A new diet trend seems to take the world by storm every other day. Some claim to be the ultimate solution to shedding those extra pounds, while others swear by their health benefits. One such diet that has been making rounds is the cabbage soup diet.
This diet involves consuming a soup made chiefly of cabbage and other low-calorie vegetables for seven days straight to lose weight.
But does it work? In this blog, we’ll explore the cabbage soup diet and whether it’s practical.
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Cabbage Soup Diet
First things first, let’s understand what the cabbage soup diet entails. As mentioned, it involves consuming a soup made of cabbage and other low-calorie vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots.
The recipe varies across different sources, but the idea remains the same- it’s a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate soup to help you lose weight. While it’s essential to consume the soup on all seven days, some variations allow for certain fruits, vegetables, and minimal protein on certain days.
Does Cabbage Soup Diet work?
The simple answer is yes; it can help you lose weight. Since the soup is so low in calories, you’ll undoubtedly consume fewer calories than your body burns in a day, which can lead to a calorie deficit. When this happens, your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy, thus resulting in weight loss.
However, it’s essential to note that while the cabbage soup diet can help you lose weight, it’s not a sustainable long-term solution. Once you stop following the diet, you likely put the weight back on and potentially even gain more.
Does Cabbage Soup have any side effects?
Furthermore, the cabbage soup diet can come with its set of downsides. Since it’s so restrictive, it can be challenging to stick to, and you may feel hungry, tired, and irritable during the week. Additionally, since the soup lacks significant nutrients like protein and healthy fats, you may experience nutritional deficiencies, which could harm your health in the long run.
You May Also Want To Read About How Long it takes to Cook Cabbage on Stovetop?
Health Benefits of the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The cabbage soup diet can also have some health benefits. Since it involves consuming mainly vegetables:
- it can increase your fiber intake
- improve digestion
- potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Furthermore, since it’s low in sodium, it can help reduce water retention and bloating, making you feel lighter and more comfortable.
How much weight can you lose on the cabbage soup diet in a week?
The weight you lose depends on your height, weight, activity levels, and age. Generally speaking, you can expect to lose between five to seven pounds in a week. However, it’s essential to note that the majority of this will be water weight and not necessarily fat loss.
How many times a day do you eat the cabbage soup diet?
You should eat the cabbage soup diet at least once daily, but having multiple servings throughout the day is outstanding. You can supplement the soup with other low-calorie meals like salads, fruit, and unsweetened beverages.
Final Thoughts
The cabbage soup diet can help you lose weight but is not a sustainable long-term solution. Adopting a balanced and healthy diet and regular exercise is better if you want to shed pounds.
However, consuming cabbage soup can have some health benefits, and it’s a great way to increase your vegetable and fiber intake.
So, as with most things in life, moderation is key- have your cabbage soup, but don’t rely solely on it for weight loss.
