Are you searching for a meal that offers incredible volume without a high calorie count? Look no further than our expertly crafted **cabbage soup diet recipe**! This isn’t just any version; it’s a significantly **modified cabbage soup diet** recipe, meticulously enhanced from the original, somewhat simplistic Cabbage Soup Diet. We’ve elevated this classic with the strategic addition of lean beef and rich bone broth, transforming it into a robust and satisfying dish. Prepare to discover a truly delicious, incredibly filling soup that comes in at under 500 calories per generous serving. This **cabbage soup diet recipe with protein added** promises to nourish your body and delight your taste buds, proving that healthy eating can be both abundant and enjoyable.
“Let me tell you, this was the BEST cabbage soup recipe I’ve had.”
– Allison
You’ve likely heard whispers of the **Cabbage Soup Diet plan**, often affectionately known as “Weight Loss Wonder Soup.” This dietary approach, a relic from decades past, centers around consuming a specific low-calorie cabbage soup to facilitate rapid weight loss. It’s crucial to understand that this plan is fundamentally designed as a temporary eating intervention, typically for a week, and is not intended or suitable for long-term weight management.
A quick search online reveals countless iterations of the “original” **weight loss cabbage soup recipe**. A common thread weaving through all these versions is their reliance on an abundance of non-starchy vegetables and very little else. In essence, they resemble the liquid equivalent of a dressing-free, minimal-protein salad – a diet staple notoriously short on flavor and crucial nutrients. While such a soup can indeed be very low in calories, similar to raw celery, it is far from calorie-free and, more importantly, lacks the satiety factors and nutritional completeness necessary for genuine well-being. Frankly, in our opinion, these traditional versions tend to be quite bland and unsatisfying.
Our journey to improve this classic began with the concept of a simple **diet cabbage soup recipe**. Instead of suggesting you endure a restrictive, temporary diet that often leads to fleeting weight loss, we asked: “Why not transform this basic concept into a genuinely nourishing and enjoyable meal?” Our recipe revamp takes the fundamental idea of the original cabbage soup and elevates it, making it a complete, flavorful, and family-friendly entrée. With our modifications, your loved ones might never guess this hearty dish originated from a “diet soup” concept.
🍲 What is the Cabbage Soup Diet? A Look at Its History
Many wonder about the origins of the Cabbage Soup Diet – when and where did it truly begin? The fascinating truth is, its exact inception remains a mystery. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests its roots might extend back to the 1950s. However, other historical accounts link it to more humble beginnings, citing “Doughboy Cabbage Soup,” a basic dish consumed during World War I when diverse vegetables were scarce. Regardless of its precise origin, the **cabbage soup diet** experienced a surge in popularity in the 1980s, primarily as a component of the well-known General Motors Diet (GM Diet). Today, much of the readily available information about the one-week Cabbage Soup Diet can be found on various health and wellness blogs, often presented as a variation of the GM Diet, featuring a low-protein cabbage soup (also known as GM Diet Soup).
So, what does a typical **7-day cabbage soup diet chart** entail? This highly restrictive plan outlines specific food allowances for each day, alongside unlimited quantities of the cabbage soup and plenty of water. While there might be slight variations in these diet rules across different sources, the core structure remains consistent in its limited choices. Here’s a general overview:
| Day of Diet | Food Allowed (eat cabbage soup and drink lots of water daily) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | All fruit except bananas (melons highly recommended) |
| Day 2 | Baked potato for breakfast, then only non-starchy veggies for the rest of the day |
| Day 3 | All fruit except bananas and all non-starchy vegetables |
| Day 4 | Bananas and skim milk |
| Day 5 | Lean beef and 6 or more large tomatoes |
| Day 6 | Lean beef and non-starchy veggies |
| Day 7 | Vegetables and fruit juice (some variations also add brown rice) |
It’s important to state upfront: we do not recommend extending this eating plan, for example, doing the **cabbage soup diet for 2 weeks**. In fact, we generally advise against this diet as a whole. Its highly restrictive nature can put individuals at risk for nutrient deficiencies if followed for an extended period, and it often leads to unsustainable weight loss. Instead of committing to the rigid **Cabbage Soup 7-day plan**, why not incorporate our enhanced cabbage soup recipe as a nourishing, single meal within a balanced diet?
🥄 What Are the Cabbage Soup Diet Results? Understanding Expectations
Online, you’ll encounter numerous claims about the Cabbage Soup Diet’s ability to help you shed significant weight – often up to 10 lbs, or even 15 lbs, in just one week. While the scale might indeed show a lower number, it’s crucial to understand that the vast majority of this rapid weight loss is attributable to water weight, not true fat loss. This phenomenon occurs because restrictive, low-carb diets like the Cabbage Soup Diet deplete your body’s glycogen stores, which are bound with water.
Hot Tip! For safe, sustainable, and long-term weight loss, health professionals generally recommend a gradual reduction of 1-2 lbs per week. Rapid weight loss is rarely indicative of lasting results.
Because the **cabbage soup diet** is designed as a short-term intervention, it offers no substantial long-term benefits for critical health markers such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or overall heart health. Furthermore, it’s highly probable that any weight lost during this diet will be quickly regained once you revert to your usual eating patterns, unless you simultaneously adopt new, sustainable healthy lifestyle changes. Most health professionals categorize the cabbage soup diet as a rigid “fad diet” due to its overly restrictive nature. It is typically too low in both protein and total calories to meet the nutritional needs of most individuals. While it is low in carbohydrates, and some low-carb approaches can be effective for weight loss, the sheer lack of variety and essential nutrients in the Cabbage Soup Diet makes it problematic.
In summary, we strongly advise against using this diet without professional medical supervision.
This caution is particularly vital if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, which can be significantly impacted by drastic dietary shifts. Your healthcare team is best equipped to offer guidance and more sustainable, long-lasting strategies for effective weight loss.
⭐ Why Our Cabbage Soup Recipe is the Best Choice for Healthy Eating
We’ve meticulously revamped the traditional **diet cabbage soup recipe** to create a genuinely complete, satisfying, and nutritionally balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of the significant benefits this enhanced version offers:
- Protein Power: Unlike most basic cabbage soup diet recipes, ours is a robust **cabbage soup diet with meat**. The lean ground beef and nutrient-dense bone broth provide ample high-quality protein, making this a true one-pot meal that promotes satiety and supports muscle maintenance.
- Abundant Vegetables: Even if weight loss isn’t your primary goal, this recipe is a fantastic way to significantly boost your vegetable intake. It’s packed with such a generous quantity of fresh, wholesome vegetables that it might challenge the capacity of your largest stockpot – a testament to its nutrient density!
- Excellent Fluid Volume: Beyond just water, the fluid-rich vegetables and savory bone broth base in this soup contribute significantly to your daily hydration. Moreover, this high fluid content provides a weighty and satisfying meal, helping to keep you feeling full and content for longer.
- Rich in Fiber: This heart-healthy soup is not only low in fat but also incredibly high in dietary fiber. Each serving delivers a substantial 13.3 grams of fiber, crucial for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and prolonged satiety.
- Essential Nutrient Profile: Our modified cabbage soup is an outstanding source of numerous essential vitamins and minerals. These include vital potassium, iron, provitamin A (from bell peppers and tomatoes), and a remarkable amount of vitamin C. The tomatoes further contribute beneficial, non-essential lycopene, an antioxidant.
- Versatile for Special Diets: The thoughtful combination of non-starchy vegetables and lean protein makes this soup compatible with a variety of dietary preferences and needs. It can fit well into some low-carb and Paleo diets, Whole30 programs, low-calorie meal plans, and Weight Watchers.
- Unbeatable Flavor: Many traditional cabbage soup diet recipes are often criticized for their blandness. We’ve tackled this by infusing our version with a rich, savory beef bone broth, a thoughtful blend of aromatic herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, creating a deeply flavorful and enjoyable experience.
🥘 Cabbage Soup Diet Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor and Nutrition
Here’s what you’ll need to create this exceptional **cabbage soup diet recipe with protein added**:
- Lean ground beef: Provides high-quality protein and savory depth.
- Shredded cabbage: The star ingredient, offering fiber and volume.
- Chopped onions: Aromatic base for rich flavor.
- Diced bell peppers: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a boost of Vitamin C.
- Chopped celery: Contributes to the classic soup texture and flavor.
- Sliced scallions: A fresh, mild oniony accent.
- Beef bone broth: The secret to deep flavor and added collagen, superior to plain broth. Consider homemade bone broth for ultimate purity.
- Balsamic vinegar: Brightens the soup and adds a tangy complexity.
- Canned chopped tomatoes: Provides umami and additional vitamins.
- Finely chopped garlic: Essential for a robust flavor foundation.
- Fresh lemon juice: A splash to enhance overall freshness and acidity.
- Dried thyme: Classic herb for savory dishes.
- Dried basil: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note.
- Tomato paste: Double-concentrated for rich, deep tomato flavor.
- Cilantro or parsley, chopped: Fresh garnish for vibrant flavor and visual appeal.
Exact quantities for all ingredients can be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the conclusion of this article!
As highlighted, one of the most crucial modifications we’ve made to the conventional **weight loss cabbage soup** is the significant boost in protein. The inclusion of lean ground beef and flavorful bone broth not only enhances the taste but, more importantly, ensures you feel genuinely satiated after eating. This crucial upgrade transforms the cabbage soup from a mere side dish or light snack into a truly complete and satisfying entrée.
By leveraging the rich flavor profile of quality beef bone broth and the bright notes of balsamic vinegar, we’ve successfully eliminated the need for ultra-processed food items often found in older “diet soup” recipes, such as powdered onion soup mix and chicken bouillon cubes. Our approach focuses on whole, natural ingredients to deliver superior taste and nutrition.
Forget about purchasing specialized Cabbage Soup Diet spice blends; common dried herbs from your pantry will yield fantastic results. Another key adjustment we implemented was to refine the vegetable ratios for a more balanced and enjoyable flavor. While onions are delicious, the sheer volume often called for in original recipes (apart from dedicated French onion soup) can be overwhelming. We’ve optimized the vegetable blend to achieve perfect harmony.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Your Cabbage Soup Journey
To prepare this hearty cabbage soup, you’ll primarily need two kitchen essentials: a reliable sharp knife for efficient vegetable prep and a generously sized stockpot. Given the substantial volume of ingredients, especially the abundance of vegetables, a standard Dutch oven often proves insufficient. Our recipe yields a bountiful amount of delicious, veggie-packed goodness, so ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate it all!
🔪 How to Make Our Modified Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe with Protein Added
Begin by preparing all your vegetables. Roughly chop the cabbage into small slices or shreds, aiming for about ¼-inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Dice the onions, bell peppers, and celery into ½-inch (1.27 cm) pieces. Slice the scallions and finely mince the garlic cloves. With your mise en place complete, you’re ready to start cooking!
In your large stockpot, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. This step typically takes about 10 minutes. Once the beef is browned, add all the remaining ingredients to the stockpot, with the exception of the fresh parsley or cilantro designated for garnish. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, leaving the lid off.
Allow the soup to simmer for one full hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. For the final 30 minutes of cooking time, reduce the heat to medium-low. While some recipes suggest a shorter cooking time of just 15 minutes, we find that this leaves the cabbage and other vegetables too tough. A longer simmer ensures all the vegetables become wonderfully tender and the flavors meld perfectly.
Once the soup has cooked and all the vegetables are tender to your liking, ladle generous portions into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor, then serve immediately and enjoy! For added convenience, this **cabbage soup diet recipe** can also be prepared in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients (except garnish) in your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, eliminating the need for stovetop monitoring.
🌡️ Storing and Reheating Leftovers for Meal Prep
This flavorful **cabbage diet soup with protein** is excellent for meal prepping. It can be stored safely in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. This soup also freezes exceptionally well. Please note that the flavors tend to mellow out significantly after freezing and thawing, so you might wish to add an extra splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up once reheated.
To reheat individual servings, simply place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 5-6 minutes. Ensure the bowl is covered with a paper towel to prevent splattering, and stir halfway through the heating process for even warming. If the soup appears to have dried out slightly, you can always add a little more beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
📋 Nutritional Breakdown: Calories, Net Carbs, Protein, and More
A single, satisfying serving of our **cabbage soup diet with added protein** provides approximately 401 calories, 37.3 grams of net carbohydrates, and a robust 32.5 grams of protein. While it’s a fantastic low-calorie, high-protein option, it contains too many net carbohydrates for a strict ketogenic diet, unless you significantly reduce the portion size.
For those managing sodium intake, this recipe can be easily made low in added sodium. Simply opt for no-salt-added canned tomatoes and use homemade beef bone broth, which allows you to control the salt content precisely. Of course, refrain from adding any extra salt during preparation. Be mindful that many commercially available canned soups and broths are often high in sodium unless specifically labeled “low sodium.”
Does cabbage itself provide significant protein? While most plant-based foods contain some amount of protein, cabbage is not considered a primary protein source. According to Cronometer, one cup of chopped cabbage contains only about 1 gram of protein. Therefore, relying solely on cabbage would lead to protein deficiency; hence, our crucial addition of lean ground beef and bone broth to make this a truly complete meal.
FAQs: Your Top Questions About the Cabbage Soup Diet Answered
Can you lose weight by just eating cabbage soup?
The Cabbage Soup Diet facilitates weight loss by creating a significant calorie deficit, which is the fundamental principle behind any weight reduction strategy. Yes, you can indeed lose weight by consuming only low-calorie cabbage soup. However, the critical question is whether this is a realistic or healthy long-term approach. The answer is a resounding “No.” Such a restrictive diet is not sustainable and often leads to nutrient imbalances and rebound weight gain.
Can you do the cabbage soup diet for 5 days?
While you certainly *can* follow the Cabbage Soup Diet for 5 days, your efforts would likely be better invested in adopting sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes that you can maintain over the long term. If you are currently undergoing medical nutrition therapy (for conditions such as diabetes, for example), it is absolutely essential to consult your physician or a registered dietitian before initiating any major dietary changes to ensure your health and safety.
What does the cabbage soup diet do to your body?
Initially, you may experience rapid weight loss on the Cabbage Soup Diet, primarily due to the loss of water weight, which can result in a lower number on the scale. However, this extreme caloric restriction can also lead to adverse effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and a general lack of energy. Many sources also report increased flatulence as a common side effect of this high-fiber, low-calorie diet.
What do you eat for breakfast on the cabbage soup diet?
The breakfast rules on the traditional Cabbage Soup Diet are quite straightforward: you consume cabbage soup along with any other specific foods permitted for that particular day. For instance, on “fruit days,” you might have fruit with your soup. Some variations of the diet do allow for additional protein sources, such as occasional lean beef or skim milk, beyond the soup itself. Can you eat eggs on the Cabbage Soup Diet? Generally, eggs are not explicitly listed in the core traditional plan, but some modified versions might allow them as an extra protein source on certain days.
How to make keto cabbage soup vegetarian?
Our modified cabbage soup recipe can be easily adapted to be both vegetarian and keto-friendly! To achieve this, simply replace the lean ground beef with a low-carb legume option such as tofu, tempeh, or black soy beans. Additionally, substitute the beef bone broth with a high-quality vegetable broth. Remember that these substitutions will alter the original nutrition information provided for the recipe, so you may need to recalculate if precise macronutrient tracking is important for your dietary goals.
👩🏻🍳 Explore More Delicious Low-Calorie Soup Recipes for Weight Loss
If you’ve developed a taste for nourishing and satisfying soups, we invite you to explore our collection of other low-calorie soup recipes, perfect for supporting your weight management goals. For instance, don’t miss our popular Fat Flush soup recipe. Introducing variety into your healthy diet is key to keeping meals exciting and preventing boredom! Here are a few more delicious ideas to get you started:
- Air Fryer Soup (a hearty black bean delight)
- Instant Pot Italian Sausage Soup (a flavorful and easy one-pot meal)
- Chicken Feet Soup (a traditional, nutrient-dense option)
Broth-based soups are often a fantastic choice for supporting fat burning and overall wellness, but many other foods are equally beneficial. We have an extensive section of low-calorie, incredibly tasty, and deeply satisfying recipes available in our Recipe Finder that are sure to inspire you. If your dietary focus leans more towards reducing carbohydrates rather than solely calories, you’ll also find a dedicated low-carb section there to explore.
Watch How to Make It!
(Video demonstration of the recipe would typically be embedded here.)
Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe with Protein Added
Summer Yule
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef, lean (454 grams; 93/7 beef)
- 25 ounces shredded cabbage (709 grams; about ½ small head)
- 1 lb. onions (454 grams; about 2-3 medium onions)
- 1 lb. bell peppers (454 grams; 2 medium peppers of any color)
- 1½ lbs. celery (680 grams; about 1 bunch)
- 6 scallions, sliced
- 6½ cups beef bone broth
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 28 ounce cans chopped tomatoes (794 grams per can; do not drain)
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (double-concentrated)
- ¼ cup cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Roughly chop the cabbage into small slices or shreds about ¼-inch (0.6 cm) thick. Cut the onions, bell peppers, and celery into ½-inch dice (1.27 cm). Slice the scallions and mince the garlic.
- Brown the ground beef over medium heat on the stovetop, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. It will take about 10 minutes. (You can use a skillet or stockpot for this step.)
- Put the beef and all of the rest of the ingredients (except the parsley or cilantro) into a large stockpot. My Dutch oven was not big enough for this job. Give everything a good stir.
- Let the ingredients in the stockpot come to a simmer over medium heat. Let the soup simmer for one hour with the lid off, stirring occasionally. Turn the heat down to medium-low for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with the cilantro or parsley. Makes five (or more!) servings of tasty soup!
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Equipment
- Large Stock Pot
- Knife
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). This recipe yields five incredibly generous servings, each containing approximately 400 calories. While this provides excellent volume, if you require a higher energy meal, consider slightly reducing the serving size of the soup and supplementing with energy-dense additions like whole-grain bread, crackers, or a small portion of cheese to boost your calorie intake.
If you are considering this **cabbage soup for weight loss**, always remember that quick-fix solutions rarely lead to sustainable, long-term results. There’s no necessity to adhere solely to this soup if your goal is weight loss. Any balanced combination of foods that helps you maintain a consistent calorie deficit can effectively lead to weight loss.
That being said, it is crucial not to starve yourself in the pursuit of weight loss. Extremely restrictive diet plans like the traditional cabbage soup diet (outlined previously) can be severely low in calories, potentially falling below 1000 calories per day, which is insufficient for most individuals and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health risks.
You should always consult with your physician or a registered dietitian if you plan to embark on a very low-calorie diet. These healthcare professionals can help ensure you are losing weight in a safe and sustainable manner, guiding you away from potentially harmful “detox diets.”
A few quick notes about enjoying this nutritious soup: if you typically follow a low-fiber diet, start with smaller servings initially. The high fiber content of this soup may cause some gastrointestinal adjustments as your body adapts.
Also, be aware that this recipe is very heavy on the cabbage. If you are not a fan of this cruciferous vegetable, its flavor might be quite pronounced for you.
Nutrition information provided is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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