The Cabbage Soup Diet is a low-calorie diet plan that consists of consuming soup made for every meal or whenever hunger strikes. The plan has evolved over the years, but the soup remains constant in the week-long plan. Sources say the plan promises a loss of about 10 pounds during that week.
The Recipe
The recipe for the cabbage soup varies, but the main ingredients are the same--cabbage and tomatoes. Try experimenting by adding other vegetables to it, but both need to be included. Eat as much of the soup and drink as much water as necessary each day to feel satisfied.
Basic Cabbage and Vegetable Soup
6 large green onions diced
2 green peppers diced
2 cans of diced tomatoes (sodium-free if possible)
3 whole carrots or 15 baby carrots sliced
1 bunch of celery diced
1 bag of precut cabbage cole slaw mix or 1 head of cabbage
2 cans of low sodium broth (beef, vegetable or chicken all work)
Season to taste (try not to include salt)
Sauté diced green onions, green peppers and celery in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft on medium-high heat in the bottom of a stock pot. Add the cabbage (if using a head of cabbage remove the outer layer and cut into bite-size pieces) and carrots. Add the 2 cans of broth along with dry seasonings. Add enough water to cover all of the ingredients and let come to a simmer, do not boil it because you don't want the broth to evaporate. Allow it to simmer with the lid on for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool before placing the stock pot in the refrigerator for storage.
Days 1 & 2
Cabbage-Soup-Diet.com recommends eating only fruit and the soup on the first day. Avoid bananas when eating the fruit. Bananas are high in sugar and will be used on another day.
Stay away from the fruit and beans the second day. Focus on eating leafy, green vegetables, which are packed with nutrients. Add one large baked potato with butter or margarine to a single meal.
Days 3 & 4
Day three is a combination of the first two days and allows you to eat as many fruits (no bananas) and vegetables as you want. Don't eat the baked potato on this day.
Day four is a departure from the previous three days. This day you will eat as many bananas and drink as many glasses of fat-free milk as you like. This is supposed to reduce the desire for sugary foods.
Days 5 & 6
At least one serving of the soup should be eaten these days.
Days five and six you begin adding protein to your meal plan. Lean cuts of beef, skinless chicken breasts or lean fish can be eaten broiled or grilled. Day five you will focus on eating the 10 to 20 ounces of protein with tomatoes.
Day six you will eat the 10 to 20 ounces of protein with as many vegetables as you like, but no potatoes.
Day 7 & Maintenance
The final day of the diet again departs from what has been done before. You can have brown rice alone or add it to your soup this day. Drink as much unsweetened fruit juice and water as you wish.
Maintenance begins when you return to your regular diet. In order to avoid putting the pounds lost back on, try to focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein sources in proper portions. Eat only when you are hungry and drink plenty of water to avoid bloating.
Tags: baked potato, diced green, green onions, green peppers, head cabbage, ounces protein, ounces protein with