The cabbage soup diet is a short-term weight loss diet which has been around for decades. As the name implies, this extreme plan involves eating almost nothing but cabbage soup for seven days and claims to leave those who complete it around ten pounds lighter.
WHY IS THE CABBAGE SOUP DIET SO POPULAR?
Of course, the cabbage soup diet is so popular because it promises quick weight loss, though any nutrition expert will discourage it.
WHAT IS THE CABBAGE SOUP DIET?
This diet involves a strict regimen, which goes as follows:
- Day 1 – cabbage soup and fruit (no bananas)
- Day 2 – cabbage soup, vegetables, and one baked potato with butter
- Day 3 – cabbage soup and as many fruits and vegetables as you like(no bananas or potatoes)
- Day 4 – cabbage soup, unlimited bananas and skimmed milk
- Day 5 – cabbage soup, ten ounces of beef, and up to six tomatoes
- Day 6 – cabbage soup, beef, and vegetables (no potato)
- Day 7 – cabbage soup, vegetables, brown rice, and unlimitedsugar-free juice
Throughout the diet, no tea, coffee, or any other beverages are allowed – only water and unsweetened fruit juice on fruit days.
NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE CABBAGE SOUP DIET
While the cabbage soup diet can help you shed weight quickly, most of what you do drop during the diet is water weight, not fat, and will return almost immediately when the week is up. Weight fluctuations aside, here are some of the more severe health effects of the cabbage soup diet:
- Excess sodium intake – if you make the soup using canned vegetablejuice
- Inadequate caloric intake – it’s likely that you’ll suffer fromweakness, fatigue, and dizziness, meaning you won’t be able toexercise properly for the week
- Inadequate protein intake – unless you take a protein supplement,your protein intake will be particularly low, so you could lose a lotof the lean muscle mass that keeps you looking toned
- Nutritionally inadequate – you won’t get all the nutrients you needwithout supplements
OTHER NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE CABBAGE SOUP DIET
As well as negatively impacting your health, the cabbage soup diet can cause:
- Flatulence
- Irritability
- Loss of concentration
- Discomfort
CABBAGE SOUP DIET ALTERNATIVES: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT HEALTHILY
There are plenty of alternatives to the fad cabbage soup diet which allow you to lose weight healthily and quickly, without starving yourself. If you’re looking to drop a few pounds in a short period, try the following:
1. CUT BACK ON SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES
Reduce the level of sugars and carbohydrates you get from your diet. When you cut out sugar and carbs, you’ll find that your hunger levels start to diminish, and you’ll need far fewer calories to feel satisfied.
2. EAT PLENTY OF PROTEIN, FATS AND VEGETABLES
Try to ensure all your meals include a protein source, a fat source, and plenty of low-carb vegetables. Protein sources like meat, fish, eggs, tofu, quinoa, and buckwheat help maintain muscle and leave you feeling fuller for longer.
3. LIFT WEIGHTS
To really enhance your weight loss, start lifting weights two to three times a week. If you’re new to weight lifting, you can ease yourself in with lighter free-weights until you get used to the movements. Lifting weight not only burns calories effectively but raises your metabolism and keeps it running at a higher rate, long after your workout is complete.
If you’re struggling to lose weight, fad diets aren’t the solution. Combine proper nutrition with a steady cardio and weight lifting routine to ensure the changes you make are healthy. For more advice and if you want to learn more about nutrition, why not come and speak with one of our personal trainers? Visit us today or find a gym near you to start your new fitness adventure with Pure Fitness!
FAQs
Muscle loss, fatigue, and bloating are just some of the terrible side effects of the cabbage soup weight-loss diet. This article was medically reviewed by Kailey Proctor, MPH, RDN, CSO, a board-certified oncology dietitian at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine California.
What are the negatives of the cabbage soup diet? ›
Muscle loss, fatigue, and bloating are just some of the terrible side effects of the cabbage soup weight-loss diet. This article was medically reviewed by Kailey Proctor, MPH, RDN, CSO, a board-certified oncology dietitian at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine California.
Do doctors recommend the cabbage soup diet? ›
No health authorities recommend following the diet. Proponents of the cabbage soup diet also encourage people not to exercise while following it. However, getting enough exercise is very important to good health overall. Regular exercise is also far more likely to lead to meaningful, long-term weight loss.
What else can I eat on the cabbage soup diet? ›
What You Can Eat
- Day 1: Fruit, except bananas.
- Day 2: Vegetables like leafy greens (not starchy), but no fruit.
- Day 3: Fruits and vegetables.
- Day 4: Bananas and skim milk.
- Day 5: Beef (or baked chicken without the skin) and tomatoes.
- Day 6: Beef and vegetables.
- Day 7: Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables.
It's purported you can lose up to 10 pounds in one week while following the cabbage soup diet, but there is no evidence to support that claim.
Can I drink coffee on the cabbage soup diet? ›
Most versions allow black coffee while following the cabbage soup diet, but not coffee with milk.
Is cabbage soup bad for cholesterol? ›
One study showed that cabbage can lower both your LDL — “bad” — cholesterol and your overall cholesterol. Lower blood pressure. Red cabbage has plant pigment called anthocyanin that could reduce your risk of blood pressure and heart issues.
Why am I not losing weight on cabbage soup diet? ›
One of the main problems with the Cabbage Soup Diet is that it can only be followed for 1 week, which is not long enough for meaningful weight loss. Your body can only burn so much fat per week. In the first week of a low calorie diet, only about 34% of the weight lost is from fat.
Can I eat avocado on the cabbage soup diet? ›
Foods like avocados, olive oil, salmon and nuts that are healthy and filling sources of unsaturated fats are not a large part of this diet.
Can you eat eggs on the cabbage soup diet? ›
They are high in calories and sugar, so they are not recommended on the cabbage soup diet. High-Fat Foods: Foods rich in saturated fats, such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, vegetables like avocado, and high-fat sauces or dressings, should be avoided. It is also recommended to avoid eggs.
Does cabbage burn belly fat? Although cabbage is a nutritious low-calorie vegetable, many people associate it with weight loss because of the popular "cabbage soup diet". Some creative marketing has led people to believe that cabbage actually burns body fat. In fact, no food, including cabbage, burns body fat.
What happens to your body when you eat cabbage soup? ›
The cabbage soup diet stimulates the body's metabolism and fat mobilization. This diet limits your calorie intake and causes your body to burn fat for energy. Low sodium, low calories, and high fiber allow you to lose weight faster if you followed a reasonable long-term dietary plan.
What does a cabbage soup diet do to your body? ›
This diet, however, is highly calorie deficient, restrictive, and not sustainable. Thus, experts warn against its potential health hazards. The cabbage soup diet stimulates the body's metabolism and fat mobilization. This diet limits your calorie intake and causes your body to burn fat for energy.
Is cabbage soup hard on the stomach? ›
“Additionally, cruciferous vegetables—like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts—contain raffinose, an indigestible sugar. As it's fermented by bacteria in the gut, gas is produced, which is why you may experience flatulence and discomfort after eating these foods.
Can you eat bananas on cabbage soup diet? ›
The Diet Plan
No bread, alcohol, or carbonated beverages, including diet sodas. Day 1: Any fruit except bananas. Day 2: Any and all vegetables, baked potato with butter for dinner. Day 3: Combine Days 1 and 2 without potato.
