Are you looking for a quick and easy way to lose weight? If so, the cabbage soup diet might be just what you need. The cabbage soup diet is a popular diet plan that promises to help you lose up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in just one week. It involves eating large amounts of cabbage-based soups and other low-calorie foods. Although this diet may help you lose weight quickly, it is not recommended as a long-term health plan. Here, we explain what the cabbage soup diet is, how it works, and provide a delicious recipe for you to try.
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The cabbage soup diet is a short-term fad diet that involves eating large amounts of cabbage soup for a week. The diet originated in the 1980s and is also sometimes referred to as the “Sacred Heart Diet” or the “Mayo Clinic Diet.” It is not associated with either of these medical institutions.
The diet is very low in calories, typically containing fewer than 800 calories per day. It’s also low in protein, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. As a result, it is not recommended as a healthy or sustainable long-term diet.
The cabbage soup diet is typically followed for one week at a time. During this time, you are expected to eat large amounts of cabbage soup and other low-calorie foods. Most versions of the diet also require you to drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
How Does it Work?
The cabbage soup diet works by severely restricting your calorie intake. Since it is very low in calories, it causes you to lose weight quickly. However, this weight loss is largely due to water weight and is not necessarily indicative of fat loss.
The diet also restricts your intake of essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. As a result, it is not recommended as a healthy or sustainable long-term diet.
What to Eat on the Cabbage Soup Diet
The most important part of the cabbage soup diet is the cabbage soup itself. This soup can be eaten in unlimited amounts throughout the day. It typically contains ingredients like cabbage, onions, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and garlic.
In addition to the cabbage soup, most versions of the diet also allow you to eat other low-calorie foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and some lean proteins. Some versions also allow you to have one servings of complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread, per day.
You should also drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and processed foods.
Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
This delicious cabbage soup is the perfect meal to enjoy while on the diet. It is easy to make and contains minimal ingredients. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil
- 4 cups (950 ml) of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the cabbage, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion
The cabbage soup diet is a popular and effective weight-loss diet that promises to help you lose up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in one week. However, it is not recommended as a healthy or sustainable long-term diet due to its severe calorie and nutrient restriction.
If you decide to try the cabbage soup diet, make sure to follow the diet plan as closely as possible and to drink plenty of water. Additionally, make sure to enjoy this delicious cabbage soup recipe for a healthy and satisfying meal.
