Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Plan (PDF)
A bowl of homemade cabbage soup brings together tender cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach in a savory broth with garlic, turmeric, and a splash of lemon. The recipe is part of the popular 7-day cabbage soup diet plan.
If you've heard about the 7-day cabbage soup diet, you may be wondering what you can eat and how it works. You'll find the seven-day meal plan, food choices, pros and cons, and answers to common questions below. You can also make the soup on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker.
You don't have to follow the diet to enjoy the soup. Serve it for lunch or dinner with your favorite sides. For more cabbage recipes, try my Ham and Cabbage Soup and Cabbage and Smoked Sausage.
Quick Look: Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: About 40 minutes (stovetop)
- ⏲️ Total Time: About 55 minutes (stovetop)
- 🍽️ Yield: 16 cups
- 🍅 Flavor Profile: Savory, garlicky, earthy, and slightly tangy
- 🥬 Texture: Tender cabbage and vegetables in a tomato-based broth
- 🍲 Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker
- 🧄 Key Ingredients: Cabbage, tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, garlic, turmeric, and spinach
- 👩🍳 Difficulty: Easy
- Why This Recipe Works: Sautéing the vegetables first brings out their flavor, and the tomatoes and tomato paste give the broth a richer taste. Lemon juice adds a tangy finish, and the spinach goes in last to prevent overcooking.
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Jump to:
- Quick Look: Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
- What Is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
- How Does the Cabbage Soup Diet Work?
- 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet Plan
- Pros and Cons of the Cabbage Soup Diet
- Chef's Notes from Valentina
- My Personal Experience with the Cabbage Soup Diet
- Ingredients
- Substitutions And Additions
- How to Make Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
- Expert Tips for Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
- FAQ About The Cabbage Soup Diet
- What to Eat After the 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet
- More Soup Recipes to Try
- Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
- Storage and Reheating
What Is the Cabbage Soup Diet?
The cabbage soup diet is a seven-day eating plan centered on vegetable soup. Along with the soup, you eat certain foods on different days, including fruit, vegetables, bananas, dairy, meat, and brown rice.
You may also know it as the cabbage diet, Wonder Soup Diet, weight loss soup diet, or 7-day cabbage soup diet.
It's become popular because of claims about losing weight quickly, sometimes as much as 10 pounds in a week. However, cabbage soup doesn't have special fat-burning properties, and rapid weight loss can include water and muscle loss.
The diet is restrictive and isn't designed for long-term eating. The soup itself can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal without following the seven-day plan.
How Does the Cabbage Soup Diet Work?
On the cabbage soup diet, you'll eat cabbage soup throughout the week, along with certain foods allowed on different days.
Traditional versions typically encourage eating cabbage soup several times a day, with some allowing additional servings whenever you're hungry. However, eating unlimited amounts of soup doesn't guarantee greater weight loss or provide all the nutrients your body needs. The specific rules vary between versions.
Because the diet limits food choices and can be very low in calories, you may experience hunger, tiredness, or weakness. It can also be difficult to get enough protein and other important nutrients.
Water and unsweetened drinks are generally allowed throughout the week. Staying hydrated is important, but it doesn't make the diet nutritionally balanced.
The cabbage soup diet is intended as a short-term, seven-day plan rather than a long-term eating pattern. Talk with a healthcare professional before trying it, especially if you have a medical condition or specific nutritional needs.
7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet Plan
Wondering what you can eat on the cabbage soup diet? The plan includes cabbage soup throughout the week, with different foods allowed on different days.
The rules vary slightly depending on the version, but the following schedule covers the most commonly followed seven-day plan. The soup recipe below is a flavorful variation rather than a single universally recognized original recipe.
Day 1: Fruit
Day 1 includes cabbage soup and fruit, except bananas. You can choose apples, oranges, peaches, berries, melon, grapes, or other fruits you enjoy.
Portions: Fruit is generally allowed without a specific serving limit, along with cabbage soup.
Meal Ideas: Fresh fruit salad, frozen grapes, sliced melon, or a bowl of berries.
Day 2: Vegetables
On Day 2, you can have cabbage soup and raw or cooked vegetables. Choices include broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, leafy greens, zucchini, and green beans. Many versions also allow one baked potato with a little butter or oil.
Portions: Vegetables are generally allowed without a specific serving limit. One baked potato is included in many versions of the plan.
Meal Ideas: Roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice with sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or a baked potato.
Day 3: Fruit and Vegetables
Day 3 combines the foods from the first two days. You can have cabbage soup, fruit, and non-starchy vegetables, but bananas and baked potatoes are excluded.
Portions: Fruit and permitted vegetables are generally allowed without a specific serving limit, along with cabbage soup.
Meal Ideas: Fruit salad, roasted cauliflower, steamed green beans, or a mixed vegetable salad.
Day 4: Bananas and Skim Milk
Bananas and skim milk are included on Day 4, along with cabbage soup. The combination is one of the diet's more unusual daily food rules.
Portions: Traditional versions differ in their banana allowances, with some specifying three bananas and others allowing up to eight, along with skim milk and cabbage soup. These are descriptions of the diet's rules, not nutritionally recommended serving amounts.
Meal Ideas: Sliced bananas, chilled skim milk, or a banana smoothie made with skim milk and no added sugar.
Day 5: Protein and Tomatoes
Day 5 introduces protein foods, usually beef, along with fresh tomatoes and cabbage soup. Some versions allow skinless chicken or fish instead of beef.
Portions: Traditional versions commonly specify approximately 10–20 ounces of beef or another permitted protein over the day, along with up to six tomatoes and cabbage soup. These amounts vary by version and should not be treated as individualized dietary recommendations.
Meal Ideas: Grilled chicken with tomatoes, baked fish with sliced tomatoes, or lean beef with roasted tomatoes.
Day 6: Protein and Vegetables
On Day 6, you can have cabbage soup, beef or another permitted protein, and non-starchy vegetables. Potatoes aren't included.
Portions: Many versions don't specify a strict serving limit for the permitted protein and vegetables, along with cabbage soup.
Meal Ideas: Grilled chicken with broccoli, lean beef with sautéed mushrooms, or baked fish with green beans.
Day 7: Brown Rice, Vegetables, and Fruit Juice
The last day includes cabbage soup, brown rice, vegetables, and unsweetened fruit juice. Added sugar isn't part of the plan.
Portions: Brown rice and permitted vegetables are generally allowed without a specific serving limit. Unsweetened fruit juice is also included.
Meal Ideas: Brown rice with sautéed mushrooms, steamed vegetables over brown rice, or a vegetable rice bowl with a glass of unsweetened fruit juice.
Printable 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet Plan (PDF)
Want to keep the seven-day plan handy? Use the printable cabbage soup diet chart for a quick reference to the foods allowed on each day.
Pros and Cons of the Cabbage Soup Diet
The cabbage soup diet is simple to understand and doesn't require complicated cooking, but its nutritional limitations are important to consider.
Pros
Easy meal preparation. You can cook a large pot of cabbage soup ahead of time and portion it out for several meals.
Vegetable variety. The soup contains cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, celery, garlic, and other vegetables.
Simple food schedule. The seven-day plan gives you a clear list of foods for each day, although the rules are restrictive.
Cons
Nutritionally unbalanced. The diet excludes important food groups on several days and may not provide enough protein, healthy fats, vitamins, or minerals.
Hunger and fatigue. The low-calorie intake may cause tiredness, dizziness, headaches, or weakness.
Temporary weight loss. Rapid weight changes may reflect a combination of water, muscle, and fat loss. Some weight may return when normal eating resumes, particularly as the body replenishes its water and glycogen stores.
Digestive discomfort. Large amounts of cabbage and other vegetables may cause gas, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.
Difficult to maintain. The repetitive meals and strict food rules make the plan unsuitable for long-term eating.
Not suitable for everyone. The restrictions may be especially risky during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people with diabetes or other medical conditions, and for anyone with a history of disordered eating.
My Personal Experience with the Cabbage Soup Diet
I personally follow the seven-day cabbage soup diet about once every three months as a short reset to my usual eating routine. I genuinely enjoy the soup, which makes the plan easier for me to follow.
One of the changes I notice is a reduction in temporary water weight and bloating. I think of this as a personal reset rather than a medical detox, since the body already has its own systems for removing waste.
I also find the plan appealing when I want to feel a little lighter before a vacation or special event. The scale may change quickly, but I recognize that short-term weight loss can include water rather than body fat, and the results aren't necessarily lasting.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage – 1 head, chopped. Mildly sweet, with tender leaves that retain some texture. Purple cabbage also works, although it may change the broth's color.
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. Choose regular olive oil for its mild flavor.
- Yellow onion – 1, chopped. Sweeter and milder than white onion, which also works in this recipe.
- Bell peppers – 2, chopped. Red, yellow, or orange peppers bring more sweetness, compared with the slightly bitter taste of green peppers.
- Celery – 4 stalks, chopped. Its slightly earthy flavor complements the sweeter onions and peppers.
- Garlic – 6 cloves, minced. The sharpness mellows with cooking and gives the soup a savory depth.
- Fresh tomatoes – 2 large, chopped. Their natural sweetness and acidity complement the cabbage and other vegetables.
- Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon. Gives this tomato cabbage soup a deeper color and a more concentrated, savory taste.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth – 9 cups. Choose a broth you enjoy on its own, since its seasoning influences the finished soup. Chicken broth works for a nonvegetarian variation.
- Ground turmeric – 1 tablespoon. Earthy and slightly bitter, with a golden color that complements the reddish broth.
- Baby spinach – 2 cups. Its delicate leaves provide a softer contrast to the cabbage.
- Fresh lemon juice – from 1 lemon. Balances the savory broth with a fresh, tangy finish.
- Broccoli slaw – 1 cup, optional. A convenient mixture of shredded vegetables that gives the soup more texture.
- Ground black pepper – 1 teaspoon. Adds mild warmth and balances the sweetness of the cabbage, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
- Salt – to taste. Add it at the end of cooking, after tasting the broth, since different broth brands contain different amounts of sodium.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
Stovetop Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently until fragrant, without letting it brown.
- Simmer the soup: Stir in the tomatoes, optional broccoli slaw, cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, black pepper, and turmeric, leaving out the spinach, lemon juice, and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
Instant Pot Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- Sauté the vegetables: Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. Heat the olive oil and cook the onion, bell peppers, and celery for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pressure cook: Add the tomatoes, optional broccoli slaw, cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, black pepper, and turmeric. Make sure the ingredients and liquid remain below your Instant Pot's maximum pressure-cooking fill line. If the full recipe exceeds that limit, prepare a smaller batch instead. Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, followed by approximately 20 minutes of natural pressure release.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
Equipment note: This recipe makes a large batch. A 6-quart Instant Pot may not accommodate the full quantity safely. Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum pressure-cooking fill line.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Cook the onion, bell peppers, and celery for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook: Make sure the vegetables and broth fit comfortably inside the slow cooker without exceeding the manufacturer's recommended fill level. If necessary, reduce the recipe quantities proportionally. Stir in the tomatoes, optional broccoli slaw, cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, black pepper, and turmeric, leaving out the spinach, lemon juice, and salt. Secure the lid and cook on High for 2–4 hours or on Low for 8–10 hours.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
FAQ About The Cabbage Soup Diet
There is no single universally accepted original recipe. Traditional versions generally combine cabbage, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and broth or water, but ingredients and seasonings vary. This recipe includes garlic, turmeric, spinach, and lemon for additional flavor.
Yes. Zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and other vegetables can be added to suit your preferences. However, if you're following a specific seven-day diet plan, check its food allowances before making substitutions.
Many versions allow water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea. Some also permit other beverages on designated days. The rules vary, and these allowances don't make the restrictive diet nutritionally balanced.
The traditional plan is designed for seven days, not ongoing use. Extending such a restrictive diet may increase the risk of inadequate protein, essential fats, and other nutrients. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
Yes. Divide the cooled soup into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What to Eat After the 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet
After completing the seven-day cabbage soup diet, return to regular, balanced meals rather than repeating the restrictive plan. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and healthy fats to support your nutritional needs.
You can continue enjoying cabbage soup as part of your usual meals. Pair it with foods such as grilled chicken, fish, beans, or whole-grain bread to make lunch or dinner more satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
Some weight may return after the diet, particularly as your body replenishes glycogen and water. This doesn't necessarily mean you've regained the same amount of body fat. For sustainable weight management, focus on consistent eating habits rather than repeating short-term restrictive diets.
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Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
- instant pot
- pot
- cutting board
- knife
- wood spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion or white onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers – any color; chopped
- 4 celery stalks – chopped
- 6 garlic cloves – minced
- 2 large tomatoes – chopped
- 1 cup broccoli slaw – optional
- 1 head green cabbage, or purple cabbage, or a mix of green and purple cabbage chopped
- 9 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth – for a non-vegan recipe
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 lemon – juiced
- salt to taste
Instructions
Stovetop Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently until fragrant, without letting it brown.
- Simmer the soup: Stir in the tomatoes, optional broccoli slaw, cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, black pepper, and turmeric, leaving out the spinach, lemon juice, and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
Instant Pot Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- Sauté the vegetables: Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot. Heat the olive oil and cook the onion, bell peppers, and celery for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pressure cook: Stir in the tomatoes, optional broccoli slaw, cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, black pepper, and turmeric. Make sure the ingredients and liquid remain below the Instant Pot's maximum pressure-cooking fill line. If the full recipe exceeds that limit, reduce the batch proportionally. Secure the lid and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes before opening the lid according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cabbage Soup
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Cook the onion, bell peppers, and celery for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Slow cook: Add the tomatoes, optional broccoli slaw, cabbage, vegetable broth, tomato paste, black pepper, and turmeric to the slow cooker, leaving out the spinach, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine, making sure the ingredients stay below the manufacturer's recommended fill level. If necessary, reduce the batch proportionally. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–4 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours, until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender.
- Finish and season: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Storage and Reheating
Meal Prep for the 7-Day Plan: Prepare the soup in batches and divide it into individual portions. Refrigerate enough for the next 3–4 days and freeze the remaining portions promptly. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator as needed, then reheat thoroughly. This helps maintain freshness throughout the week without keeping one large pot of soup in the refrigerator for seven days. Refrigerate: Divide the soup into shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store for up to 3–4 days. Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for the best quality. Reheat: Warm the soup in a saucepan until it reaches a boil. Alternatively, cover and microwave in intervals, stirring between them for even heating. Reheat to 165°F throughout.Nutrition
** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.
Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.
I personally follow the 7-day cabbage soup diet about once every three months, and I genuinely enjoy it! I typically see a 4–6 pound drop on the scale by the end of the week, much of which I attribute to temporary water-weight changes rather than fat loss. I especially like making a big batch of the soup ahead of time—it makes the week easier, and the flavors get even better the next day. Everyone's results will vary, but this has been my personal experience. - Valentina
Hi! I noticed your article said this diet is most effective if you are very overweight. If I am just wanting to trim down (just at the upper end of normal on the bmi scale), any idea how much weight I could expect to lose in the 7 days? I'm guessing probably not the 10 pounds stated. Thanks, looking forward to trying this diet!
Hi Emily! Thanks for your question
Just to note first — I’m not a dietitian or medical professional, and what I share is based on general information and personal experience, not medical advice.
The amount of weight someone might lose on the 7-day cabbage soup diet can vary a lot from person to person. People who start with more weight to lose sometimes report higher numbers, while those who are already close to a normal BMI may see more modest changes.
Also, some of the early weight loss on very low-calorie or low-carb diets can be water weight. Even if the number on the scale isn’t very large, some people notice they feel less bloated and look a bit slimmer, especially in areas like the face, simply because the body is holding on to less water.
Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s best to think of it as a short-term reset rather than expecting a specific number of pounds lost. If you have specific health concerns or goals, it’s always a good idea to check with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional first.
Hope that helps, and good luck if you decide to try it! Let me know if you are happy with the results.
Thank you!
Hi Debbie:
I’m on day 4, lost 4 lbs.
wondering how much yogurt and bananas I can eat?
Hi Bea! Eat bananas and skim milk/low-fat yogurt only, about one small to medium banana and a cup of yogurt 3-5 times on this day. Meal Suggestions: A banana parfait, a banana smoothie, frozen yogurt bars with bananas only, baked bananas, or banana chips. Congratulations on your 4-pound loss so far. You are doing rgeat!
Could you please send me your diet plan as I cannot find the PDF file?
Thank you,
Betty
Hi, Betty! Please cleck here to get the 7-day diet plan of the cabbage soup: https://www.easyanddelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Cabbage-soup-diet-meal-plan-chart-720x1440.jpg
Hi Denise, love this diet. I am on day 3 and wondering when i get to day 5 and i can incorporate chicken, can i eat as much as i want or just a smaller portion?
Hi Tina! Please try to incorporate about 3-6 ounces of chicken in each meal. This is a low-calorie diet and if you eat too much chicken may increase the amount of daily calories considerably.
I can't find where to address this question directly to Denise: I also cannot find anywhere in this *how much* of the daily additional foods (low-sugar fruits etc.) can be eaten or if the additional daily foods are - like the soup - unlimited. Also, one of the replies says "3-6 ounces of chicken in each meal." If you can eat as much of the soup as you want, what is meant by "each meal"? Is that 3-6 ounces of chicken for that whole day only? I would think that's pretty important information to know for this to work? Thank you.
Hi Peggy! I have been taking some time out for personal reasons. But yes, commenting here is the best way to reach out as I check comments once or more days per week. Here are the answers to your questions:
1. One should eat a portion of the cabbage soup at each of the 3 main meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, if you feel hungry at any time of the day, you can eat as much of this cabbage diet soup as needed to satiety your hunger - it is low-calorie diet soup and the daily calorie consumption on each fo those 7 days is about 1,000 calories. So anything you eat each day, keep that number in mind.
2. There isn't a fixed quantity of low-carb or low-sugar fruits one should eat. Because this is a low-calorie diet, I have limited my fruit consumption to 2-3 small fruits per day, mostly berries (about 1/2 cup every time) or 1/2 small avocado. But you can eat a small nectarine, apricot, apple, or plum, or any other low-sugar fruit (always a small unit or portion).
3. On the days you can eat protein, it is recommended to consume 3-6 oz of protein (e.g. chicken, beef, fish - or tempeh or tofu if you are a vegetarian or vegan) in at least one of the 3 main meals on the days the diet says to eat protein.
Please let me know whether you have additional questions. Wishing you much success on your weight loss journey!
Thank you for sharing this easy to follow diet plan. I am on day 3 and have not been hungry at all. Can eggs be included on the protein day? Thanks.
Hi Robin! Yes you can include eggs in the protein day. I am so happy you are doing well on this diet! Wishing you much success.
Hi Susan, Today is day one of this diet and I am looking forward to detoxing my body from too much summer fun. I seem to remember doing this diet a long time ago; wasn't it 10 days long before? Thanks Theresa
Hi, Theresa! I don't know how long ago you did this 7-day cabbage soup diet, but in the last decade at least, the diet has a 7 day duration period.
I haven't made the soup yet, but it reminds me of my preteen days when my mom decided my whole family needed to go on the cabbage soup diet. I remember my entire family loving the soup and my mom making it and adding a lb. of beef to it when we were not on the diet. It was so good.
I was wondering has the 7 day diet changed. My mom said that one of the days Grapefruit was required.
Hi Laura! The cabbage soup recipe was slightly altered. I added turmeric to make it anti-inflammatory too! As for the cabbage soup diet plan, you can eat grapefruit in any of the days that call for low-sugar fruits. Grapefruit is a low-glycemic fruit!
I made the soup on my days off this week and just finished the last of the batch a few moments ago. I added some mushrooms and extra tomato, and it turned out so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe. It brought back such fond memories.
Hi, Laura! I am so happy you enjoyed our weight loss soup recipe and have fond memories of it!
Hi so far I'm in day 2 with just eating leafy greens. Can I put lemon juice in greens. As for low-sugar fruits can I eat apples?
So far so good! not really feeling hungry and soup is great!
Hi GT!I am so glad you are enjoying our cabbage soup diet recipe. It is delicious indeed. My husband eats it without being on the diet soup. And yes you can dress your greens with lemon juice. It is low-calorie so it won't alter the results of your diet. As for apples, you can ingest them only but the ideal is you consume a variety of low-sugar fruits because each has different vitamins and amount of fiber. But if you only want to eat apples (they're low in sugar, especially the green ones), prefer small apples over the large ones.
Hi Thanks so much for information. As I want to loose weight I have to follow the 7 day meal plan, can I have coffee in the morning with milk, stevia?
So for day 2, I can have baby tomatoes and leafy greens (no dressing)? for the peppers, zucchini can I grill them but no dressing?
Day 3 - what is low-sugar fruits and non-starchy veggies?
I would like to start tomorrow and would like to have everything ready!
Hi MT! Yes, you can have your coffee with stevia and if possible, unsweetened plant-based milk because it doesn't have lots of carbs. Cow's milk is full fo carbs and calories! Day 2: I know it is hard to not dress your vegetables but you can use lemon or lime juice, and a dash of salt and pepper. Basically, youc an dress your salad/green with anything that is not too caloric. This cabbage soup diet is a low-calorie diet! And yes you can grill your veggies and doesn't dress them if you prefer. Day 3: Low-sugar fruits are apples and pears (both small instead of medium to large), berries, honeydew melon, lemons and limes, stone fruits such as peach and plums, avocado, grapefruit and oranges. As for non-starchy veggies, you cna eat greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers and bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, artichokes, asparagus, green beans, cabbage, celery, cucumber, zucchini, spaghetti squash, turnips, okra, eggplant, heart of palm, and leeks. You have plenty to choose from. Wishing you much success on your 7-day cabbage soup diet plan!
Hi I'am excited to make this and try it as well. Just have a couple of questions?
Do I include water as well as the 9 cup broth? and also do i have to follow the 7-day meal plan?
Thanks
Hi MT! For making this cabbage soup diet recipe, you only include the 9 cups of broth. You may replace broth with water but your soup won't be as flavorful. As for the diet plan, you can make only the soup and have it as a meatless meal, or add some protein to it such as shredded chicken or low-fat ground beef. It is great as an anti-inflammatory and detox soup. Or you can follow the 7-day diet meal plan if your goal is to lose weight and you have no health restrictions. All depends on your goals. There are people that enjoys the soup itself so much that they make the soup but dom't follow the diet. But if you want to lose weight, the 7-day meal plan is a must.
I am looking forward to trying this! I was wondering if this week-long diet would be a good way to introduce solid foods after doing a 3-day juice cleanse? Then switching to a more balanced diet for continued weight loss.
Also, does it have to be green cabbage? Or could I do half red cabbage, half green?
Hi,MGS! Yes if you want to do the 3-day juice cleanse and switch to the 7-day cabbage soup diet is possible. I have readers that did that successfully. Then you have to do a balanced diet otehrwise you will gain back the weight you lost. Of course, you can't have any healthy problems that prevent you to do those diets such as diabetes among others. Please read both diet before starting. Also, you can use any type of cabbage you want. Their caloric value is about the same.
On my banana and looking forward to it since as of this morning's weight check I am down 7+ pounds. I love the soup and using sriracha chile sauce with each serving makes the soup taste like a ramen soup missing the ramen. I also add whole mushrooms to each serving while heating up and it sort of feels like a chuck of meat. Check in later or should I say on day eight with my final results.
Hi Mark! I am so happy you love our cabbage soup diet recipe and is losing a lot of weight. The addition of mushrooms was genius!
Wonderful flavor. This soup tastes great whether you are on a diet or not, it is simply a very delicious and enjoyable soup.
I made this soup and absolutely love it! Lots of flavor compared to other recipes. Finished the first batch and the second batch is in the pressure cooker as I write this. I use this for a healthy snack. It’s pre-prepared so it’s very convenient and keeps me from looking for other not so healthy things.
Hi Deb! I am so happy you enjoyed our wonder soup recipe. I really appreciate your feedback and how convenient you find to have this healthy snack ready to eat when you need.
I was wondering what do I eat for breakfast on day 2 when it’s just veggies?
Hi Susan! Day 2 is hard becuase it is only the soup and leafy veggies that one can eat. But yes the entire day youc an only have non starchy veggies (a variety of them) and plenty of water. Things get less restrictive on the following days.
just eat soup or veggies food is food, its our brains bcoz of societal conditioning that have it that certain types are for certain times of day 🙂
Hi there,
Can I do this for a week take a week off and then do it again for another week?
Depending on your overall health, you can. But keep in mind because this is a very restrictive diet, don't be doing it every other week. It is a kick start for another diet that is more balanced and nutritious that can bring your weight down without depleting your body.
It’s not good before a surgery as it’s been said that turmeric can act as a blood thinner.
Beth, as I said in my post, any person who intends to do a diet needs to consult their doctor first. Every person has different health issues and needs. Some are quite special such as surgery. Only a doctor can determine well whether a certain diet is suitable or not for their patients. But turmeric is something easy to fix -- don't add it to the diet soup if you cannot have it for any reason. The 7-day diet itself is the one that has to be asked of the person's doctor.
Common mistake is to make a big pot and reheat the whole pot everyday. If you make a big pot break it down into daily servings and only reheat what you need for a meal; otherwise the flavors meld an it gets mushy. I also recommend adding a bunch of mushrooms and yellow squash and zucchini.
Hi Jim! My recipe doesn't ask to reheat the whole pot of soup every day. Of course, you only reheat the portion you will eat at every meal. If you intend to eat one cup of soup at lunchtime, you only reheat that one cup of soup. This goes for any food dish, not only this soup. Reheating more than what you will eat not only alters the texture of the food but also decreases the veggies' nutritional value.
This soup was so easy to make!
Very tasty!
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Day 1 , hopefully I shed a few pounds, however it’s so delicious I don’t care
Hey Sherry! Thanks so much for your feedback. I am so happy you enjoyed our cabbage soup diet recipe. Wishing you much success on your weight loss journey.
The recipe is very tasty! I’m on day two so can’t confirm further results but am curious about the purpose of which foods on which days. Like why bananas and skim milk and only on one day? It seems a bit arbitrary.
Hi Amber! Some fruits or certain types of protein on some days but not on others is for making us eat a variety of them during these 7 days. The diet is already restrictive in calories and if you don't eat at least a small variety of them your body will be depleted of some vitamins and nutrients and will be very boring or repetitive. We already have to eat this cabbage soup several times per day during these 7 days, so it would be worse if you had to eat exactly the same fruits in all meals these 7 days. If you don't drink cow's milk you can replace it with plant-based or reduced-fat yogurt with a compatible number of calories because this diet is about calorie restriction.
Are there any substitutions for day 4? I don't eat bananas or drink skim milk (lactose intolerant).
Hi Tysonja! If you don't eat bananas, you can replace them with small apples or pears. As for milk, you can replace it with plant-based milk or any dairy-free one.
I tried the recipe I could eat this everyday!!
Yay! I am so happy to hear that! My husband said the same when I first made this soup.
I cannot do bell peppers of any type. Will this effect the value of the recipe
Hi Gale! Do not worry about either skipping or replacing the bell peppers. If you cannot eat them, you may replace them with tomatoes if you want.
That's looking too delicious. As I don't like eating much of veggies but will surely try adding this healthy recipe in my diet.
Hi Rahul! I hope you enjoy it. It is full of flavor and a great way to eat veggies. If you prefer, you can blend all the veggies with the broth in a blender to make a creamy version.
hi love the soup delicious
the only problem I cant have meat
can I substitute baked tofu and
how mauch
thanks
Hi Sandra! I am so glad you enjoy this cabbage diet soup. Yes, you can replace any type of meat with tofu or any other plant-based protein source. Please take a look at the number of calories in tofu and try to match it with the calories for chicken or beef. For example, if 3 oz of grilled chicken strips has 110 calories, you would eat as much tofu as needed to ingest 110 calories.
My son made this soup today and it turned out great. Congratulations on the article
Hi, I'm starting the diet tomorrow, I did this diet over 20 years ago and found it good. It was very basic then though. My question is... while making the soup, can I put it in a food blender so the soup is finely chopped, or is it better cut up chuncky? I'm thinking chuncky as it will fill up the tummy better, but can it be procced in a blender for a smoother soup? Is however you cook it OK? Also, are you allowed full fat milk or does it have to be semi skimmed?
Hi Jo! Yes, you can blend the soup in a blender until smooth but the chunks will fill you up for longer. You can use either full-fat or semi-skinned milk, although the latter is less caloric. This is a low-calorie diet!
Is there a brown rice that is low carb?
Hi Roshawn! Brown rice is not low carb. It is high in fiver but not low in carbs. Low-carb rice is made with cauliflower.
I am about to start this Cabbage Soup Diet as a kick start. I am awaiting surgery (no date yet, injury was June 2021!) for a torn ankle tendon and have to be non weight bearing for 12 weeks. I am getting prepared in advance but carrying less weight will definitely help.
Hi Maureen! I wish you all the best in your surgery and a quick recovery. And yes, when one has a serious bodily injury, carrying less weight around helps. Please let me know whether you have any questions about this cabbage soup diet. Please make sure to read the post because it explains more details, especially for those who can and cannot do this diet.
I don't find the soup ever boring. I can make each bowl whatever I feel like. To be Thai I add some curry paste, Asian just add lemon grass, corriander and an Asian green, Mediterranean basil. Thyme and marjoram, Morrocan ground cumin and coriander. It can be so different each time. If I don't feel full a good bit of Chile makes feel satisfied. Have a good look in your herb and spice rack and get creative
Any chance you can tell me substitutions for vegan? For instance, what would I ad din instead of beef or hicken, dairy??
Hi Lisa! The best vegan substitute for beef and chicken is tofu. Other alternatives are soy protein and tempeh. As for dairy sub, I would drink a plant-based milk that contains protein such as soy milk. Unfortunately almond milk has almost no protein. I hope this may help you! It is key that you ingest protein while doing this diet.
This soup is delicious.
I'm making this soup today. or maybe I should wait a couple days. Does this soup make youhave the runs? The reason I ask is that I have a full 2 days of school= Monday & Tuesday. Thanks. Elaine S.
Hi Elaine! The soup didn't give me the runs or any other side effect except I felt a little weak on the first day only.
Are there other veggies that can be added to the soup?
Hi Laura! You can add any low carb vegetables of your choice such as squash, broccoli, greens beans, mushrooms, cauliflower, all types of green leaves, etc.
Hello. What can I substitute milk and banana on day 4 as I don’t drink and eat both? Thank you
Hi Nisrine! You can replace bananas with apples or pears. They have similar amount of carbs and calories. As for milk, you may eat Greek yogurt or a plant-based milk isntead.
Hi,
What are the serving sizes for each meal? How much soup, fruit, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef?
Thank You
Fruits and veggies as well as the meats recommended on their days should be eaten 2-3 times a day. Choose the small-size fruits and preferrably low carb vegetables and of course, lean meats (the portion is 2 oz, two to three times a day). This is a low calorie-diet.
Today is my sixth day on the cabbage soup diet and I feel wonderful! I have lost a total of 8 pounds and plan to kick 2 more off before the end, tomorrow! I would recommend the diet to anyone who wants a kick start to changing the way they eat and experiencing this wonderful feeling!
Hi Melinda! I really appreciate your comment and I am so happy for you. Eight pounds off is an amazing accomplishment. After you complete these 7 days, please make sure to adopt a nutritious, balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Otherwise, the pounds you lost can be recovered quickly as well. Good job!
Hi Melinda,
How much soup are you eating at each meal? Is there a recommended serving size for the other foods allowed?
Can I drink unsweetened almond milk instead l
Yes, you can!
That reminds me of my mother's kitchen. I am going to use your recipe I have my own imagination. l love soup so perfict fit.
I don't know if you stated it and I missed it, but is it only 1 banana and cup of milk for the day or at each meal? Same with other additions with meat and veggies.
Hi Judy! Anything in the chart is to be eaten 2 to 3 times per day (something different is asked on each day) So yes, you can eat one banana and 1 cup of skim milk 2 to 3 times a day on that day 4.
Denise. This Cabbage soup recipe is delicious. I'm on day 5 but need to add lettuce to the chicken (not beef) and tomato to make a small salad without dressing. Yesterday, day 4, banana and milk....I cut the large banana in 3 and made 3 small smoothies by adding 1 c milk each time. Instead of making 1 large smoothie, I did this 3xs so I wouldn't drink it all at once. That helped me to have something to look forward to.
So glad you enjoyed the soup. I eat it even when I am not on a diet. I loved that you repurposed the ingreidents on day 4, making a smoothie out of the banana and milk. Great job!
Love this tip! Did you use a cup of milk at each smoothie serving or did you divide 1 cup by 3?
I am about to start this diet as I have a wedding to go to in 2 months and would like to loose a total of 20 pounds. I will use this diet as my starting point. I do have a question. Can we add Kielbasa sausage to this? would it change the final results in loosing weight?
Hi Ruby! This is a low calorie diet for only 7 days. Adding sausage that is a high calorie protein would alter the results unfortunately. Wishing you much success on your weight loss journey. Take great care of yourself! xx
Can I drink my veto powder with almond milk in the morning with it? it has zero carbs, just protein.
Hi Tater! Yes you can!
Is 4 stalks of celery meaning 4 whole bunches or 4 ribs?
It is just the stalks or ribs (without leaves).
I never tried this cabbage soup recipe but I think it could be quite a nice idea!
My mom n I have done this in the past You'll definitely clean out your system with the cabbage but it's worth it. It is very flavorful and is pretty easy to stick to. We did 3-4 cos a day to stay full and it worked well. We both lost Bettendorf 8-12lbs and kept off the weight by eating into a low carb high protein lifestyle. I highly recommend it
Hi Susan! Thanks for your feedback. It is great to hear this cabbage diet soup worked for you. And yes, after those 7 days of detoxing you have to follow a long term diet appropriate to your needs. If you start eating a bunch of junk or overeating, as after any other diet, you will gain the weight back.
Hi,
You seemed to have missed off the much needed jacket potato and butter that you are allowed to eat for dinner on the 2nd day. When I have done this diet in the past, knowing that I would have a jacket potato certainly kept me going!
Hi Jessica! When I did this diet, there wasn't a single mention about potato and butter. It must be the old version of the diet which sometimes are revised. The food with most carb in my version is bananas. But if the potato helps you, eat it. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know.
Can I have black coffee? While on this diet?
I think you can because this is a low calorie diet and black coffee has about 2 calories per cup (8 oz). But please be mindful about sweeteners which can add a lot of calories to your coffee.
I think you can because this is a low-calorie diet and black coffee has about 2 calories per cup (8 oz). But please be mindful about sweeteners which can add a lot of calories to your coffee.
Can confirm I've done the entire diet.............Somehow lol and you do literally shit the pounds of instantly.
I did however use chopped tomato's with herbs and add some chilli flakes to make it more barrable.
Thanks for your feedback Sean! I don't believe the tomato with herbs and chili flakes would alter anything significantly in terms of weight loss. But this is the type of diet that you have to eat a balanced diet afterwards otherwise the pounds will creep back quickly.
Another meal plan for weight loss. Easy to cook cabbage soup and the recipes are easy to follow. I can try this at home now.
I hope you enjoy our cabbage soup diet recipe at home. Please read everything before trying the diet. Thank you!
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes you can use kale instead, Nancy!
Is one serving a cup?
Yes, one serving is a cup of the soup.
Is one cup the recommended serving size for a meal?
Hi Lisa! I replied your email. Yes, one cup is the serving size. You eat 2 to 3 times a day or more if you are hungry.
After 7 days what's the recommended food to eat or how to ease back into normal eating
Hi Sheryl! As far as I know you must eat a regular diet after those 7 days but in moderation. Just do not exceed the amount of calories that a person of your gender and age should eat daily. If you eat any special diet, so continue to eat your special diet within the reccomended amount of calories to ingest. Always drink plenty of water and if your doctor prescribe any exercise, continue to do so. It is regular life without excesses basically!
I will be eating Keto when not eatingcabbage soup!
I printed a copy of your recipe, now how can I copy the daily schedule of the foods I need to eat to loose weight.
Hi Pat! If you click your mouse right button over the diet food chart, it will open a small window where you can either save the picture or copy and paste somewhere. If you are doing this in mobile, you can print screen. In either you can share/save the image in several social media including Pinterest. If I have to choose one of them, I would print screen on my phone. It is easier and you can take a look at every day quite easily. I hope it helps!
Tried it as in method 3) and found it delicious. I alternated your recipe with another cabbage diet soup to avoid boredom during my 7-day detox.
Glad to hear you enjoyed our cabbage soup diet recipe. It is truly flavorful and quite easy to make.
For the days with beef should it be cooked all the way or does it matter?. And for the leafy veggies how should those be prepared?.
Hi Courtney! If you want to add chunks of beef to your cabbage soup you can. Any of the 3 methods used (stovetop, Instant Pot, or Crockpot) will cook the beef without problems (cook all the way through). As for leafy veggies, I would add them at the very end; otherwise, they will be quite mushy. It takes about 1 minute for them to cook. Enjoy!
Make a salad with Skinny Girl dressing" it has no calories.
Hi Denise, thanks for this cabbage soup recipe. I made for my grandma. She has diabetes and struggles to find comforting soups that are also low carb. It was tasty and made her happy. I added ground turkey to the soup though.
My grandson and made this soup today and it was great .Recently diagnosed with diabetes
Can you tell me how much soup you should be eating at a time?
Hi T! You can have one or two cups of soup in every meal or anytime you feel hungry during the day.
I'm with Karen --- sounds really good for a meal, but not for a week!
While I could never do that diet for seven days, I would be happy to have a bowl for a single meal.
I can understand that. I did the diet in the beginning of July and and now I’m on my fourth day again. I did loose 11 pounds (which I know some is water weight) but even though I gained a few pounds back (not all) it really helps get your body on the right track and lessons your desire to overeat too much.
Glad to hear, Cindy! 11 pounds is a super loss. I did the diet and lost 4 pounds in 7 days. But every body is different. And yes, part of the weight is water and you may recover because normally our water weight flutuates every day.
I am currently up to day 6 and going to complete 7 day diet. To tell you the truth was fine up to day 5 then am so over recipe. But will complete as nearly there, YAY!!! Actually weighed in today and hve lost 4.7 kgs, pretty good. Feeling great and fit into my clothes with ease. It's definitely a hard slig but results are amazing. Didn't add any other meats, just the original cabbage soup detox recipe. Thk you !!! As needed to change my life. Would do say 5 days every few months for the detox. 🙂
Congrats on your great results and feeling lighter! Please go easy after the diet. Get a nutritious and balanced diet and to drink plenty of water.