It is common for people to try out different recipes and explore popular superfood fads to maintain a healthy body. One such fad that still holds sway among people is the cabbage soup diet. Soups made from only cabbage are low-fat and consumed to maintain a certain body standard. The leafy vegetable is rich in carbohydrates, fibers, and other essential nutrients, and is usually cooked and eaten as a part of a balanced meal plan.

What is the 7-day cabbage soup diet?

This is a full-week eating plan loosely designed for those with specific fitness goals. It predominantly involves consuming cabbage soup for seven consecutive days. While the meal plans are mostly centered around having cabbage soup, you can include other food items such as vegetables, lean meats, herbs, and fruits. However, it is advisable to avoid processed foods, greasy items like cheesy fries, and sodas since these harm the body in the long run.

Recipe for the cabbage soup diet
The major ingredients of the 1-week cabbage soup diet recipe are as follows:

1 Cabbage head

2-6 Onions (large)

2 Green peppers (diced)

A packet of Mushrooms (250 mg approx.)

Canned tomatoes (whole or diced)

Garlic cloves

3 Carrots (chopped)

1-2 Bouillon cubes (optional)

Pepper

Salt

A bunch of chopped celery

Any seasoning or dried herbs for added flavor (optional)

6-12 cups of water

Directions to cook
Cut all the vegetables into small pieces and mix them (except the onions) in a bowl.

Use oil to fry the onions in a separate pot.

Then add mushrooms, green pepper, and other ingredients.

Sprinkle salt and pepper in the required amounts.

Add water to the mixture and stir well.

When it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a medium or low flame and cook until the ingredients are tender.

There are many versions of the cabbage soup; however, most recipes include a majority of the ingredients listed above.

A typical 7-day cabbage soup diet is likely to be like this:

Day 1

Cabbage soup along with fruits, except bananas .

Choose low-calorie or low-sugar fruits such as cantaloupes, watermelon, and apples.

You can also have water and limited amounts of unsweetened tea or coffee.

Day 2

Day two is the day for soup and vegetables. So, avoid eating fruits.

You should focus on raw or cooked leafy greens.

Avoid corn, beans, and peas. You can include a single baked potato in the meal.

Day 3

The third day of the cabbage soup meal plan has slightly more relaxed rules. You can consume almost all fruits and vegetables with the soup.

You’re allowed to have any amount of fruits, vegetables, and soup. However, exclude baked potatoes and bananas from the list.

You can eat the vegetables in their raw and cooked form.

Day 4

Food for day 4 includes unlimited cabbage soup.

You can also have as much skimmed milk as you would like and have plenty of bananas.

Day 5

This is the day when you can introduce lean meats to your meals.

Include 10-20 ounces of beef, which you can substitute with lean protein such as chicken and fish if you’d like, in addition to the cabbage soup.

You can also eat up to six tomatoes.

Remember to drink five to eight glasses of water.

Day 6

On this day, you can have vegetables, meat, and soup.

You can replace the beef with broiled fish.

Consume as much cabbage soup with other proteins and vegetables (including leafy greens and excluding baked potatoes).

Day 7

In addition to the soup, you can have brown rice, vegetables, and fruit juices. Remember to have no added sugar.

During the week you choose to follow the cabbage soup diet, try to avoid consuming additional items that are not on the list, which includes, but is not limited to, bread products, bakery items, most grains, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that only having cabbage soup is not a good option for people who have any health conditions unless specified by a certified doctor. So, before starting a new food plan, it is always advisable to consult a nutritionist or your primary physician.

Benefits of the 7-day cabbage soup diet
Easy to prepare and serve.

Ingredients are readily available and affordable.

Potential drawbacks
Might not be helpful in long-term fitness goals.

Lacks essential nutrients.

Very low in calories.

It may cause cramping and gallbladder issues when consumed over the long term.

Cabbage is a highly nutritious food that offers multiple health benefits. Primarily having cabbage soup can be an option for some people, but it is strongly advised not to have it as the main meal option for longer than a week. Eating it for an extended period can lead to health issues such as a lowered metabolism. Just relying only on a 1-week cabbage soup diet is not ideal; factors such as exercise, sleep, different foods from multiple food groups, and your lifestyle also play an essential role in leading a healthier life.