The “Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup,” also known as the “Cabbage Soup Diet,” is a popular short-term weight loss diet that gained popularity in the 1980s. It’s a low-calorie, high-fiber diet that is often followed for seven days. The basic idea is that you can eat unlimited amounts of a specific cabbage-based soup along with a few other prescribed foods. The soup is said to have negligible calories and is believed to help burn fat.
Here’s a simple recipe for the Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 6 large onions, chopped
- 2 green peppers, diced
- 1 bunch of celery, chopped
- 1 or 2 cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 package of dry onion soup mix
- 1 or 2 bouillon cubes (optional for flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Any other non-starchy vegetables you like (carrots, green beans, etc.)
Instructions:
- Spray a large pot with non-stick cooking spray or use a small amount of oil.
- Saute onions, peppers, and celery until slightly tender.
- Add cabbage and continue to saute until cabbage is wilted.
- Add tomatoes, dry onion soup mix, bouillon cubes, salt, and pepper.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until all the vegetables are tender.
The Cabbage Soup Diet typically lasts for seven days, and during this period, you eat the cabbage soup along with specific additional foods on each day. These may include fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of protein on certain days. It’s essential to note that this diet is considered a fad diet and is not a sustainable or balanced long-term eating plan.
While the Cabbage Soup Diet may lead to rapid weight loss due to its low-calorie nature, it is primarily water weight loss and not fat loss. Additionally, it lacks essential nutrients and can be monotonous, making it challenging to follow for an extended period. Before starting any new diet, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your individual health needs.
