The 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term eating plan designed for rapid weight loss. It revolves around a low-calorie cabbage soup that you consume in large amounts, along with specific foods on each day of the diet.
While the Cabbage Soup Diet may lead to quick weight loss, it is not a sustainable or balanced long-term weight loss solution. As always, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new diet or nutrition plan.
Before diving into the recipe and 7-day plan, let’s discuss the diet’s limitations. The Cabbage Soup Diet is low in protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats. Therefore, it should not be continued beyond seven days. Its purpose is more about a quick detox and a swift weight loss for a short period.
1. The 7-Day Cabbage Soup Recipe
The key component of this diet is the cabbage soup, which you can consume in unlimited amounts throughout the 7-day plan. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 6 onions, chopped
- 1 bunch of celery, chopped
- 1-2 cans of diced tomatoes
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 10 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 1-2 bouillon cubes (optional)
- 6-8 cups of water or vegetable cocktail like V8
- Salt, pepper, parsley, garlic powder, or other seasonings to taste
Instructions:
- Spray a large pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a small amount of olive oil.
- Sauté the onions over medium heat until they’re translucent.
- Add the celery, bell peppers, and carrots to the pot and sauté for a few more minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot, followed by the chopped cabbage.
- If you’re using bouillon cubes, dissolve them in a little hot water before adding them to the pot. Add your chosen seasonings to taste.
- Add water or vegetable cocktail and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until all the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.
2. The 7-Day Plan
Along with the cabbage soup, you’ll eat specific foods each day. Here’s the plan:
- Day 1: Any fruit except bananas. Your primary food this day is the soup and fruit.
- Day 2: Green leafy vegetables. Avoid fruit on this day. You may start your day with a baked potato with a small pat of butter for breakfast. For the rest of the day, consume the soup and veggies.
- Day 3: Fruits and vegetables. Avoid bananas and potatoes. You can eat the soup, fruits, and veggies.
- Day 4: Bananas and skim milk. Eat at least 3 bananas and drink as much skim milk as you can today, along with the soup.
- Day 5: Beef (or baked chicken without the skin) and tomatoes. Eat 10-20 ounces of beef and up to 6 fresh tomatoes. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to wash away the uric acid from your body. Eat your soup at least once today.
- Day 6: Beef and vegetables. Eat to your heart’s content of the beef and veggies today. You can even have 2-3 steaks if you like, with leafy green vegetables. No baked potato. Be sure to eat the soup at least once today.
- Day 7: Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables. Again, be sure to stuff yourself and eat the soup.
Remember to stick to the specific daily food along with the cabbage soup, and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, bread, and carbonated drinks, including diet sodas.
Conclusion
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a rapid weight loss diet that should be followed for no more than 7 days. It’s essential to understand that while the diet may help jumpstart your weight loss journey, it’s not a long-term solution. After the week is up, a balanced, sustainable eating plan should replace this diet.
Combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity is the best approach for maintaining a healthy weight. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian before starting any new diet plan.
