The viral cabbage soup diet: Pros and cons

IF you’ve been following diet trends on social media, you may have come across the cabbage soup diet, which is a short-term, low-calorie diet that involves consuming large amounts of cabbage soup along with specific foods on different days, for quick weight loss. Nutritionist Keisha Black said it typically lasts for seven days and is intended for quick weight loss.

“You will definitely get weight loss on this diet, which is meant to be short term,” Black said. “In fact, our mothers and grandmothers have known about this for years, and have used it in one form or another.”

Black said the diet plan usually looks something like this:

Day 1: Cabbage soup and fruit (excluding bananas).

Day 2: Cabbage soup and vegetables (including a baked potato with butter for dinner).

Day 3: Cabbage soup, fruits, and vegetables (excluding bananas and potatoes).

Day 4: Cabbage soup, bananas, and skim milk.

Day 5: Cabbage soup, up to 20 ounces of beef, and tomatoes.

Day 6: Cabbage soup, beef, and vegetables.

Day 7: Cabbage soup, brown rice, fruit juices, and vegetables.

Benefits:

Quick weight loss: Most people lose a significant amount of weight due to the very low-calorie nature of the diet. This can be motivating for those looking to kick-start a weight loss journey.

Simple and inexpensive: The diet is easy to follow and doesn’t require expensive ingredients or complex meal planning.

Short-term commitment: Since it only lasts for seven days, it can be appealing for those looking for a short-term solution.

Downsides and risks

Nutrient deficiency: The diet is very restrictive and lacks essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.

Temporary weight loss: The weight lost is mostly water and muscle mass rather than fat. It’s likely to be regained once normal eating is resumed.

Low energy and hunger: Due to the low calorie and low protein nature, it can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and constant hunger.

Digestive issues: Eating large amounts of cabbage can cause gas, bloating, and discomfort for some people.

“While the cabbage soup diet might provide rapid weight loss in the short term, it’s not recommended for long-term health and sustainable weight management,” Black said. “Overall, you can indeed try it in the short term, but a balanced diet and regular exercise are more effective for lasting results.”