The Cabbage Soup Diet: What You Need to Know

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 5 min read

With so many trendy diets gaining popularity, it can be hard to find the diet that’s right for you. Maybe you’re looking to drop pounds quickly. Maybe you simply want to tone up. 

Chances are you’ve heard of the Atkins and Keto diets. But did you know that there is also a cabbage soup diet? Those who want to lose large amounts of weight quickly may find the cabbage soup diet to be an attractive diet option. The cabbage soup diet in itself may sound too good to be true. But is it?

Many experts say yes.

To see results on the cabbage soup diet, you must develop a meal plan that is high in fiber and low in fat. The cabbage soup diet requires you to eat cabbage soup numerous times each day for a total of one week. Because this diet is not flexible, many have dubbed it a fad diet. 

But how does it work exactly? According to experts, the cabbage soup diet does not require you to exercise or eat a number of healthy foods, so it is rather limiting. Most diets require a certain degree of exercise and a balanced healthy diet to promote good health. Exercise is necessary to just about every diet. The cabbage soup diet is the exception to the rule. 

The cabbage soup diet limits the number of calories you consume by limiting the amount of food you consume. Because this diet is low in calories and rich in fruits and vegetables, it causes people to use the bathroom more frequently than they normally do. After being on the cabbage soup diet for one week, many people find that they lose weight.

This weight loss is the result of water loss and a reduced calorie intake. The extreme calorie restriction of this diet makes it possible for you to lose weight quickly. However, even that comes at a cost. Some people limit themselves to the point that they consume only 1,000 or fewer calories in the first few days of the cabbage soup diet.

As the week progresses, you slowly increase your caloric intake until you consume a total of 1,200 calories per day. Because you are severely restricting your caloric intake, you could potentially lose four pounds over the course of a week. Health experts recommend losing one to two pounds per week, which is a healthy guideline for losing weight the right way.

Diets in which you lose weight gradually are healthier and are more efficient in helping you lose weight and maintain that weight long-term. According to PubMed, foods containing cabbage should not be consumed during pregnancy. This may make the cabbage soup diet unsafe for pregnant women. 

Although studies have found that eating cabbage improves overall health, many studies cannot find a direct link between cabbage soup and a lower body weight. Further research is needed to verify that cabbage promotes weight loss. Studies have found that the cabbage soup diet may have anti-inflammatory capabilities and cardiovascular benefits. In addition, kale is another vegetable that is known to prevent cancer.

This diet may be a quick fix for some people, but it may not be beneficial for individuals who want to lose large amounts of weight. Those who want to lose copious amounts of weight should not rely on this diet. Instead, they should focus on diets that incorporate a healthy lifestyle. Of course, being on this diet may be detrimental in the long run. 

The cabbage soup diet is not for individuals with chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Those with specific dietary requirements should not try this diet, because it has the potential to harm them.

This diet is rich in vegetables, incorporating “bite-sized” cabbage, chopped peppers, and chopped celery into its menu. Vegetables should be low in salt, and herbs may be used to add flavor. This diet also requires that you eat certain foods on different days. You are supposed to eat apples and berries on day three of this diet. 

You are supposed to eat brown rice on day seven of the diet, but you must also drink sugar-free juice on day seven of the diet. Turkey, chicken, potatoes, and eggs are mainstays of this diet and should be consumed on a regular basis. While this diet may sound appealing, there are some things to keep in mind.

While it is possible to lose as many as 10 pounds on this diet, it is often difficult to maintain that weight loss over an extended period of time. This diet leads to weight loss because it severely limits calories. However, many regain the weight they lost after they stop the diet. With the cabbage soup diet, you consume cabbage soup and a few other foods.

Foods, such as skim milk and vegetables, are allowed. However, they too should be consumed in moderation. You must limit yourself to one to two servings of these foods. According to experts, cabbage soup is detoxifying and helps your body eliminate toxins and excess fluid.

The cabbage soup diet has been around much longer than most people realize, dating back to the 1950s. Because there are so many limitations on this diet, it can be hard to figure out what you can eat. On day one of the diet, you can have any fruit, with the exception of bananas. On Day two, you are allowed non-starchy vegetables. 

You are allowed to have fruits and vegetables on day three. On day four, you are allowed skim milk and bananas. As the diet progresses, it becomes more limiting. On day five, you can have skinless baked chicken, tomatoes, and beef. On day six, you are allowed vegetables and beef. On day seven of the cabbage soup diet, you can have unsweetened fruits, unsweetened vegetables, and brown rice.

 The unfortunate part about this diet, experts say, is the fact that it doesn’t provide your body with enough of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Because this diet requires you to eat a lot of cabbage each day, it can be monotonous. This can leave you with cravings for unhealthy food. 

According to experts, the cabbage soup diet contains virtually no protein. Plus, it lacks a number of nutrients your body needs to thrive. Although many tout the effectiveness of the cabbage soup diet, sticking to this diet can come with dire consequences. 

The cabbage soup diet can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and hunger. You also have the potential to develop electrolyte and heart problems as a result of this diet. Other potential problems include weight gain and emotional side effects. This diet can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain. 

Individuals on the cabbage soup diet may suffer with gas. If you eat large amounts of cabbage soup, you are more likely to suffer from this side effect. You are more likely to become fatigued and hungry on this diet, because you are not allowed protein and fat.

This diet focuses on negative calorie and low-calorie food. Negative calorie foods are foods that burn calories when you eat them. Because these foods are low in calories to begin with, your body actually burns calories when eating these foods. 

Unlike many diets, the cabbage soup diet has the ability to affect your emotional well-being. Restricting calories keeps you from eating your favorite foods and snacks, which can lead to feelings of self-deprivation. Dieting can be linked to a lower self-image. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. This can also lead to mental health conditions, such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating. 

But how can the cabbage soup diet lead to weight gain? According to experts, many people find that the weight they lost comes back as soon as they return to their normal diet. Restrictive diets like this can slow your metabolism. Restrictive diets can lead some to fall back into bad habits of unhealthy eating. Another problem is the fact that severe calorie restrictions can lead to a number of health problems. These include vitamin deficiencies and other health problems. 

There are no specific instructions about what you should do when weaning yourself off this diet. Because of this, many people fall back into old habits and eat foods that can contribute to weight gain. However, if you are able to continue eating the foods this diet requires, you may be one of a few who find long-term success.

There are a number of benefits to the cabbage soup diet. Many people find it hard to stick to a diet for a long period of time. Because of this diet’s short duration, many people are not intimidated by it. It is easy to keep track of what you can and can’t eat with this diet. This diet is also effective in helping you burn belly fat. Additionally, cabbage may reduce your chances of developing some forms of cancer. 

This diet also allows you to draw energy from fat. 

9 Sources 

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/cabbage-soup-diet.aspx

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/the-cabbage-soup-diet

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35387620/

https://www.thedonutwhole.com/what-juice-can-i-drink-that-has-no-sugar/

https://myfoodstory.com/detox-cabbage-soup-recipe/

https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-about-skim-milk

https://www.livestrong.com/article/257785-side-effects-of-the-cabbage-diet/

https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-the-cabbage-soup-diet-3496214

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/calorie-restriction-and-fasting-diets-what-do-we-know

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.