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 8 of 37, 727 total comments)Tara
+First day of the csd, I've only eaten fruit today (apples, grapes and strawberries)
posted Dec 8th, 2011 10:33 pmAnd am going to be eating my soup in a couple hours
Weight: 143
I hope to be at 133 in 7 days :D
I'll keep you posted
Melissa
On day 2... so far so good. I add different Mrs. Dash's spices to each soup to keep it interesting. Hope to see results!
posted Dec 7th, 2011 6:12 pmwhitea
I started at 177.4lbs
posted Dec 7th, 2011 4:10 pmtoday is my 3rd day on the CSD, i weigh myself each morning but records on monday only. As of this morning, my weight is 167.2 (down 10.2), i'm sure this is all water but i'll take it, it motivates me to go on. Loving 'my' soup.
let me know how u guys are doing.
STAY MOTIVATED :)
Mike
+Lots of negativity about this diet. I supplement with two low carb protein shakes each day (1st in the morning, 2nd mid afternoon. This adds protein to the diet and helps curb cravings. I also add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the soup when being prepared. I add other vegetables to the soup that I like, not just what's listed. And I also take a multi-vit/min each night before bed. I just started day three and I'm down 6.5 pounds. While "ill-advised", I suspect that of properly supplemented this diet is relatively safe for the short term, though I'm no diet "guru". I feel good, no killer cravings. Experiment with the soup, I think that's your secret to staying on this - not eating the same flavor all the time. In fact, I'm thinking of extending a few days if all continues to go well. Good luck!!
posted Dec 7th, 2011 4:06 pmsweetsnp
+day one of the csd, i tired this before and it has worked! I am back doing it again.
posted Dec 6th, 2011 3:49 pmfathi
+end of the diet- i have lost 11.4 lb =)
posted Dec 2nd, 2011 5:21 amMy weight in the beginning was 210.9 lb and now i weighted 199.5 lb..
this is the best diet i have ever done =)
fathi
+im on the forthday.. already lost 6.6 lb.. soooooooo happy... finally its working ;)
posted Nov 29th, 2011 4:52 amstephanie
this is to Natalie how long did u do the diet for to lose all that weight wb x
posted Nov 26th, 2011 1:12 pmfathi
im on the second day.. so far so gud
posted Nov 26th, 2011 8:32 amVanessa
Am on day 4 and I have diharrea! I do not feel well. It was going great until today. It was a very yummy soup, but I think I need to stop.
posted Oct 13th, 2011 6:00 pmBethany
First day starting smells good , though iv never liked Cabbage, or onions or bell peppers , or cooked carrots ooooor celery lol , but smells good cooking it up right now.
posted Oct 10th, 2011 2:14 pmLeigh
+I started this diet 6 days ago because I am in a wedding this Saturday and my dress was a bit tight. I weighed in at 172 and lost 4 pounds the first day. I lost 1 lb. the second day so I was really excited. I did not wait until today on the beginning of day 6 and I weighed in at 162 for a total of 10 POUNDS! I didn't work out, but played golf and walked the dogs a few longer walks. I made the soup basic and then I would do different spices each time. I wanted to share these. Add (basil,oregano & garlic) for a pasta taste. Soy and Ginger for Chinese taste. My favorite: cumin, cilantro and hot sauce for mexican. Also, heat up the bananas and sprinkle with cinnamon. SO DELICIOUS! Be very careful of the unsweetened juices: the juice is 7 bucks for the real stuff you need. Also, watch your pre-made seasonings and frozen veggies too. They put sugar in these items. Best of luck!
posted Oct 3rd, 2011 9:03 pmacebrit
hello. my last and final check in. managed one bowl of soup on day 7. 3 servings of brown rice and veggies (which i stir fried and was quite lovely btw!) did water and herb tea thoughout the day.
posted Oct 3rd, 2011 11:02 amnow ......i did cheat a bit and had 2 glasses of merlot in the eve. i figgered that was my cranberry juice! lol.
so now for the weight. it's a bit iffy. 129, 128.5 and 127.5. (yeah i got on the scale at three different times this am) so i'll say 128lbs making that a loss of 7.5lbs. i feel great. now the really hard work begins........keeping the weight off.
good luck to those on the diet. i f eel great!!
acebrit
oh. two thumbs up!
posted Oct 3rd, 2011 10:57 amacebrit
good morning day 7 - ok so maybe not eating the soup yesterday messed me up. yesterday am the scale read 128 this morning however it read 129.5. my goal will be 2 bowls today along with my brown rice and veggies. will do a final check in monday am
posted Oct 2nd, 2011 7:44 amacebrit
day 6 coming to a close. ate salmon, talapia and steak. for veggies sauteed cabbage, mushrooms, onions, scallions and tons of garlic. haven't been able to face the cabbage soup at all today. may force myself before bed.
posted Oct 1st, 2011 8:03 pmacebrit
day 5 went well, i spose. steak and tomatoes. even went out and had grilled steak and chicken skewers with lettuce. this morning was another 2lbs down for a total of 7.5lbs. i have a confession to make...........cheated last nite when i was out at the resturant/bar and drank gin and tonics. now i have a splitting headache!!
posted Oct 1st, 2011 10:25 amacebrit
oh and i only managed one serving of soup yesterday. not sure i can face it at all today. having fish with my veggies
posted Oct 1st, 2011 10:20 amacebrit
DAY 4 ended with 3 glasses of skimmed milk and 4 bananas. as of this morning another .5lbs down bringing the total to 5.5lbs. today is steak and tomatoes. about to go put it in the oven. not as exited about it as i was!
posted Sep 30th, 2011 6:45 amacebrit
day 4 - so far had a glas of skimmed milk and a banana. not looking forward to the soup pureed or not!
posted Sep 29th, 2011 11:47 amanother loss though 2.5lbs for a total of 5lbs in 3 days!!! YAY!!