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.
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User Feedback
(Page 3 of 37, 727 total comments)Klove
Starting today at 209. I hope to get to 195 in seven days. I will do very little workout to help weight lose. I will keep you guys posted.
posted Nov 20th, 2012 11:35 pmMrsKay
I started the CSD yesterday, Im not sure yet whether it works or not since I havent started weighing in. Im afraid if I do and it doesnt go well I will quit before giving it a chance. Im crossing fingers it works for me since I joined The Biggest Loser Challenge at my work place and its coming to an end in two weeks time.
posted Jul 19th, 2012 10:22 amCjb
Starting day 1 @ 188.4lbs.
posted Jul 9th, 2012 10:32 pmmelissa
DAY 1.. i've made the soup but decided to blend it, makes it alot easier to get down.
posted May 30th, 2012 1:39 pmI use Mrs. Dash seasonings to give each bowl a different flavor.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Jenny
+This was my last ditch effort to lose weight to fit into my wedding dress. I was 5'1, 135lbs and had about a week ! Luckily it worked an my tailor measured me again and was shocked. Lost 5 inches in my weight and about 2 to 3 in thighs, arms. Best for short term immediate weight loss! I'm doing it gain bc I gained back ! But I kept to healthy choice soups bc I had made. Huge pot of soup but it tasted bad !! Good luck !!
posted Apr 14th, 2012 1:52 pmMisty
Day 3 here and I haven't lost an ounce, let alone a pound... I think I will eat the soup until it's gone and not bother with another batch... I am drained of energy, constantly hungry and I have been getting horrendous headaches.. This is not the diet plan for me, I will go back to eating whole grains, and steering clear of all red meat and processed foods as that plan has been most effective for me. If you have an active lifestyle that doesn't enable you to eat whenever you feel the urge, this diet plan is NOT for you!!!
posted Mar 27th, 2012 8:13 pmceci
ok! so day 1 of csd! Not Bad. the soup taste better than i expected! im 5'2 and 126. goal weight is to go back to being 114 again!
posted Mar 22nd, 2012 12:28 amHad enough energy to go the gym so that made me happy. just wish i didn't have to go pee every ten minutes!
saskia
I am losing weight since the beginning off this year, but i got on a plateau, for 2 weeks on the same weight.
posted Mar 21st, 2012 12:34 amNow on the end off day 4, it's difficult but you see results! Lost 6 pounds so far. I am also exercising every day for 2 hours because that's my usual routine.
The most difficult for me was the breakfast on day 2...carrots and cucumber. And tomorrow the same problem...breakfast with tomato and beef???? Good luck, I would recommend it, I feel great with a lot of energy
Erin
+I did this diet 3.5 weeks ago, i lost 7lbs and i have not put them back on, i tweaked my daily eating habits to maintain the weight, as long as you are not pigging out and doing what you did before you'll keep it off!
posted Mar 11th, 2012 2:58 pmkirnose
started yesterday 132 pounds today 130
posted Mar 9th, 2012 2:27 pmLiz
+started at 191.5 and ended at 182.5 on my 7th day! :) So happy
posted Mar 8th, 2012 3:27 amLiz
+started Wednesday at 191.5 today is my 4th day and im at 186.5 :D very motivated
posted Mar 3rd, 2012 11:11 pmTara
I am starting tomorrow. My goal is to be down 8lbs in 7 days. I am starting at 128 and hope to be 120 by the time I get on the plane to go to California next week. Do you think I can do it?
posted Mar 1st, 2012 4:03 ammamta
If CSD not working for you use Acai berry after failed CSD. so far I am doing good. 10 lbs more to go.
posted Feb 29th, 2012 7:51 pmtoday 110 lbs.
Liz
Im starting this week tomorrow. I have done it once before about 2 years ago and lost 6lbs in 6 days but i was a lot skinnier then. Because of some personal issues i have put a lot of weight, today i weighted myself and saw 191lbs! (im 5'7) i was so distraught, ive never ever been this heavy and i cant believe i let myself get this way! i spent most of the afternoon just crying and feeling miserable. Im using the csd to get some "quick" results in order to get more motivated to lose weight with better habits and exercise. If anyone just started or wants to start, and would like a buddy system plz reply and let me know we can exchange emails and keep ourselves motivated each day!
posted Feb 29th, 2012 4:03 amjazzrock
I am on day 5 and i have lost 7 pounds.. this is my second time doing this.. my one problem is that i am constantly craving unhealthy food while doing this and am afraid i will just gain it all back when I'm done.
posted Feb 24th, 2012 10:24 pmkinny
today was my first day.just had clear soup .any one on this diet plz tell me can i eat vegies in soup too?started at 130 cant wait to check tommarow hope i have lost some will keep u updated .
posted Feb 23rd, 2012 7:20 pmkinny
was wondering do we have to eat clear soup or we can eat all the vegeiesin it?
posted Feb 22nd, 2012 7:23 pmmamta
Doing acai berry 14 day course. feeling gr8 and 2 lbs down in week1.
posted Feb 22nd, 2012 4:45 amLaura
+Day 1---not bad at all my only problem is not drinking diet cokes!!! I'm starting at 167 lbs with my goal being 159 in 7 days!!! Good luck!!
posted Feb 20th, 2012 8:14 pm