The cabbage soup diet is a fad diet that claims to help you lose up to 10 lbs. in one week. It was supposedly developed by a cardiologist to help heart patients lose weight before surgery and sometimes goes by the names Sacred Heart Diet, Mayo Clinic Diet and Fat Burning Diet. These claims have not been scientifically studied, however. Always consult your health care provider before beginning this or any diet plan.
Cabbage Soup
This diet is based mainly on consuming cabbage soup each day. The soup is made with 6 green onions, 2 green peppers, 1 or 2 cans of tomatoes, 1 bunch celery, 1/2 a head of cabbage, 1 package onion soup mix and 1 to 2 cubes bouillon. Chop all vegetables and cover with plenty of water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer 30 to 35 minutes until the vegetables are soft. The soup is consumed at each meal, and any time you feel hungry. According to advocates of the diet, because it is high in fiber, the cabbage soup acts as a natural cleanser, flushing out the digestive tract, and aiding in weight loss.
Vegetables
Vegetables are another key component of the cabbage soup diet. Vegetables contain vitamins and minerals which can be lost while dieting. Try to include plenty of raw or lightly steamed vegetables with each meal during the next 7 days. Eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and celery. Use only salt and pepper to taste and avoid high-calorie additives like butter and dressing. Do not eat legumes or root vegetables like peas, lentils, or potatoes, except on day two when a baked potato and butter is eaten with dinner.
Fruits
In addition to the cabbage soup and fresh vegetables, certain fruits are permitted each of the seven days of the diet. Examples of low calorie, cleansing fruits to consume are apples, oranges, berries, cantaloupe and other melons. Bananas should be avoided as they high in sugar and calories. However, on day four of the diet, up to six bananas may be eaten to replenish lost electrolytes and nutrients like potassium. In addition, on day five you will need to eat up to six fresh tomatoes.
Meat
Toward the end of the diet, on days five and six, you are permitted to eat meat. Beef is the recommended choice, and you can eat unlimited amounts, as long as it is not breaded or covered in any high calorie sauces. The soup should still be consumed with each meal and as many fresh vegetables as you like. Fresh tomatoes can be eaten on day five, but not on day six. No potatoes or legumes should be eaten on these days. Aside from bananas, fruit may also be consumed on days five and six in limited quantities.
Brown Rice
Day seven is reserved for brown rice. This should be steamed and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. Do not use butter or other high calorie items to flavor the rice. The cabbage soup should still be eaten throughout the day, with each meal, along with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Brown rice is high in fiber and contains carbohydrates for energy.
Water
As with any diet, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. The Mayo Clinic recommends adults consume more than the previously accepted eight glasses per day. Women need at least nine cups of water per day and men as much as 13 cups just to replenish lost fluids. Those with active lifestyles may require more. Talk to your doctor for the amount that is right for you.
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