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Diets
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How Does
Cabbage Soup Diet Compare?
BACKGROUND
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PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Cabbage Soup Diet?
Diets
Calorie Counting
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.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?
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.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Easy to follow
- Cheap Price
- Fast Results
- High Protein Diet
- 91/100
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- Dukan Diet
- 89/100
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- Paleo Diet
- 87/100
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- Plexus Slim
- 77/100
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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.
BACKGROUND
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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.
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?
PRO
- You will lose weight
CON
- 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 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.
EXERCISE
No recommendations are made. Given the severely low calories you'll be consuming, you likely won't have the strength for physical activity.
CONCLUSION
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 Misspellings
cabbge soup diet, cabbage soup deit, cabage soup diet, cabbagge soup, cabbagesoupdiet.com, cabbage diet, cabagge soup diet, soup diet
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Cabbage Soup Diet?
User Feedback
(Page 28 of 37, 727 total comments)Dee
I so wanna do this, i only need to lose 15-20lbs and am willing to commit to this diet after reading all this. A couple of not-so-dumb questions. If it makes u so gassy, can u just take beano or something? What recipe did those of you who lost the most weight use? I like to drink on weekends, usually just vodka and club soda with some lime, how much damage does that do on the last 2 days? I'll still do it so there's no question about that, i just dont want to reduce my weightloss potential by just being plain silly, so any pointers would be AWESOME!!! Later now 05/30.
posted May 30th, 2008 3:33 pmCandyTripRaver
Hey giys, Today was banana and skim milk day! I made an excellant smoothie with bananas, ice, milk, vanilla, splenda, and a dash of cinnamon. i'm 5'6 and weigh 122 lbs :( I need to get back down to my normal 107-108 lbs. It's weird it seems like very spring i gain 10-15 pounds. Aren't you supposed to gain weight around the hollidays? LOL I'm hoping ot loose at least 3-4 lbs this week.
posted May 30th, 2008 8:40 amDaryl
Hi all. I started this soup diet on Monday (May 26, 2008)and weighed 163.2lbs have no headaches feeling great, got on the scale today (May 29)and I'm 159lbs. Make sure to drink lots of water. I'm really happy with the results.
posted May 30th, 2008 8:40 amJess
May 29, 08: Day 4 and from 161 lbs I'm down to 157!! I'm not expecting to lose the maximun of 12 lbs but I would be pretty happy if I am losing one a day as I am now. Drinking cold green tea with a bit of splenda (half tsp for 1.5 litres.) My only cheat has been an avocado which I had yesterday and someone told me it is very fattening but I haven't found something about prohibited fruits and veggies other than banana. If someone knows if this is ok let me know! Tomorrow I am having time to go for a run and aerobics for at least one hour I hope. Everyone good luck and stay motivated!! I will again keep you posted!
posted May 30th, 2008 8:40 amClaire C
Hi all, I started this diet today (29th May 2008) and so far enjoying the soup and have had plenty of fruit!!!!!! I have done many diets before and never got down to the weight I would like to be but Im hoping with all the results people have had on here I should be on my way to losing it! I will try keep everyone posted on how Im getting on and how much weight I lose day by day!!! Good Luck to everyone else that has started this diet. Bring on the cabbage soup!!!!!!!
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amannie banannie
Today is May 28th 2008. I weighed 212lbs on Mon and today I got on the scale and I am at 207lbs. I'm really happy that I see results I'm just not enjoying the headache so I got vitamins today actually prenatal vitamins they are the best when your prego so I figured they would be perfect for this diet. Oh and I prefer the soup blended it's great for a change of pace! I read this page of comments and it's making me stay on the diet if all of you can do this so can I !!! Thanks for all the positive feedback :o)
posted May 29th, 2008 8:40 amHolly and Nicole
JT! we are truly inspired that you are inspired by the comments. we're truly truly happy that you can find inspiration form these comments. love you JT. and good luck on your weith loss extravaganza. keep us posted! ps. were doing great! we've lost 2 more pounds since the last comment AND we are now putting our morbidly obese cat, fluffy on the diet, and her heart murmur has already gone away.!!!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK CABBAGE SOUP FANS!!!!!!!!! <333
posted May 28th, 2008 12:19 pmSassy
I started the diet yesterday and I have to admit its been hard but I've managed to stay busy and not think about food. Tomorrow, I will let you know how much weight you can loose in one day.
posted May 28th, 2008 8:55 amLo
Chamomile Tea and exercise both help with the bloating and gas from the excess veggies/cabbage. I tried it before, but couldn't stand the bloating so this time I did a little research and found that Chamomile works really well and a good way to take it is via tea. I have been drinking a cup of it after each soup serving. Also, exercise helps and will keep your body from breaking down too much muscle while on the diet. Good luck to everyone!
posted May 27th, 2008 1:27 pmJess
I am on DAY 1, 5.3' and 161lbs, I used to be 130 lbs just a couple of years ago but got married and so I am blaming my hubby :) I had a good lifestyle and living alone I didnt have all the junk food stash that now I have at home thanks to him - ironically he hasnt gained relevant weight amount...so long way to go but this would give me the kickstart I need. I will post about my results when I am done. So far I am not hungry, (even been off and at home all day). Just gassy 2 hours after my first bowl. I made 2 types: italian and indian style with curry,less tomato juice and its a little spicy. Tasted great with some lemon. It tasted os good my father-in-law and husband had some for lunch and loved it. (Didnt know it was my diet soup). For the people that cant stand BANANAS, I would assume that starchy fruits (like tapioca, sweet potato, yam, breadfruit, water or sweet chestnuts could be a good substitute). Also try yogurt instead of milk. And you can also add in a bit to the soup to give it a creamy texture and flavour. Anyways good luck to all!!
posted May 26th, 2008 1:03 pmperr
well today is day 6 for me and yesterday afternoon i weighed 168 which is a total of 9 lbs and then i went to the gym came home ate the beef, no tomatoes ( i cant stomach them) n 1/2 of noodles n granola bar!! i weighed myself this morning n it keeps saying 170!!! im upset but i wont discouraged because maybe i gained some muscle @ the gym lol. not to mention its the first time ive went while on this diet! does anyone thats completed this diet have some good pointers about keeping and continue losing the weight after the diet because i fear gaining the 9lbs back. i can feel the 9 lb difference!!!
posted May 26th, 2008 1:03 pmDee
I was on this diet 2 months ago, lost 9 lbs. and then another 3 lbs. when I went off it, I was just eating salads but did have pizza or a burger here and there, I only gained 2 or 3 lbs back in 2 months! :) Started it again on Monday, today is Friday so I decided to weight in to see how much I lost, I wasn't happy when I got on the scale, I had only lost 1-1/2 - 2 lbs. :( I am doing this diet the same way I did before, I don't understand why I haven't lost more? I'm going to stick with it till Sunday and weigh in again Monday, hope I lose more, if I don't I will just go back to salads and walking. Anyone else have this problem when doing the diet again?
posted May 23rd, 2008 6:13 pmChelsea
well I'm on day 2.. Starting weight of 142lbs and 5'4".. This is tough! I woke up this morning feeling quite light headed and disoriented - so I decided to have a piece of toast with peanut butter. Other than that I have been following the diet strictly. Working over a food court is definitely difficult! Not to mention that I have absolutely no will power and have never completed a diet before. Thanks for everyone that posted before me, it's good motivation to read everyone else's comments and stories.
posted May 23rd, 2008 6:13 pmliabby
i got say it work i lost 12 lb in one week i will try it again. good luck all
posted May 22nd, 2008 11:50 amperr
wow im really glad i found this message board. i was looking for reviews from actual dieters that had positive things to say. im on day 2 of the diet n i have 2 say that i was never brought up on veggies so i pretty much hate them n im struggling with this soup but i AM downing it! day 1 i did pretty good until my husband got home from work n i ate 2 pizza slices n half a chinese carton!!!! lol anywayz i paid for that in the middle of the night so i think its outta my system (if u kno what i mean) this morning i weighed myself n i lost 4 lbs so it really did work. im so desperate so today im gonna start working out for the remainder of this diet!!! i weighed 177 now 173 my overall goal is 125! after this week im gonna go back to a healthy diet plan and exercise n week 3 i will do the cabbage soup for the last time. its pretty gross to me but the fact that we can add other things helps. so good luck to all of you trying to look your best! motivation is the key!!!!
posted May 21st, 2008 4:34 pmSashoi
you can subsitute green beans instead of the cabbage for this diet....the cabbage made me to gasy so i found a version that used green beans instead...lost 8lbs in week and my stomach never hurt and i was never gasy, the only problem i have is the tomato and meat day... i'm not a meat lover so this day is hard for me....good luck everyone
posted May 20th, 2008 12:28 pmCoral
Im wondering what happened to Erika?? Not lose the weight and bolt. Im liking Holly and Coley for being staunch cabbage soup supporters - way to go guys!
posted May 20th, 2008 12:28 pmcasmom
I am on day 3 of the diet and I don't know my exact weight when I started. I can really tell a difference in my jeans. They definitely don't feel as tight as they normally do. I added Cayenne Pepper to the soup today and that made it really good. I have heard that cayenne pepper is good for weight loss.
posted May 17th, 2008 7:47 amSahara
Today is day one! I wanted to know, do I drink like regular ocean spray cranberry juice or like the real stuff, like 100% cranberry juice? Also, I know this is random... but can I chew gum? I've got a wedding this weekend so I hope to loose 10lbs by then!
posted May 16th, 2008 5:22 pmT R
Today is my first day on this diet. I made a mistake in the recipe because I added lipton chicken noodle soup so I am hoping it's not going to affect the diet. I think they meant the lipton onion soup in the recipe that I saw and was not sure.
posted May 16th, 2008 8:39 am