While many of the foods allowed in the cabbage soup diet are considered “healthy,” the principles of this eating plan aren’t. The diet may also pose short-term side effects, and possibly more serious consequences if you have any underlying health conditions.
Due to the high sodium content of the cabbage soup diet, dehydration is one short-term side effect. The diet may also be harmful to people with diabetes because it can destabilize blood sugar levels. (1)
Because the soup itself is also extremely low in calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat, the Australian government’s Better Health Channel notes that you may experience: (8)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fatigue
Additionally, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics warns that fad diets can cause: (9)
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and flatulence
- Loss of concentration
- Muscle loss, which can occur when your body goes into “starvation” mode from not consuming enough calories
- Gallstones
An important consideration is the lack ofhealthy fatsin this diet. While you may be looking to get rid of body fat, dietary forms of fat are important for feeling full. Healthy fats, such as those found in fish and nuts, also contain important nutrients.Healthy fat is an essential macronutrient needed daily to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. (10)
“Essentially there is very little fat included in this diet because the only fat source comes from the beef, or milk if choosing whole milk,” says Rothenberg.
Perhaps one of the most concerning risks associated with fads like the cabbage soup diet is the havoc they can wreak on your metabolism. Indeed, they can lead you to gain weight when you go off of the plan. “I have had a client come to me and say they did the cabbage soup diet prior and it did ‘work’ in the short term, but she ended up gaining the weight back with an additional 5 lbs. the following week,” Rothenberg says.
Another consideration with fad diets such as the cabbage soup diet is that short-term weight loss of more than the recommended 1 to 2 lbs. per week is likely attributed to water weight, and not the coveted fat loss so many dieters are vying for. To put this in perspective, 10 to 15 lbs. of body fat is equal to between 40 and 60 sticks of butter, something that’s impossible to lose in a week’s time. (1)
It’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks carefully before trying out any new diet, but especially one as extreme as the cabbage soup diet, and ideally work with a registered dietitian-nutritionist when following it.
FAQs
What Experts Say. "The cabbage soup diet promises quick weight loss, but experts agree it's not a sustainable option. Protein and vegetables are a focus, but any weight lost is likely to be gained back. Plus, cutting food groups can lead to nutrient imbalances."
Do doctors recommend the cabbage soup diet? ›
No health authorities recommend following the diet. Proponents of the cabbage soup diet also encourage people not to exercise while following it. However, getting enough exercise is very important to good health overall. Regular exercise is also far more likely to lead to meaningful, long-term weight loss.
What happens if you do the cabbage soup diet for 2 weeks? ›
It will likely leave you feeling hungry, weak, and bored. You might even feel sick. And if you follow the Cabbage Soup Diet for more than a week, you could run short on key nutrients. Nor does the diet encourage the necessary lifestyle changes you need to make in order to be healthier and have lasting weight loss.
What do you eat for breakfast on the cabbage soup diet? ›
No fruit, corn, beans, or peas. One russet or sweet potato baked with butter or oil is allowed. Breakfast: You can begin the day with the baked potato. Dice the potato into cubes, sprinkle it with some cinnamon and olive oil, then roast in the oven with onions and bell pepper.
What are the cons of the cabbage soup diet? ›
NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE CABBAGE SOUP DIET
- Excess sodium intake – if you make the soup using canned vegetable juice.
- Inadequate caloric intake – it's likely that you'll suffer from weakness, fatigue, and dizziness, meaning you won't be able to exercise properly for the week.
Most variations of this diet suggest that people eat this soup two to three times a day—although some variations enable the participants to consume even more of the soup. The cabbage soup used in this diet combines ingredients like broth, nonstarchy vegetables, pepper, herbs and, of course, cabbage.
Why am I not losing weight on cabbage soup diet? ›
The diet plan is extremely rigid. Most of the weight lost will likely be water weight. The diet is only meant for short-term weight loss. The diet does not yield long-term results and most dieters will gain the weight back as soon as they stop the diet.
Can you eat eggs on the cabbage soup diet? ›
They are high in calories and sugar, so they are not recommended on the cabbage soup diet. High-Fat Foods: Foods rich in saturated fats, such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, vegetables like avocado, and high-fat sauces or dressings, should be avoided. It is also recommended to avoid eggs.
How much weight can you lose on the 7 day cabbage soup diet? ›
On the cabbage soup diet, most people lose between 5-10 pounds. For me, it's usually in the 7-10 pound range.
Can I drink coffee on the cabbage soup diet? ›
Most versions allow black coffee while following the cabbage soup diet, but not coffee with milk.
The cabbage soup diet allows unlimited zero-calorie beverages like water and unsweetened tea.
How to lose 10 pounds in a week? ›
To lose 10 pounds in one week, you'll need to burn between 3,500 and 5,000 calories more than you consume each day by restricting your diet to small portions of nutritious yet low-calorie foods, and significantly increasing your aerobic exercise with interval training, sports, and other vigorous activities.
Can you eat bread on cabbage soup diet? ›
The cabbage soup diet allows you to eat all of the cabbage soup you like in addition to adding certain foods on specific days throughout the week. No bread, alcohol, or carbonated beverages, including diet sodas.
Which soup is best for belly fat? ›
5 Best Soups That Will Help To Burn Belly Fat
- Vegetable soup. Lean protein from chicken combined with a variety of vegetables can make a satisfying and low-calorie soup that can help you feel full and satisfied.
- Chicken and vegetable soup. ...
- Black bean soup. ...
- Lentil soup. ...
- Tomato soup.
If you're eating vegetarian, you'll also want to use vegetable broth, but feel free to top the soup with queso fresco and plain Greek yogurt.
Why is the cabbage soup diet not working? ›
What Experts Say. "The cabbage soup diet promises quick weight loss, but experts agree it's not a sustainable option. Protein and vegetables are a focus, but any weight lost is likely to be gained back. Plus, cutting food groups can lead to nutrient imbalances."
Does cabbage burn belly fat? ›
Does cabbage burn belly fat? Although cabbage is a nutritious low-calorie vegetable, many people associate it with weight loss because of the popular "cabbage soup diet". Some creative marketing has led people to believe that cabbage actually burns body fat. In fact, no food, including cabbage, burns body fat.
Does cabbage detox the body? ›
Cabbage does double detox duty. Its diuretic properties help rid your body of excess liquid, carrying toxins along with it. Like other cruciferous veggies, cabbage is also sulfur-rich, helping your liver break down toxins so they can be more easily expelled.
