The Cabbage Soup Diet is one of the most well-known, rapid weight-loss diets that has endured over the years. It promises a quick drop in weight in just seven days by primarily eating cabbage soup, supplemented by a few other low-calorie foods. But the key question many wonder is: How many times a day do you eat cabbage soup?
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the cabbage soup diet, including the recommended daily intake, the benefits, risks, and some commonly asked questions. Whether you’re just curious or planning to embark on this diet, this detailed guide will help.
What Is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term, low-calorie diet designed for quick weight loss. It’s a seven-day eating plan centered around a specific cabbage soup recipe. The diet became popular because it’s simple, inexpensive, and promises rapid results.
The core principle? You can eat as much cabbage soup as you want, up to several times a day. Most versions of the diet also allow you to eat a few other low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats on certain days.
For a detailed overview of the diet’s structure and whether it works for weight loss, you can refer to this comprehensive guide from Healthline.
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To learn more about the ingredients that can be included in your cabbage soup, check out the “Hearty Cabbage Soup with Sausage” recipe for a flavorful variation.
How Many Times a Day Should You Eat Cabbage Soup?
So, how often should you be eating this famous soup? Most variations of the diet suggest that people should eat cabbage soup two to three times a day. This recommendation is designed to prevent hunger and keep you on track with the diet’s low-calorie guidelines.
Some people may choose to eat it more frequently, but experts advise sticking to two to three servings per day for optimal results.
According to Medical News Today, consuming more than three bowls per day can lead to excessive bloating and discomfort due to the soup’s high fiber content. Learn more about cabbage soup diet safety and effectiveness here.
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If you are curious about what other foods you can eat on the cabbage soup diet, you may want to read “What Else Can I Eat on the Cabbage Soup Diet?”.
Daily Breakdown: A Typical Day on the Cabbage Soup Diet
Here’s what a typical day looks like on this diet:
- Breakfast: One bowl of cabbage soup
- Lunch: Another serving of cabbage soup, paired with a fruit or vegetable
- Dinner: Cabbage soup with an approved food, such as lean meat or more vegetables
You can adjust the number of bowls you eat per day, but you should not skip meals or exceed more than three large servings.
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Find out “How Many Times a Day Should I Eat Cabbage Soup?” for more insight into portion control and diet plans.
Foods Allowed on the Cabbage Soup Diet
The Cabbage Soup Diet isn’t just about eating the soup. Each day, you’re allowed a select list of foods to keep things from getting too monotonous. Here’s a breakdown:
- Day 1: Unlimited fruit (except bananas) along with cabbage soup.
- Day 2: Unlimited vegetables, particularly leafy greens, but avoid starchy vegetables like corn. You can eat a baked potato with butter for dinner.
- Day 3: A combination of fruits and vegetables, plus your soup.
- Day 4: Unlimited bananas and skim milk.
- Day 5: Beef, chicken, or fish (lean meats) with tomatoes.
- Day 6: Beef and vegetables (except potatoes).
- Day 7: Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juice, and vegetables.
These foods add a bit of variety to your diet while keeping the overall calorie intake low.
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For additional tips on diet variety, see “Why Is Cabbage Soup So Filling?”.
Benefits of the Cabbage Soup Diet
This diet has several advantages for those looking for rapid weight loss:
- Quick weight loss: By severely restricting calories, you can lose up to 10 pounds in just one week. This weight loss is mostly water weight and glycogen stores, but it can be a motivating start.
- Simple and affordable: With few ingredients and a simple structure, this diet is inexpensive and easy to follow.
- No calorie counting: Since you can eat the soup whenever you’re hungry, there’s no need to track calories.
For more information on the benefits and potential downsides, check out this article from EatingWell.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While the Cabbage Soup Diet can help with short-term weight loss, it’s important to understand the risks and side effects:
- Nutritional deficiencies: The diet lacks essential nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, and important vitamins, making it unsustainable for long-term use.
- Low energy levels: Due to the low-calorie nature of the diet, many people experience fatigue, dizziness, or headaches.
- Rapid regain of weight: Once you finish the diet, it’s common to regain the weight quickly, especially if you return to a regular diet immediately.
- Digestive issues: The high fiber content of cabbage can lead to bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort.
Due to these risks, it’s generally recommended to follow this diet for no more than a week.
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Want to know how much weight you can expect to lose on this diet? Visit “How Much Weight Can You Lose on the Cabbage Soup Diet?”.
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Making cabbage soup is simple and quick. Below is a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 large green onions, chopped
- 2 green peppers, chopped
- 1-2 cans of tomatoes (diced or whole)
- 1 bunch of celery
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 package of onion soup mix
- 6-8 cups of water
- Salt, pepper, and any herbs for seasoning
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onions in a small amount of olive oil.
- Add the remaining vegetables and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until all vegetables are tender (about 30-40 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
This simple recipe can be customized with different herbs or spices to suit your taste, and it can be made in large batches for the entire week.
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For more cabbage soup variations, you can explore “Hearty Cabbage Soup with Sausage” to switch things up.
FAQs About the Cabbage Soup Diet
To clear up any lingering questions, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Cabbage Soup Diet:
- How many times a day do you eat cabbage soup?
- You can eat cabbage soup two to three times a day. Most people consume it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while snacking on other allowed foods throughout the day.
- Can you drink coffee or tea on the cabbage soup diet?
- Yes, you can drink black coffee and unsweetened tea, but avoid adding sugar or cream.
- How much weight can you lose on the cabbage soup diet?
- People commonly lose between 5-10 pounds in a week. However, the majority of this is water weight and not fat.
- Is the cabbage soup diet safe?
- The diet is safe for most people to follow for one week, but it should not be extended beyond that due to nutritional deficiencies.
Tips for Success on the Cabbage Soup Diet
Here are some tips to make sure you succeed while on the Cabbage Soup Diet:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help with digestion and reduce bloating.
- Prep in advance: Make large batches of soup so that it’s always ready when you’re hungry.
- Add variety: Use herbs and spices to change the flavor of your soup. This can help prevent taste fatigue.
- Stick to the plan: Follow the diet exactly as written for the best results.
Conclusion
The Cabbage Soup Diet can be an effective way to jump-start weight loss, but it should be approached with caution. Eating cabbage soup two to three times per day, alongside a few low-calorie foods, can help you lose weight quickly. However, it’s important to understand the diet’s limitations and potential side effects.
While it can work for a short period, long-term weight loss should always focus on a balanced, sustainable diet. After completing this diet, it’s essential to transition back to a more balanced eating plan to maintain your results.
Are you ready to try the Cabbage Soup Diet for yourself? With careful planning and commitment, it can be a helpful tool in achieving your short-term weight loss goals.