Are you looking for a simple way to jumpstart your weight loss? The cabbage soup diet is a short-term plan that many people use to shed pounds quickly. In this post, we’ll break down the 7-day cabbage soup diet meal plan in easy steps. This plan is known for helping people lose weight fast, but it’s important to remember that it’s not meant to be followed long-term.
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The cabbage soup diet is a low-calorie eating plan that mainly includes cabbage soup. It lasts for 7 days, and during this time, you’ll eat the soup along with specific foods each day. The goal is to limit calorie intake while still giving your body some variety.
How Does the Cabbage Soup Diet Work?
The cabbage soup diet works by drastically cutting calories, which helps your body burn fat. Since cabbage soup is low in calories, you can eat it in large amounts without gaining weight. The other foods in the plan provide some nutrients and help keep you full.
Cabbage Soup Recipe
Before diving into the 7-day plan, here’s a basic cabbage soup recipe you’ll be eating throughout the week:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 large green onions
- 2 green peppers
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 bunch of celery
- 3 carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onions in a little olive oil.
- Add the green peppers, carrots, and celery.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and enough water to cover the vegetables.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender (about 30-40 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper.
The 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet Meal Plan
Day 1: Cabbage Soup and Fruit
- Eat as much cabbage soup as you want, along with any fruit (except bananas). Try apples, oranges, or berries. Drink plenty of water or unsweetened tea.
Day 2: Cabbage Soup and Vegetables
- Eat cabbage soup and non-starchy vegetables like carrots, spinach, and broccoli. Avoid peas, corn, and beans. For dinner, you can treat yourself to a baked potato with a little butter.
Day 3: Cabbage Soup, Fruits, and Vegetables
- Combine the first two days. Eat cabbage soup, fruits, and vegetables, but no baked potato today.
Day 4: Cabbage Soup, Bananas, and Milk
- Eat cabbage soup with up to 8 bananas and drink as much skim milk as you want. This helps reduce cravings for sweets.
Day 5: Cabbage Soup and Protein
- Eat cabbage soup, 10-20 ounces of beef, chicken, or fish, and up to 6 fresh tomatoes. Drink at least 8 glasses of water to help flush out toxins.
Day 6: Cabbage Soup, Protein, and Vegetables
- Eat cabbage soup, along with lean protein like beef, chicken, or fish, and as many vegetables as you like (except for potatoes).
Day 7: Cabbage Soup, Brown Rice, and Vegetables
- On the final day, eat cabbage soup, brown rice, and vegetables. You can also drink fruit juice, but keep it to a minimum.
Tips for Success
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water each day. This helps your body stay energized and helps flush out toxins.
- Don’t skip meals: Eating regularly will keep your energy levels up and help you stay on track.
- Exercise lightly: Since this is a low-calorie plan, stick to light exercises like walking or yoga to avoid feeling too tired.
What to Expect During the Diet
In the first few days, you might feel a bit hungry or low on energy. This is normal as your body adjusts to the lower calorie intake. By the end of the week, you may notice a significant drop in weight, but remember, much of this will be water weight. While this plan can kickstart weight loss, it’s not a long-term solution.
Is the Cabbage Soup Diet Safe?
The cabbage soup diet is generally safe for most healthy people when followed for just one week. However, it’s very low in calories and certain nutrients, so it’s not a balanced diet. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns before starting this plan, especially if you have any medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
The cabbage soup diet is a popular, short-term way to lose weight quickly. However, it’s not meant to be followed for more than 7 days. If you need a quick jumpstart to your weight loss journey, this plan might help you see results. Just remember, long-term weight loss comes from a balanced diet and regular exercise.