What Is The New Cabbage Diet?

If you're looking for a quick way to lose weight, eating nothing but cabbage soup may sound simple and effective. Unless you're willing to eat only cabbage soup for the rest of your life, however, it may not help you keep the weight off, according to the American Heart Association. Before trying the New Cabbage Soup Diet, consult your doctor.

History

The origin of the cabbage soup diet plan is unknown and several versions exist, including one attributed to renowned hospital, the Mayo Clinic. In 1997, Margaret Danbrot wrote the book "The New Cabbage Soup Diet," featuring updated recipes and instructions for the diet. According to Danbrot, the diet may be used to jump start a healthier eating program or to drop a considerable amount of weight in a relatively short period of time.

Misconceptions

The Cabbage Soup Diet has been rumored to have been developed by both the Mayo Clinic and the Sacred Heart Hospital. According to the article "The Mayo Clinic Diet" on MayoClinic.com, the cabbage soup diet was not created or endorsed by the Mayo Clinic in any way. In her book, Danbrot notes that none of the Sacred Heart Hospitals are responsible for creating the cabbage soup diet either.

Soup Recipe

To make the cabbage soup in the New Cabbage Soup Diet, slice a head of white cabbage, six peeled carrots, six peeled onions, six green onions, two red peppers, three tomatoes, five celery stalks into bite-sized pieces. Mince two cloves of garlic and place all ingredients in a pot. Add 6 quarts cold water to the pot, then boil for 10 minutes. While the soup is cooking, cook 1 1/2 cups brown rice in a separate container, then add it to the soup. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Other Foods

Although the New Cabbage Soup Diet consists of eating as much of the soup recipe as desired throughout the day, other foods are allowed, notes EveryDiet. Fruits and vegetables, beef, fish and fruit juice are eaten sparingly during the 10-day diet to add essential protein, vitamins and minerals. On day two, three, six and seven of the diet, you can eat as many "free" vegetables as desired. "Free" vegetables include cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, celery and sweet peppers.

Expert Insight

The American Heart Association warns against fad diets, including the Cabbage Soup Diet. The Cabbage Soup Diet, which promotes eating the same food for days at a time in order to drop pounds, is not a sustainable diet plan and may cause abdominal discomfort and gas. Eating a variety of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains combined with daily exercise is the most effective way to lose weight, the AHA notes.