The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term weight loss plan designed to help individuals lose weight quickly—typically in seven days—by consuming large quantities of low-calorie cabbage soup. Often used as a jumpstart to a longer-term healthy eating plan, this diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins on specific days while keeping calorie intake low.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Very low in calories—can lead to rapid short-term weight loss
- Rich in vegetables and nutrients
- Simple to make and inexpensive
- Great detox/reset option to start healthy eating habits
- Can help reduce bloating and water retention
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green cabbage, chopped
- Onion, chopped
- Carrots, sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Bell peppers, diced
- Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: green beans, mushrooms, zucchini, or herbs like parsley and thyme
Directions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes.
- Pour in broth to cover the vegetables and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30–45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy throughout the day.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 bowls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add spices like cayenne or curry powder for extra flavor
- Use tomato juice or V8 instead of broth for a tomato-rich base
- Add lean protein like chicken or beans if not strictly following the diet
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot
FAQs
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
A 7-day low-calorie meal plan centered around eating unlimited cabbage soup with added fruits, veggies, and proteins on specific days.
How much weight can I lose?
People report losing 5–10 pounds in a week, mostly from water weight.
Can I eat anything else besides the soup?
Yes, each day includes specific food groups (e.g., fruits, vegetables, lean meat).
Is it healthy?
It’s low in calories but not balanced for long-term use. It should only be followed short-term.
Can I exercise while on this diet?
Light exercise is okay, but intense workouts are not recommended due to the low calorie intake.
Does the soup taste good?
It’s mild and savory but can be adjusted with herbs, spices, and extra vegetables.
Is this diet good for long-term weight loss?
No—it’s meant for quick results and should be followed by a more sustainable plan.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Yes, especially on the designated protein days. Chicken, turkey, or tofu work well.
How do I avoid getting bored?
Make small flavor tweaks each day with different herbs and spices or add a splash of hot sauce or vinegar.
What are the common side effects?
Some people experience fatigue, headaches, or digestive changes due to the low-calorie intake.
Conclusion
The Cabbage Soup Diet is a simple, low-calorie meal plan that’s easy to follow and can yield quick results for short-term weight loss goals. While it’s not intended for long-term dieting, it can serve as a useful reset to kick off a healthier lifestyle. The cabbage soup itself is flavorful, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Print
Cabbage Soup Diet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A low-calorie, nutrient-rich soup made primarily from cabbage and other vegetables, designed to support short-term weight loss and detoxification as part of a 7-day diet plan.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 cup green beans or sliced zucchini
- Fresh parsley or lemon juice for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add chopped cabbage, bell pepper, diced tomatoes (with juice), and broth.
- Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a splash of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- This soup is typically eaten multiple times daily for 7 days as part of a specific diet plan.
- Best made in large batches and stored in the fridge for easy reheating.
- Add lean protein like chicken or beans for variation if not strictly following the diet rules.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg