The cabbage soup diet is a typical example of “magical” food diets. It is primarily based on claims that cabbages have special fat-burning abilities, although this has yet to be scientifically proven. There have been many different versions of this diet, but the traditional cabbage soup diet allows you to eat as much cabbage as you want. However, no authority claims to be the creator of the cabbage soup diet.
Based on a simple 7-day diet, the cabbage soup diet is very restrictive. It is a diet low in fat, high in fiber and low in calories, aimed at rapid weight loss.
The main foods allowed in the diet include large amounts of cabbage soup (as much as possible, at least once a day), vegetables, fruits, and beef, but not all together, distributed from day to day. In particular, alcohol is not allowed, only water and unsweetened fruit juices where appropriate.
Like any other weight loss diet program, the Cabbage Soup Diet also has its pros and cons that we should be aware of.
The 7 benefits of the cabbage soup diet
The advantages of this diet are the following:
1. You lose more weight as you eat more cabbage.
2. You can eat as much cabbage soup as you want throughout the diet.
3. Cabbage soup is high in water content, and water has been a proven way to stay well hydrated at all times.
4. The diet is known to be high in fiber and less calories as compared to others.
5. Due to the composition of the soup, you will not leave hungry.
6. This soup will not eliminate meat from your diet, since you will still be able to eat beef during the diet.
7. The diet only lasts seven days.
The 7 Cons of the Cabbage Soup Diet
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages regarding the cabbage soup diet and they are as follows:
1. A reported side effect of this diet is that it is supposed to give those who follow it a headache.
2. The cabbage soup diet is only effective for weight loss in the first week. It is not designed for long-term dieting, which is why dieters should switch to another diet regimen.
3. The diet restricts drinks other than water or unsweetened juices. Controlling cravings for alcohol, soft drinks, and dairy drinks can be difficult.
4. Instead of losing fat and water. The cabbage soup diet attacks your muscles and you end up losing precious muscle tissue.
5. Due to the restricted number of calories, you may experience low energy levels throughout the diet.
6. Unlimited cabbage may seem unappealing, especially to those who basically don’t like cabbage.
7. The diet lacks the vitamins and minerals necessary for the maintenance of a healthy body.
This diet is just a type of quick-fix diet and should not be taken for more than the recommended duration. If you are looking to lose more weight than the few pounds lost on the ‘Cabbage Soup Diet’, it is recommended that you seek the help of professional dietitians.