While results may vary, following this plan can help you to lose up to 10 pounds in one week. It is designed as a cleanse, and is based on the popular cabbage soup diet. It should be noted that this plan was not designed to be followed long-term. Instead, it can be used as a way to "kick-start" your weight loss program.
Step 1
Make the cabbage soup at the beginning of the week. Chop all the ingredients listed and combine in a large pot. Cover it with ample water and bring it to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about an hour, until all vegetables are tender. You may also make half the soup on day one, and the other half by day four.
Step 2
Eat the soup for every meal. You may also have a cup of soup anytime you are hungry. Cabbage is especially cleansing for the liver. As Kim Evans of Natural News explains, the liver is "your prime detoxification organ, [and] is also your prime fat burning organ. So when you detoxify your body, you are freeing up your liver's resources to burn fat."
Step 3
Snack on fresh fruit such as berries and melons, or have fresh fruit for breakfast. Do not eat canned fruit, which contains high amounts of sugar or syrup. Unlike the traditional cabbage soup diet which allows potatoes, brown rice and even steak on certain days, this rapid weight loss diet is more of a cleanse.
Step 4
Eat all the fresh fruits and vegetables you like, including grapefruit, melons, berries, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Avoid bananas, squashes, potatoes and other root vegetables which are high in carbohydrates. Raw fruits and vegetables are also rich in digestive enzymes, which will help break down toxins and fat in the digestive system.
Step 5
Exercise everyday. This cannot be stressed enough. Find some form of moderate exercise to do each day. Try jogging, biking, swimming or aerobics, for at least a half hour or more. The program works by not only cleansing the body of excess waste, but by burning more calories than you consume. It is important not to cut back on either part for maximum results.
Step 6
Practice meditation or relaxation techniques daily. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes per day to practice deep breathing exercises while listening to a relaxation CD or guided mediation for weight loss. This helps not only to strengthen your resolve, but will alleviate stress which can contribute to weight gain in the first place. Guided meditation audios are available on CD or can be downloaded online.
Tips and Warnings
- Because this program helps with weight loss as well as detoxification, it is important to use only fresh ingredients. Whenever possible, buy organic produce which is free of harmful pesticides and herbicides. Also, once the week long cleanse is complete, try to incorporate some of the same principles into your regular diet. Continue to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables each day and exercise on a regular basis.
- Always consult your physician or healthcare practitioner before beginning this or any diet plan. Remember, the weight loss that results from following this program is mostly due to the cleansing effects of the soup, fresh fruits and vegetables. You should be able to lose up to 10 pounds by the end of the 7-day period. However, once you resume normal eating patterns, expect to put a couple of pounds back on.
Things You'll Need
- 1 head cabbage
- 2 bullion cubes
- 6 fresh tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 stalk celery
- Salt and pepper to taste
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