For any of you that can't stand the cabbage diet. I would definitely recommend the 3 day. And instead of 7 days, you'll lose ten pounds in three days!

posted Nov 2nd, 2008 1:41 pm


Anne

+

I'm on the middle day 3 have lost 1lb so far

posted Oct 30th, 2008 3:33 pm


Kendra

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Only lost 2 pounds! My husband only lost 3 pounds and we stuck to the diet. I even exercised. I am very disappointed.

posted Oct 29th, 2008 11:30 am


J in Ca

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I started this diet the weekend before last to lose weight for a trip to Vegas a few days ago. I followed it to the T. I had lost 10 lbs. by day 6 (there are 7 days). I suspect this was because I was tired of eating the same things everyday so a lot of the time I just didn't eat.

As evidenced by my experience, it does deliver on weight loss. BUT-- what's important to note is that I -did not- feel any lighter. I think it's true what they say, that you just lose water weight. My jeans and other clothes didn't fit any differently, and I didn't look or feel any thinner. I could suck in my tummy more, but I suspect that's because there was nothing in it. All in all I was not impressed, and was confused as to how I could have lost the 10 lbs and not felt different.

It has been three days since I ended the diet and I've already gained back 5 lbs. I haven't eaten particularly badly or unreasonably, just been doing what I normally do. Another pitfall of the diet (besides feeling tortured) is that after the 5th and 6th days of beef overload, I felt constipated for 3 days. Finally ate three probiotic yogurts in a row to take care of that.

Honestly, eating reasonable food in sensible portions and running a mile or two 3 days in a row has worked much better in the past. I felt a lot lighter, healthier, more energetic, and -Looked- a lot thinner than I did at the end of this diet.

I wouldn't recommend this diet. it's harder than it sounds, and it doesn't really pay off the way most people want it to. If you need to drop weight quickly, try a few days of lots of water, reasonable food/portions, and lots of running,

posted Oct 29th, 2008 12:06 am


Anne

+

I am starting this diet today 152lbs will post results as I go along

posted Oct 28th, 2008 2:50 pm


Eilish Byrne

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I would like to try the cabbage diet

posted Oct 28th, 2008 10:00 am


"B"

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I love this diet. I did it a year ago before I got pregnant and lost about 20 pounds. I cycled 6 times but I got creative with the soup each time. One of the "con" arguments is that you will be too weak to exercise; baloney! I walked 2-3 miles several times a week. I never felt hungry as I ate healthy fruit and veggies as often as I liked! I am back on now since my baby has been born and all is going well. I am in week three and have lost 9 pounds so far.

posted Oct 25th, 2008 3:59 pm


Amy

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I am on day 1 and so excited!!! I feel like this will be a good way to lose the poundage and then keep it off by eating healthy!I I also want to fit in my halloween costume!

posted Oct 17th, 2008 6:21 pm


Ken

+

I used this diet excellent for losing quick weight it is true you will regain weight fast if don't stick to healthy eating.

I gained weight again couple of time but finally third time I stick to excercise right after gaining my weight goal with this diet and do not have any issues for last 1 year

posted Oct 16th, 2008 12:48 pm


Fat Dave

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I did this diet and only lost 4lb when I was 5 stone overweight. I lost a lot more on the atkins...

posted Oct 16th, 2008 12:04 pm


Veronica

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I had horrible bloating with this diet and my fingers swelled up to the size of sausages. I had bags under my eyes and my skin broke out. Thumbs down.

And I'm in really good shape and very healthy and skinny to begin with. I stay fit and trim by eating avacado, lettuce and tomato sandwiches on whole wheat toast, frozen blueberries and seaweed salad with vegetarian maki rolls. I drink lots of water, tea and good quality white wine and I splurge with the occasional beer and basket of onion rings.

posted Oct 10th, 2008 2:02 am


Dee

+

I just had to say I love the new look on here! \\nKeep up the good work everyone! :)

posted Oct 7th, 2008 10:40 pm


Val

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The cabbage soup diet definitely works but it is not sustainable. Unless you love cabbage and even then it it is questionable how healthy it is for you.

posted Oct 5th, 2008 11:16 am


shandi

im on my 6th day ive lost 10 pounds i feel great and im not sick of the soup yet so im going to do it another week

posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 am


lynne blair

Sept. 18th 2008. This is day four for me and I have not experienced any sickness or headaches. I am on this diet with a friend for support. she has suffered for the odd headache but apart from that she feels great and so do I. Found the first three days a bit of a struggle but we supported each other. Looking forward to tomorrow to have the beef and tomatoes. I am only having two bowls of soup a day. i hope this is enough. I am not going to be tempted to weigh myself until at least day 7 or 8. i want to see the dramatic result. I only have about 10lbs to lose so i know it is harder for me. My friend has 2 stone to lose so she will hopefully lose more.

posted Sep 18th, 2008 2:49 pm


lynne blair

Sept. 18th 2008. This is day four for me and I have not experienced any sickness or headaches. I am on this diet with a friend for support. she has suffered for the odd headache but apart from that she feels great and so do I. Found the first three days a bit of a struggle but we supported each other. Looking forward to tomorrow to have the beef and tomatoes. I am only having two bowls of soup a day. i hope this is enough. I am not going to be tempted to weigh myself until at least day 7 or 8. i want to see the dramatic result. I only have about 10lbs to lose so i know it is harder for me. My friend has 2 stone to lose so she will hopefully lose more.

posted Sep 18th, 2008 2:49 pm


Sistasista

Sept. 13th 2008 Hey all.. been reading the comments and can't wait to start. My cabbage soup is boiling as I type. I currently weigh 160 lbs... and am hoping to get down to 150, by next Saturday. I will definitely keep everyone posted. This site rules, wish me luck.

posted Sep 15th, 2008 9:00 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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