Looking for ideas for quick weight loss? Cabbage soup diet is exactly what you need! Dieters have reported losing as many as 10 pounds in just 7 days!
Isn’t that great? Living on just cabbage soup for 7 days may sound so unappetizing. But, let me assure you that you do not have to eat cabbage soup alone. You can gorge on fruits, veggies, and proteins to keep your metabolism active and your taste buds alive.
The next best thing about the cabbage soup diet is that it helps you stay active, energetic, and this diet is pocket-friendly. But remember, this diet plan is not recommended for long-term weight loss plans. In fact, following this diet continuously can weaken your immunity.
In this article, we will discuss the 7-day diet plan, substitute foods, cabbage soup recipe, exercises to follow, and cabbage soup diet benefits. All you have to do is, scroll down.
1. What Is Cabbage Soup Diet?
The cabbage soup diet is a diet plan designed to cause short-term weight loss. This simple fad diet, along with half an hour of exercise, delivers better results than months of sweating through a regular weight loss program.
So, does this diet actually work? Let’s find out!
2. How Does The Cabbage Soup Diet Work?
The cabbage soup diet works by jump starting your body’s metabolism and fat mobilization. This diet restricts your calorie intake and forces your body to use fat as the energy source. Low sodium, low calories, and high fiber enable you to get in shape quicker than you would if you followed a moderate long-term eating plan.
Cabbage soup is often prescribed to obese patients as the diet is high in fiber and low in calories (20 cal per 100 gm of soup). It provides more than 53% of the recommended dietary allowance every day.
This is why the cabbage soup diet has successfully helped many people to lose weight. You too can lose weight by following the 7-day cabbage soup diet plan discussed below.
3. The 7-day Effective Cabbage Soup Diet Plan
There are several versions of the cabbage soup diet plan that have been around for years. You need to follow a strict diet chart for the 7-day period. Cabbage soup is the main item, and it is complemented with other foods to fulfill the nutritional requirements.
Day 1: Only Fruits
Why It Works
Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Along with it when you eat cabbage soup, you also get the vital nutrients from the veggies. Bananas are high in calories, hence, it is not recommended on Day 1. Cabbage soup and fruits diet is the perfect way to start your cabbage soup diet regimen.
Warm water with lime juice is one of the best ways to start your day. It will help wash out the toxins and kick start your metabolism. Eat a lot of low glycemic index fruits on this day along with the cabbage soup. In fact, you can have cabbage soup as many times as you want throughout the day to keep your hunger pangs at bay.
Foods To Eat
Fruits – Apple, peach, plum, guava, orange, nectarine, melon, watermelon, and kiwi.
Vegetables – Cabbage, onion, leek, celery, carrot, spinach, and green beans.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Vegetables – Cabbage, onion, leek, celery, carrot, spinach, and green beans.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Fruits – Banana, mango, grapes, cherries, and papaya.
Vegetables – Potato and sweet potato.
Grains – All kinds of grains, including brown rice and oats.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and vegetable oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Vegetables – Potato and sweet potato.
Grains – All kinds of grains, including brown rice and oats.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and vegetable oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Lime juice – Apple cider vinegar
Apple – Watermelon
Orange – Muskmelon
Kiwi – Cucumber
Peach – Plum
Guava – Fig
Honeydew melon – Pomegranate
Apple – Watermelon
Orange – Muskmelon
Kiwi – Cucumber
Peach – Plum
Guava – Fig
Honeydew melon – Pomegranate
Precaution
Do not eat too much or too many fruits at a time. Fruits contain sugar that can get converted to stored fat if it is not used as energy.
Useful Tip
Wash the fruits thoroughly before eating. If you opt for a fruit salad, choose fruits that will provide your body with different types of vitamins and minerals. Do not panic if you feel weak. It is just your body’s reaction to the low carb and low sugar diet. Drink enough water throughout the day.
Exercises For Day 1
Warning: People with heart conditions or any other condition that does not allow them to perform these exercises should consult their doctor or a fitness trainer to know the best workout plan for losing weight.
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 1
By the end of Day 1, you are going to feel great about yourself as you will feel lighter. The nutrients from the fruits and the cabbage soup will keep your energy levels high throughout the day, and you will look forward to Day 2 of this diet. Without much ado, let’s see what Day 2 has in store for you.
Day 2: Only Vegetables
Why This Works
Welcome to Day 2. Start your second day by drinking green/black tea (with a dash of lime juice) or black coffee. Caffeine helps you lose weight, and the smell of the tea or coffee will kick start your day. For breakfast, have a vegetable smoothie to provide your body with nutrients that will help you mobilize fat. Have a bowl of cabbage soup with different kinds of green leafy veggies to feel full. If you feel hungry post lunch, snack on cucumber or carrots. Eat as many veggies as possible at every opportunity. For dinner, have a medium bowl of cabbage soup and some grilled veggies to break the monotony.
Foods To Eat
Vegetables – Leek, celery, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, carrot, tomato, turnip, broccoli, green beans, kale, spinach, asparagus, beetroot, okra, and bottle gourd.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Vegetables – Potato and sweet potato.
Fruits – Avoid eating all fruits on this day.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains, including brown rice and oats.
Fats & Oils – Avocado, lard, butter, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Fruits – Avoid eating all fruits on this day.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains, including brown rice and oats.
Fats & Oils – Avocado, lard, butter, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Green/black tea or black coffee – Herbal tea
Kale – Beet greens or broccoli
Spinach – Collard greens or chicory
Carrot – Celery, beetroot or apple
Beetroot – Broccoli, carrot, celery or spinach
Cucumber – Celery sprayed with balsamic vinegar
Broccoli – Cauliflower, okra or collard greens
Asparagus – Leek, bok choy or Brussels sprouts
Kale – Beet greens or broccoli
Spinach – Collard greens or chicory
Carrot – Celery, beetroot or apple
Beetroot – Broccoli, carrot, celery or spinach
Cucumber – Celery sprayed with balsamic vinegar
Broccoli – Cauliflower, okra or collard greens
Asparagus – Leek, bok choy or Brussels sprouts
Precaution
Do not add sugar or artificial sweeteners to your tea or coffee as they can hinder your weight loss. Avoid eating starchy veggies.
Useful Tip
You may drink a cup of green tea or black coffee if you do not have the time to eat cucumber or carrots post lunch. Use olive oil to grill the veggies for dinner. If you do not like grilled veggies, you may have them sauteed.
Exercises For Day 2
Warning: People with heart conditions or any other condition should consult their doctor or a fitness trainer to know the best workout plan for losing weight.
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 2
After the fruits day (Day 1), you will like having meals consisting of different kinds of veggies. It’s a great day to experiment. Prepare snacks and breakfast that include healthy portions of veggies. Since veggies contain a lot of dietary fiber, your gut health will improve.
Now that Day 2 is over successfully, you will be prepared for Day 3 more than ever.
Day 3: Fruits And Vegetables
Why This Works
Warm water with lemon juice and honey is the perfect way to start the third day as it will help flush out the toxins and boost immunity. Since this is a fruits and vegetables day, for breakfast, drink a glass of smoothie to activate your brain, muscles, and organs. Cabbage soup will make you feel full, keep your hunger pangs at bay, and provide you with a lot of fiber to mobilize the fat. You may feel a little hungry in the evening. Having a glass of fresh fruit juice will rejuvenate your body and provide energy. A small bowl of cabbage soup and a fruit for dinner will help your digestive system and help you sleep better.
Foods To Eat
Vegetables – Leek, celery, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, carrot, tomato, turnip, broccoli, collard greens, radish greens, green beans, kale, spinach, asparagus, beetroot, okra, and bottle gourd.
Fruits – Kiwi, watermelon, melon, plum, pomegranate, berries, and pineapple.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Fruits – Kiwi, watermelon, melon, plum, pomegranate, berries, and pineapple.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Vegetables – Potato, sweet potato, and radish.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Lemon juice – Apple cider vinegar
Organic honey – Pure maple syrup (1/2 teaspoon)
Orange – Lime, lemon, or grapefruit
Apple – Blackberries
Watermelon – Honeydew melon or cucumber
Kale – Beet greens, spinach or broccoli
Pomegranate – Strawberry or pineapple
Carrot – Celery, beetroot or apple
Pineapple – Grapefruit or mango
Honeydew melon – Watermelon or guava
Kiwi – Cucumber or watermelon
Berries – Guava, apple or grapefruit
Organic honey – Pure maple syrup (1/2 teaspoon)
Orange – Lime, lemon, or grapefruit
Apple – Blackberries
Watermelon – Honeydew melon or cucumber
Kale – Beet greens, spinach or broccoli
Pomegranate – Strawberry or pineapple
Carrot – Celery, beetroot or apple
Pineapple – Grapefruit or mango
Honeydew melon – Watermelon or guava
Kiwi – Cucumber or watermelon
Berries – Guava, apple or grapefruit
Precaution
Do not eat high glycemic index fruits, or if you have them, eat a little. Also, avoid starchy foods.
Useful Tip
Spice up the cabbage soup by adding herbs or spices of your choice. Do not add condiments available in the market as they contain a lot of added sugar. This also holds true for packaged fruit juices, so it is better to make fresh fruit juice or eat a whole fruit.
Exercises For Day 3
Warning: People with heart conditions or any other condition should consult their doctor or a fitness trainer to know the best workout plan for losing weight.
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 3
You will love it when you see visible changes in your body by the end of Day 3. Veggies and fruits will help keep your hunger pangs at bay, and you will feel more conscious about your health. If you are used to binge eating, you might crave for junk food in the evening. Drink a glass of spiced up buttermilk to deal with the carb craving.
Day 3 is successfully over. Now get ready for Day 4 if you really want to look fabulous.
Day 4: Bananas And Milk
Why This Works
Green or black tea blends really well with lime juice and instantly makes you feel fresh and rejuvenated. You will eat at least two bananas on this day. Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin A, dietary fiber, and omega-3-fatty acids. Milk is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, potassium, good fats, and protein. Therefore, you will get all the essential nutrients for your body from banana and milk. You may include a small bowl of low-fat yogurt to support your digestion or a glass of warm milk with nutmeg to help you sleep better and wake up fresh the next morning.
Foods To Eat
Vegetables – Leek, celery, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, carrot, tomato, turnip, broccoli, collard greens, radish greens, green beans, kale, spinach, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beetroot, okra, bitter gourd, and bottle gourd.
Fruits – Banana, kiwi, melon, and apple.
Dairy – Milk, soy milk, buttermilk, and low-fat yogurt.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Fruits – Banana, kiwi, melon, and apple.
Dairy – Milk, soy milk, buttermilk, and low-fat yogurt.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Vegetables – Potato, sweet potato, and radish.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts And Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts And Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Green/black tea – Black coffee or herbal tea
Lime juice – Apple cider vinegar or grapefruit juice
Banana – Kiwi (or just omit the banana and have cabbage soup)
Milk – Soy milk
Low-fat yogurt – Sour cream
Lime juice – Apple cider vinegar or grapefruit juice
Banana – Kiwi (or just omit the banana and have cabbage soup)
Milk – Soy milk
Low-fat yogurt – Sour cream
Precautions
Do not drink milk if you are lactose intolerant. Opt for soy milk.
Useful Tip
Add half a teaspoon of cocoa powder to your milkshake to break the monotony. You may also add flax seed powder.
Exercises For Day 4
Warning: People with heart conditions or any other medical condition should consult their doctor or a fitness trainer to know the best workout plan for losing weight.
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 4
Some of you may feel weak by the end of Day 4. The monotony of milk, banana, and cabbage soup might make you feel bored with the diet plan. But when you check your body in the mirror, you will know that some hardships do pay off. Don’t give up. You have come a long way. A few more days to go to achieve your target weight.
Let’s now get ready for one of the best days of this diet plan, Day 5.
Day 5: Beef And Tomatoes
Why This Works
Starting your day with a glass of warm water and lime juice is a great way to boost metabolism and flush out the toxins. Have a nutrient-loaded breakfast with a smoothie or grilled beef bacon and tomato juice to help support your organs. Cabbage soup with non-starchy veggies will keep you active post lunch. If you feel hungry after two to three hours of lunch, have a glass of tomato smoothie to energize and rejuvenate yourself. Have a medium or small bowl of cabbage soup and a generous portion of ground beef to get the optimum protein to rebuild your muscles.
Foods To Eat
Vegetables – Leek, celery, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, carrot, tomato, turnip, broccoli, collard greens, radish greens, green beans, kale, spinach, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beetroot, okra, bitter gourd, and bottle gourd.
Fruits – Avoid eating fruits on this day.
Protein – Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breast, salmon, mushroom, and legumes.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts &Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Fruits – Avoid eating fruits on this day.
Protein – Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breast, salmon, mushroom, and legumes.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts &Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Vegetables – Potato, green peas, sweet corn, and sweet potato.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Beverages- Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments- Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Beverages- Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments- Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Lime juice – Apple cider vinegar
Tomato – Grapefruit, watermelon, and red bell pepper
Celery – Cucumber or leek
Kale – Spinach or carrot
Beef bacon – Turkey, pork bacon or mushrooms
Carrot – Beetroot, celery or cucumber
Coriander leaf – Parsley
Ground beef – Ground turkey, ground chicken, chicken breast, tuna, salmon
Tomato – Grapefruit, watermelon, and red bell pepper
Celery – Cucumber or leek
Kale – Spinach or carrot
Beef bacon – Turkey, pork bacon or mushrooms
Carrot – Beetroot, celery or cucumber
Coriander leaf – Parsley
Ground beef – Ground turkey, ground chicken, chicken breast, tuna, salmon
Precautions
Always opt for lean cuts of beef. Do not consume tomato if you are not allowed to do so by your doctor due to medical reasons.
Useful Tip
Add a dash of lime and black salt to your post-lunch smoothie to enhance its taste and uplift your mood.
Exercises For Day 5
Warning: People with heart conditions or any other medical condition should consult their doctor or a fitness trainer to know the best workout plan for losing weight.
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 5
You are going to love Day 5 because it is a break from the same veggies and fruits. However, be careful about the portion size. Overeating on this day will impact your weight loss and performance. If followed properly, you will replenish the lost proteins and feel much more energetic than any other day on this diet.
Let’s move on to the next day, Day 6, where you get to eat some more exciting foods.
Day 6: Beef And Vegetables
Why This Works
The morning detox water will help to balance the pH of your gut and facilitate bowel movement. The veggie smoothie will keep you full for longer and help in fat mobilization. Eat a medium portion of beef and cabbage soup to provide your body with the essential amino acids. A post lunch fresh fruit juice will curb your carb cravings. Well seasoned grilled beef chops and a medium bowl of cabbage soup will help your build body proteins and strengthen your muscles.
**For Vegetarians (Day 5 & Day 6)
If you are a vegetarian, opt for lentils, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, mushrooms, and tofu.
Foods To Eat
Vegetables – Leek, celery, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, carrot, tomato, turnip, broccoli, collard greens, radish greens, green beans, kale, spinach, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beetroot, okra, bitter gourd, and bottle gourd.
Protein – Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breast, salmon, mushroom, and legumes.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Protein – Ground beef, ground turkey, chicken breast, salmon, mushroom, and legumes.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices – Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Vegetables – Potato, green peas, sweet corn, and sweet potato.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Grains – Avoid all kinds of grains.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macadamia nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Apple – Cucumber
Fenugreek seeds – Triphala powder
Lemon – Apple cider vinegar
Carrot – Celery
Tomato – Beetroot or cucumber
Spinach – Kale
Cucumber – Carrot or watermelon
Beef – Turkey, chicken breast, tuna, salmon, mushrooms, or kidney beans
Lettuce – Chinese cabbage
Zucchini – Cucumber
Onion – Chive or leek
Beetroot – Celery or tomato
Fenugreek seeds – Triphala powder
Lemon – Apple cider vinegar
Carrot – Celery
Tomato – Beetroot or cucumber
Spinach – Kale
Cucumber – Carrot or watermelon
Beef – Turkey, chicken breast, tuna, salmon, mushrooms, or kidney beans
Lettuce – Chinese cabbage
Zucchini – Cucumber
Onion – Chive or leek
Beetroot – Celery or tomato
Precaution
Avoid using too much oil to grill the meat. Since you will be taking a lot of cabbage soup, you may experience bloating. Consult your doctor to avoid stomach cramps or unusual bowel movement.
Useful Tip
Thinly slice the apple and refrigerate the detox water overnight so that it is fortified with all the vitamins and minerals.
Exercises For Day 6
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 6
By the end of Day 6, you will start to notice the improvement in your muscle structure and strength. Your body will look more toned than before. The pain from exercising will also reduce.
So, one more day to go! Your determination and hard work will speak for you. Let’s see what is in store for you on Day 7.
Day 7: Brown Rice, Vegetables And Unsweetened Fruit Juices
Why This Works
Cinnamon is an active weight loss ingredient. Have a cool fruit smoothie for breakfast to boost your immunity. Brown rice is more nutritious as compared to white rice. Have a small portion of brown rice with other veggies to have a nutritious lunch. You may feel hungry by evening. Snack on a fruit (except banana) to keep your calories down. Fortify the cabbage soup with protein-rich mushrooms to help build lean muscle mass.
Foods To Eat
Vegetables – Leek, celery, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, carrot, tomato, turnip, broccoli, collard greens, radish greens, green beans, kale, spinach, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beetroot, okra, bitter gourd, and bottle gourd.
Fruits – Apple, kiwi, watermelon, honeydew melon, plum, orange, grapefruit, nectarine, and guava.
Protein – Mushroom and legumes.
Grains – Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and cracked wheat.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices- Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, cinnamon tea, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and fresh coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Fruits – Apple, kiwi, watermelon, honeydew melon, plum, orange, grapefruit, nectarine, and guava.
Protein – Mushroom and legumes.
Grains – Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and cracked wheat.
Fats & Oils – Olive oil, rice bran oil, hemp seed oil, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, sunflower butter, clarified butter (ghee), and peanut butter.
Nuts & Seeds – Pumpkin seed, flax seed, melon seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Herbs & Spices- Coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley leaves, rosemary, thyme, dill, oregano, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, fenugreek seeds, cumin, saffron, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, and bay leaf.
Beverages – Green tea, black tea, black coffee, cinnamon tea, herbal tea, fresh fruit juice, and fresh coconut water.
Condiments – Homemade coriander leaf chutney with lemon and salt, homemade mint chutney with lemon and salt, and homemade yogurt dip without sugar.
Foods To Avoid
Vegetables – Potato, green peas, sweet corn, and sweet potato.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macademia nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Fruits – Mango, green grapes, black grapes, and pear.
Fats & Oils – Lard, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, safflower oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil.
Nuts & Seeds – Cashew nuts, walnuts, and macademia nuts.
Beverages – Alcohol, packaged fruit juices, and packaged coconut water.
Condiments – Tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, mayonnaise dip, ranch dip, and tartar sauce.
Substitutes
Cinnamon tea – Green tea or black coffee
Apple juice – Cucumber juice
Kiwi smoothie – Kale and pomegranate smoothie
Brown rice – White rice (only if you are suffering from IBS), oats or quinoa
Carrot – Collard greens or brussels sprouts
Spinach – Kale
Boiled lentils РBoiled peas, boiled Bengal gram, or saut̩ed mushrooms
Apple – Celery soaked in vinegar
Saut̩ed mushrooms РVeg kidney bean chili or low-fat yogurt
Apple juice – Cucumber juice
Kiwi smoothie – Kale and pomegranate smoothie
Brown rice – White rice (only if you are suffering from IBS), oats or quinoa
Carrot – Collard greens or brussels sprouts
Spinach – Kale
Boiled lentils РBoiled peas, boiled Bengal gram, or saut̩ed mushrooms
Apple – Celery soaked in vinegar
Saut̩ed mushrooms РVeg kidney bean chili or low-fat yogurt
Exercises For Day 7
** Check the various fitness workouts here.
How You Will Feel By The End Of Day 7
I am sure you have noticed the difference. You have lost not only water weight but also fat, which is great as you look much slimmer and toned up now. You are much more active and positive in your outlook, which is one of the best benefits of exercising regularly and following the cabbage soup diet plan religiously.
It is strictly not recommended to follow this diet plan beyond Day 7. Let’s see why in the next section.
Beyond Day 7
The cabbage soup diet plan should not be followed beyond Day 7 as it is a short-term weight loss program. Eating low calories for a long time will stall your body’s weight loss, and it will switch to the starvation mode. This can lead to weight gain. A break of a week or two will help break the monotony and will not allow your body to adapt to the low-calorie diet. It will also help you lose weight without losing interest in the diet plan.
Keeping in mind your daily nutrient requirements, here is the recipe for the original cabbage soup. We have also provided a list of substitutes to help you modify the cabbage soup recipe. Make it delicious and enjoyable as per your taste.
4. How To Prepare The Original Cabbage Soup Diet Weight Loss Recipe?
Preparing cabbage soup is easy. Here are the ingredients and directions.
Ingredients
How To Make
5. Substitutions For The Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
So, how exactly does cabbage soup help you lose weight? Here is the science behind this diet plan.
6. Scientific Explanation Behind This Diet
How else can you benefit from the cabbage soup diet? Let’s find out in the next section.
7. Benefits Of The Cabbage Soup Diet
a. Rapid Weight Loss
b. No Hunger Pangs
This diet enables you to have as much soup as you wish along with an unlimited amount of fruits or veggies as well as meat on specific days. You can even have baked potatoes. Hence, you are less likely to suffer from hunger pangs during the day.
c. Provides Energy
d. Supply Of Nutrients And Vitamins
e. Simple And Inexpensive
In spite of the fact that the cabbage soup diet has yielded positive results in terms of weight loss, it is not recommended by health practitioners for more than a week. Like most fad diets, this diet is not without side effects, and you should be aware of them before following this diet plan.
8. Side Effects Of The Cabbage Soup Diet
a. Causes Starvation
When you follow this diet, you are restricted to consuming cabbage soup and vegetables on a particular day. Healthy fats and complex carbs that are needed to satiate your appetite and keep you feeling full are excluded. Thus, you are most likely to feel hungry.
b. Causes Flatulence
While following the cabbage soup diet, you are most likely to experience flatulence. Excess consumption of cabbage and other vegetables like broccoli can cause gas and make you feel bloated.
c. Risk Of Fatigue
This diet involves a drastic reduction in caloric intake, which will cause your energy levels to drop and you might experience fatigue. Carbohydrates and healthy fats are your body’s sources of energy.
The exclusion of these vital nutrients from your daily consumption can make you feel sleepy and lazy throughout the day. You might suffer from lack of energy to work out and for other activities.
d. Inadequate Nutrition
The main defect of the cabbage soup diet is that neither has it been set up in a nutritionally balanced way nor is it based on the proven principles of weight loss.
It does not allow too much intake of proteins and carbohydrates. Hence, you are likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies while following this diet. No wonder, it lasts for just seven days!
e. Frequent Urination
Consumption of too much soup and water in this diet can cause you to urinate more than usual. Cabbage is a natural diuretic, which means that it promotes the secretion of water from your body.
Other fruits and vegetables can also cause frequent urination as the natural produce is packed with water.
f. Causes Dizziness
Dizziness is another side effect of this diet. You might end up feeling light-headed due to the low intake of calories.
The lack of carbs and fat in your diet can cause your body to get fatigued to the extent of fainting. This can only be cured by increasing the intake of calories.
g. Can Cause Mood Swings
There is a lack of vital nutrients in the course of the diet. Hence, you are likely to become moody and irritable. Lack of proper nourishment for your body can make you suffer both physically and emotionally.
Though you will succeed in losing weight, you might experience migraines, light-headedness, and mood swings in the course of the diet. Eventually, you become slower, which will affect your work.
h. Poses Health Risks
It is not a natural weight loss program since 90% of the weight lost is water weight and not fat. Not only is this unhealthy, but the extra fat held by your body before the diet will still be there. Since this diet is low in nutritional value, it will put your body in a state of starvation and energy saving mode, thus lowering metabolism and causing the reverse effect of actually gaining weight.
Don’t get bogged down. The point here is to make it clear that this diet plan should not be followed continuously. Here are a few other points you should keep in might to get the most out of this diet plan.
No comments:
Post a Comment