The Cabbage Soup Diet Plan

The cabbage soup diet goes by many names. It is mainly used as a diet recommended by hospitals for patients waiting on major surgery in the abdomen area, to make their bowels and intestinal tract as empty as possible and easier to work on, not to mention less dangerous (by reducing the risk of puncturing and toxin spillage). It has also been known to jump start weight loss quickly and efficiently.

However, if you're not looking to go into surgery but are looking to drop a few pounds quick, the cabbage soup diet can be very useful. The weight quickly falls off (in my personal experience, I lost almost 8 lbs in a week!), and one ends up feeling lighter, cleaner, and healthier!

The cabbage soup diet is simple to follow, and the soup itself is easy to make; the weight loss benefits are incomparable. It also allows to give your digestive system a slight rest (but not slow metabolism), allowing the rest of your body to "heal" itself with the energy previously and most usually reserved for processing and eliminating what you eat. It is said we use a good 10% of our energy for digestive purposes only (http://www.sci-ctr.edu.sg/ssc/detailed.jsp?artid=5096&type=6&root=4&parent=4&cat=48)!

So, if you're ready to make the commitment for this very effective 7-day cabbage soup diet plan, here's everything you will need.

First are the ingredients...

For the cabbage soup: 6 large green onions, 2 green bell peppers, 4 cups of chopped tomatoes (you can use 1-2 tins of canned tomatoes, but for health purposes and to avoid preservative additives, I recommend you use fresh!), one bunch of celery, 2 large carrots (chopped in inch-thick pieces), and of course a whole head of cabbage. You may also add vegetable bouillon to taste; I however recommend you do without, again, for maximum health benefits and to minimize the preservatives.

Then, besides the cabbage soup you'll need lots of fruits and vegetables (any are fine), and one potato. You are only allowed bananas on one day, so plan accordingly. Also, some protein is needed for 2 of the final days (LEAN beef/chicken/fish), as well as fresh tomatoes, and skim milk.

Now, for the preparation....

For the cabbage soup, chop up all the ingredients into relatively small pieces. Put them in a large pot, and cover with water (about 6 cups in my experience). Bring to a quick boil for 10 minutes, and then reduce heat, leaving it to simmer, until the vegetables are tender. The longer the wait, the tastier the broth! Season to taste with salt, pepper, or any other spices you might like. Cayenne is good for those who like spicy foods, and is extra beneficial for circulation, as well as helping to increase metabolism and bowel efficiency.

This soup can be eaten any day at any time you feel hungry throughout the 7 days of the cabbage soup diet plan.

For the preparation of the proteins, broil with a bit of olive oil and rosemary, garlic or lemon. And for the ONE potato allowed, baked with butter (use discretion) will do.

Now, here's the day-by-day breakdown...

Day 1: eat all the fruit you want, along with as much of the soup as you like. Eat to keep yourself full and avoid cheating. The only exception is bananas. Anything else is fine. For drinks, anything unsweetened, or good old water (and lots of it!)

Day 2: eat all the veggies you want (no fruit today!), raw or cooked, although raw maximizes the benefits (cooked vegetables lose a lot of their vitamins). I'd suggest eating mainly green, leafy vegetables like arugula, spinach, and romaine lettuce with carrots and tomatoes, and onions if you like. This, of course, in addition to the soup. Again, eat as much of these as you like, and if you find yourself unable to resist temptation, a baked potato can be eaten for dinner, just this once (some people find it very difficult to cut out the carbohydrates altogether, and this can help the process, but don't do it again!)

Day 3: eat all the fruits, vegetables and soup you want.

Day 4: eat no more than 8 bananas, and as much soup you want. Also, you are allowed to add skim milk to your drinks menu, and can have as much as you'd like. Today is the most difficult day! You can do it! The bananas and milk are supposed to cut out your desire for sweets and other complex carbohydrates. No extra fruits or veggies!

Day 5: you are allowed to eat protein today! 10-20 oz of broiled lean beef/chicken/fish, and up to 6 FRESH tomatoes. I suggest you sauté the tomatoes... they make a great combo with the beef! No fruits or other veggies, and make sure you drink some soup, as well as lots of water to aid in the digestion of proteins and uric acids.

Day 6: today you can have as much of the proteins (lean, broiled beef/chicken/fish) and as many veggies as you want. This was by far my favorite day. Don't forget your soup and water!

Day 7: the last day consists of plain brown rice (to give you a good carbohydrate boost) and unsweetened fruit juices. Of course, the soup and water are a must, as every previous day!

Now, you'll probably have lost a good 5-10 lbs with virtually no hunger (thanks to the constant refilling of the stomach with the cabbage soup!), but don't think it's going to stay that way if you go back to your previous diet! Remember that to achieve and keep a slim figure eating right and keeping active is essential. It's all about balance!

Short-term results such as this are easily lost once you start snaking on cookies again, so next time you reach for the Oreos, think for a minute, drink a glass of water, and grab an apple instead!