A weight loss diet centered around cabbage often involves the well-known cabbage soup diet, which is a short-term diet designed to help you lose weight quickly, primarily through low calorie intake. Here’s a basic overview of how such a diet might look:
Cabbage Soup Diet Plan (7-Day)
Day 1:
- Food: Unlimited cabbage soup and any fruit except bananas.
- Drinks: Water, unsweetened tea, and black coffee.
Day 2:
- Food: Unlimited cabbage soup and low-calorie vegetables (avoid starchy veggies like corn or potatoes). Dinner can include a baked potato with a small amount of butter.
- Drinks: Water and other calorie-free beverages.
Day 3:
- Food: Unlimited cabbage soup, fruits, and vegetables.
- Drinks: Water and calorie-free beverages.
Day 4:
- Food: Unlimited cabbage soup, up to eight bananas, and skim milk.
- Drinks: Water and milk.
Day 5:
- Food: Cabbage soup, 10 to 20 ounces of beef, chicken, or fish, and up to six fresh tomatoes.
- Drinks: At least 6 to 8 glasses of water.
Day 6:
- Food: Cabbage soup, unlimited amounts of beef, chicken, or fish, and vegetables.
- Drinks: Water and calorie-free beverages.
Day 7:
- Food: Cabbage soup, brown rice, vegetables (except potatoes), and unsweetened fruit juice.
- Drinks: Water and fruit juice.
Recipe for Cabbage Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 2 green peppers, diced
- 1 bunch celery, diced
- 1-2 cans of diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6-8 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Herbs and spices: black pepper, thyme, basil, or oregano
- Salt to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Spray a large pot with non-stick cooking spray and sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers until soft.
- Add the celery, cabbage, and tomatoes with their juice.
- Pour in water or vegetable broth, ensuring the vegetables are covered.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar and season with herbs, black pepper, and salt if needed.
Attention!
While the cabbage soup diet can lead to rapid weight loss, it is not suitable for long-term weight management. The diet is extremely low in protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential fats, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies if followed for an extended period. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a nutritionist before starting any drastic diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.