Cabbage Soup Diet

A low-calorie diet based on consuming cabbage soup

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The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term weight loss diet that has been popularized as a quick way to lose weight. It involves consuming large quantities of low-calorie cabbage soup over a period of seven days, along with a specific set of foods that vary each day.

History

The origins of the Cabbage Soup Diet are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 1980s as a fad diet. It gained popularity due to its promise of rapid weight loss, often claimed to be up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in a week. Despite its popularity, the diet is not endorsed by medical professionals due to its restrictive nature and lack of essential nutrients.

Diet Plan

The Cabbage Soup Diet is structured over a seven-day period, with each day allowing specific foods in addition to unlimited cabbage soup:

• Day 1: Unlimited cabbage soup and fruit (except bananas).
• Day 2: Unlimited cabbage soup and vegetables, especially leafy greens (no peas, corn, or beans). A baked potato with butter is allowed.
• Day 3: Unlimited cabbage soup, fruits, and vegetables (no baked potato).
• Day 4: Unlimited cabbage soup, bananas, and skim milk.
• Day 5: Unlimited cabbage soup, up to 20 ounces of beef, and up to six tomatoes.
• Day 6: Unlimited cabbage soup, beef, and vegetables.
• Day 7: Unlimited cabbage soup, brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables.

Nutritional Analysis

The Cabbage Soup Diet is very low in calories, fat, and protein, which can lead to rapid weight loss. However, it is also low in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The diet is not balanced and lacks sufficient protein and healthy fats, which are necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

Health Considerations

While the Cabbage Soup Diet may result in short-term weight loss, it is not considered a sustainable or healthy long-term eating plan. The weight loss experienced is often due to water loss and muscle depletion rather than fat loss. Additionally, the diet can lead to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and irritability due to its low-calorie and low-nutrient content.

Medical professionals generally advise against fad diets like the Cabbage Soup Diet, recommending instead a balanced diet with a variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Criticism

The Cabbage Soup Diet has been criticized for its lack of scientific basis and potential health risks. It is often categorized as a "crash diet," which can lead to a cycle of yo-yo dieting and potential metabolic slowdown. The restrictive nature of the diet can also lead to disordered eating patterns.

Also see

• Fad diet
• Balanced diet
• Weight loss
• Nutrition
• Dieting