How many calories a day on the cabbage soup diet?

The cabbage soup diet has become a popular, albeit short-term, weight loss strategy. Known for its low-calorie, high-volume approach, it encourages rapid weight loss by restricting daily calorie intake while focusing primarily on cabbage soup as a main food source. But how many calories can you actually consume on the cabbage soup diet? In this article, we’ll explore the caloric intake, its effectiveness for weight loss, and what else you can eat on this diet to ensure you remain healthy.

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What is the Cabbage Soup Diet?

The cabbage soup diet is a short-term weight loss plan that typically lasts for about seven days. It’s based on eating a large quantity of cabbage soup along with specific foods assigned to each day. The premise is simple: consuming a large volume of low-calorie soup can help you feel full while limiting the number of calories you eat, thus promoting weight loss.

The cabbage soup itself is typically very low in calories, with each serving containing about 45 to 133 calories, depending on the recipe. The soup is primarily made from cabbage, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other non-starchy vegetables. While the soup is the centerpiece of the diet, additional foods such as fruits (except bananas), vegetables, lean meats, and even a baked potato are included on different days.

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How Many Calories Are in the Cabbage Soup Diet?

When following the cabbage soup diet, the total calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and how much you consume. On average, the cabbage soup diet provides around 800 to 1,200 calories per day, which is significantly lower than the typical daily caloric needs for most adults.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical daily calorie intake on the cabbage soup diet:

• Day 1: Eat only fruits (except bananas) and cabbage soup. This day can provide approximately 800-900 calories.
• Day 2: Eat only vegetables and cabbage soup. Including a baked potato with butter for dinner can bring the calorie intake to around 1,000 calories.
• Day 3: A combination of fruits, vegetables, and cabbage soup may provide about 1,100 calories.
• Day 4: Bananas and milk are added to the diet. This day can be higher, about 1,200 calories.
• Day 5-7: Includes lean meats like chicken or turkey, and additional vegetables or salads. The caloric intake rises to 1,200-1,400 calories.

Despite these variations, the overall calorie intake remains significantly lower than a standard balanced diet, contributing to weight loss.

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Is the Cabbage Soup Diet Effective for Weight Loss?

The cabbage soup diet can indeed lead to weight loss, but the key is understanding the short-term nature of this plan. Because of its low-calorie content, it causes an immediate calorie deficit, which can lead to rapid weight loss. However, it’s important to note that much of the weight lost initially may be water weight rather than fat.

Many people experience quick results in the first few days, but these can plateau once the body adjusts to the drastic reduction in calories. Long-term weight loss from the cabbage soup diet is not sustainable because it is restrictive and may not provide all the necessary nutrients your body needs.

For those seeking a more sustainable weight loss plan, Weight Watchers or similar programs that focus on balanced nutrition and long-term habits may be more effective. Programs like Weight Watchers emphasize portion control, calorie tracking, and eating a variety of foods, including lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, all while allowing users to maintain their health.

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What to Eat on the Cabbage Soup Diet?

On the cabbage soup diet, the food you can eat is carefully planned for each day. Here's a general breakdown:

• Day 1: Only fruits (except bananas) and cabbage soup. Fruits like apples, oranges, and melons are encouraged.
• Day 2: Vegetables, particularly leafy greens, and cabbage soup. A baked potato is recommended for dinner.
• Day 3: Fruits, vegetables, and cabbage soup. Avoid bananas and starchy vegetables.
• Day 4: Bananas and milk, along with cabbage soup.
• Day 5: Lean meats such as chicken or turkey, and tomatoes. Cabbage soup continues to be consumed.
• Day 6: Lean meats (more turkey or chicken) and vegetables. Cabbage soup remains part of the diet.
• Day 7: Brown rice, vegetables, and cabbage soup.

You can eat as much cabbage soup as you like on any day, but the idea is to maintain a balanced intake by combining it with other foods as instructed.

Use our free Weight Tracker tool to track your daily calorie intake.

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Can You Add Meat to the Cabbage Soup?

A common question about the cabbage soup diet is whether you can add meat for extra protein. The answer is yes! Adding lean meats like chicken or turkey is a popular variation to increase the protein content of the diet. Protein is essential for preserving muscle mass while losing weight, especially when on a calorie-restricted diet like the cabbage soup plan.

Meat options can be added in the latter half of the diet (on Days 5-7), providing an additional source of nutrients and flavor to the otherwise simple soup. It's important to stick to lean meats and avoid adding high-fat options like bacon or sausages, as these can increase calorie intake and counteract the weight loss benefits.

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How Long Should I Stay on the Cabbage Soup Diet?

The cabbage soup diet is intended to be a short-term plan. Most variations of the diet last 7 days, after which it is recommended to take a break before starting another round. Prolonged use of the cabbage soup diet is not advisable due to its restrictive nature, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies if followed for too long.

If you're considering a longer-term weight loss solution, a balanced program like Weight Watchers could be a better fit. Weight Watchers encourages gradual, sustainable weight loss while ensuring proper nutrition.

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Are There Any Risks to the Cabbage Soup Diet?

While the cabbage soup diet may lead to quick weight loss, there are some risks associated with its use, particularly if followed for extended periods. These risks include:

• Nutrient deficiencies: The diet lacks many essential nutrients, such as healthy fats, certain vitamins, and minerals.
• Muscle loss: Because it’s low in protein, prolonged use can result in muscle mass loss, especially if you are not consuming enough protein from lean meats or other sources.
• Metabolic slowdown: Extreme calorie restriction can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss in the long term.

For a more balanced and long-term approach to weight loss, Weight Watchers offers a structured plan to help you lose weight safely while improving overall health.

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Conclusion

In summary, the cabbage soup diet can provide short-term weight loss by significantly reducing daily calorie intake. While it can help people lose weight quickly, it’s not a sustainable long-term solution due to its restrictive nature. For those looking for a more balanced and flexible approach to weight loss, programs like Weight Watchers may offer a better strategy by focusing on healthy, long-term habits.

For more detailed guidance on managing your weight and understanding different diets, explore the Weight Watcher Questions and Answers section. Start using the Weight Tracker to monitor your progress and take charge of your weight loss journey today!