The seven-day cabbage diet probably sounds like a marvelous idea---eat little except for cabbage soup for one week and wind up significantly thinner. However, the diet doesn't provide you with the nutrition you need for a week, according to the University of Florida, and it might wind up aggravating existing health conditions. You should always consult a physician before beginning any weight loss regimen.
Significance
Variations of the seven-day cabbage diet have circulated for years online. The diet promises rapid weight loss in one week by following a menu plan of daily cabbage soup, plus limited amounts of other foods such as milk and meat, according to the University of Florida. It bans flour, sugar, most other forms of starch, alcohol and fatty foods.
Ingredients
The cabbage soup features cabbage, of course, green onions, tomatoes, parsley and beef or chicken broth, according to the University of Cincinnati's Net Wellness website. You can have as much soup as you wish every day, but you're restricted in what other foods you eat---generally to one food group. For example, one day per week is fruit day, while on another day you can eat a baked potato.
Effects
Depending on which version of the diet you follow, it claims that you will lose 10 to 15 pounds in seven days. And you probably will lose weight, since the diet restricts calories pretty severely, according to the University of Florida. However, the weight you lose probably will come from water and from your muscles, not from fat.
Warning
You might also aggravate existing health conditions by following the seven-day cabbage diet, according to the University of Florida. The diet provides plenty of fiber, but may lead you to consume too much sodium and probably doesn't offer enough protein. If you have diabetes, you may have trouble maintaining your blood sugar level. If you have hypertension, the excess salt in the soup may exacerbate that condition.
Considerations
The seven-day cabbage diet might work for quick weight loss simply because it restricts calories to a level that's nearly unsustainable, according to the University of Cincinnati's Net wellness website. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you should embark on a sensible diet based on healthy foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. You should consult your physician before starting any diet.
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