The Original Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe is a popular short-term meal plan that involves eating cabbage soup over the course of 7 days, along with specific foods. The soup itself is low in calories but filling, making it a go-to for people looking to shed some pounds quickly. Here’s a basic Cabbage Soup Recipe that’s simple, easy to make, and perfect for weight loss.
1. Original Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, sliced
- 2-3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water (low-sodium if possible)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 1-2 cups spinach or kale (added at the end)
- Red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables
Chop all the vegetables: cabbage, onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and any optional vegetables you’d like to add.
Step 2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic (Optional)
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3. Add the Vegetables and Broth
Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and any other vegetables you’re using to the pot.
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
Step 4. Season the Soup
Season the soup with oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Step 5. Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 6. Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want to add some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
If you’re adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just until they wilt.
Step 7. Serve
Ladle the cabbage soup into bowls and serve hot. You can sprinkle a little fresh parsley or cilantro on top for added flavor.
2. 7 Day Cabbage Soup Diet for Weight Loss
The Cabbage Soup Diet is designed to last for seven days, during which participants eat the cabbage soup along with specific foods outlined for each day. While the soup is the primary focus, you are also allowed to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and certain starches on different days.
Day-by-Day Breakdown:
Day 1: Eat as much cabbage soup as you like, along with any fruits (except bananas). Drink water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee.
Day 2: Along with the soup, eat a variety of vegetables. Focus on leafy greens and avoid starchy vegetables like corn and peas. At dinner, you may have a baked potato with butter.
Day 3: Combine fruits and vegetables (except bananas and potatoes) with your cabbage soup. You can eat as much of the soup as you want.
Day 4: On this day, you can have bananas and skim milk along with your cabbage soup. You’re allowed to eat up to eight bananas and drink as much milk as you like.
Day 5: You can add lean protein to your diet today. Eat 10-20 ounces of beef, chicken, or fish, and up to six fresh tomatoes. Make sure to drink plenty of water to flush out the excess uric acid from the protein.
Day 6: Today, you’re allowed to eat beef and vegetables. You can have up to three steaks and as many leafy green vegetables as you like, alongside your cabbage soup.
Day 7: Finish the diet with brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables, in addition to your cabbage soup.
What to Drink:
Throughout the seven days, water is your primary beverage, but unsweetened tea, black coffee, and cranberry juice are also allowed in moderation.
3. Benefits of the Cabbage Soup Diet
While the Cabbage Soup Diet is not meant to be a long-term solution for weight loss, it has a few key benefits, particularly for those looking for a quick boost or detox.
Quick Weight Loss: Due to its low-calorie nature, the diet often results in rapid weight loss, which can be motivating for individuals looking to kickstart their fitness journey. Many people report losing anywhere from 5 to 10 pounds in just one week, though much of this may be water weight.
High in Fiber: The cabbage soup itself is packed with fiber due to the vegetables, which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full. The high fiber intake can also aid in detoxifying the body, flushing out excess waste and toxins.
Low in Fat and Calories: The soup is extremely low in fat, making it a great way to reduce overall fat intake. Since the diet emphasizes vegetables and lean protein (on certain days), it encourages a temporary shift towards cleaner eating.
Simple and Inexpensive: The cabbage soup diet does not require any expensive ingredients or complicated meal prep. It’s an affordable way to lose weight, using basic vegetables and pantry staples.
4. Tips for Success on the Cabbage Soup Diet
If you decide to try the Cabbage Soup Diet, here are a few tips to help you succeed:
Prepare in Advance: Make large batches of the cabbage soup at the beginning of the week so you don’t have to worry about cooking each day. This also ensures that you always have a healthy option ready when hunger strikes.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the week is essential. It helps flush toxins from the body and aids in digestion, especially with the high fiber content of the diet.
Mix Up Your Seasonings: To avoid flavor fatigue, experiment with different seasonings in your soup. Adding herbs and spices like cumin, chili flakes, paprika, or Italian seasoning can make each pot of soup taste slightly different.
Listen to Your Body: The diet is very low in calories, so pay attention to how your body feels. If you start to feel weak, dizzy, or overly fatigued, it may be a sign that the diet is too restrictive for you.
The original cabbage soup recipe is easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be eaten throughout the week. While the diet is not meant for long-term use due to its restrictive nature, it can be an effective way to kickstart healthier eating habits.
