Few diets have been as talked about, tried, and teased as the famous Cabbage Soup Diet. From office lunchrooms to celebrity gossip magazines, this simple, low-calorie plan has achieved near-legendary status over the years.
But how much of what we hear about it is true, and how much is pure myth? Let’s lift the lid on the pot and see what’s really simmering inside.
The Origins of the Cabbage Soup Diet
The Cabbage Soup Diet dates back to the late 1980s or early 1990s, though its exact beginnings are unclear.
Some claim it started as a hospital diet to help patients lose weight quickly before surgery (a claim with no real proof), while others say it emerged from the rise of fad diets promising dramatic, short-term results.
What’s certain is that it’s a seven-day eating plan centred around a hearty vegetable soup made mostly from cabbage, onions, celery, peppers, tomatoes, and carrots. Other foods are introduced in a strict daily pattern—such as fruit on day one, vegetables on day two, bananas and milk on day four, and lean meat by day five.
There were even Cabbage Soup Diet tablets that were available filled with essence of cabbage soup at one time!
The Myths
Myth 1: You Can Lose a Stone in a Week
It’s true that many people lose a noticeable amount of weight during the week, sometimes half a stone or more.
However, much of that is water weight, not fat loss. When you cut calories drastically and reduce carbohydrates, your body sheds water quickly. Once normal eating resumes, most of that weight tends to return.
Myth 2: It’s a Healthy, Sustainable Diet
While cabbage and vegetables are full of nutrients, the diet itself is not balanced. It’s low in protein, essential fats, and key vitamins such as B12. Following it for more than a week can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and lacking energy.
Myth 3: Cabbage Has “Fat-Burning” Powers
Unfortunately, there’s no magical fat-burning enzyme in cabbage. The diet works purely because of extreme calorie restriction, not because cabbage has any special slimming properties.
The Truths
Truth 1: It Can Kick-Start Weight Loss
If you’re looking to break unhealthy habits, a short stint on the Cabbage Soup Diet can help you feel lighter, reduce bloating, and reset your mindset around portion sizes.
Truth 2: It Encourages Vegetable Intake
The diet does make you eat a lot of fresh vegetables, something many of us could do more of. For some, it’s a helpful way to rediscover the value of home-cooked, plant-based meals.
Truth 3: It’s Cheap and Simple
In a world full of expensive shakes and subscription meal plans, the Cabbage Soup Diet stands out for being budget-friendly. A head of cabbage, some onions, and a few tins of tomatoes cost very little, making it appealing to anyone wanting to cut back without breaking the bank.
So, Should You Try It?
If you’re after quick but temporary results, the Cabbage Soup Diet can deliver that short burst of motivation. But it’s not a long-term solution. The NHS and most UK dietitians advise focusing on a balanced plan with lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruit and veg for sustainable, healthy weight management.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with using the Cabbage Soup Diet as a gentle reset—just don’t expect miracles or plan to live on cabbage forever!
Cabbage Soup for the Soul
Perhaps the real secret isn’t in the diet at all, but in the ritual of making soup. Preparing fresh vegetables, simmering them slowly, and sitting down to a warm, comforting bowl can be therapeutic in itself. The process helps reconnect us with real food, and that’s nourishment for both body and soul.
The Cabbage Soup Diet may not be a magic solution, but it remains a reminder that sometimes the simplest foods can help us start again. If you do give it a go, treat it as a short-term boost, then move on to a more balanced, sustainable way of eating.
As for the Cabbage Soup Diet tablets or Cabbage Soup Diet soup mixes that are available, we can make no comment on their efficacy!
If you want to try the Cabbage Soup Diet plan, here it is:-
Printable 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet Plan
Disclaimer: This plan is for short-term use only and should not replace a balanced, long-term diet. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive eating plan.
Day 1 – Fruit Day
Unlimited cabbage soup
Any fruit except bananas
Water, black coffee, or unsweetened tea
Day 2 – Vegetable Day
Unlimited cabbage soup
Any vegetables (fresh, steamed, or raw) except peas, corn, or beans
A baked potato with a small knob of butter for dinner
Day 3 – Fruit and Vegetable Day
Cabbage soup plus any fruits and vegetables (no potato today)
Keep hydrated with water or herbal tea
Day 4 – Banana and Milk Day
Up to 3 bananas
2 pints (1.2 litres) of skimmed milk
Cabbage soup as often as you like
Day 5 – Protein and Tomatoes
6 fresh tomatoes
Lean beef, chicken, or fish (approx. 300–400g total)
Cabbage soup at least once during the day
Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water
Day 6 – Protein and Vegetables
Lean beef, chicken, or fish
Any non-starchy vegetables
Unlimited cabbage soup
Day 7 – Rice and Vegetables
Brown rice, vegetables, and cabbage soup
Sugar-free fruit juice optional
Modernised Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
This version keeps the soul of the original but improves the nutrition and flavour — so it’s tasty enough to enjoy beyond the diet week.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
½ medium white cabbage, shredded
2 onions, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 carrots, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 litre low-salt vegetable stock
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pan and gently sauté the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots for 5 minutes.
Add the peppers, cabbage, and spices; stir well.
Pour in the stock and tomatoes, bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning; garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutritional Note:
This soup is low in calories, high in fibre, and full of vitamins A, C, and K. Adding a handful of cooked lentils or beans makes it more balanced if you’re not strictly following the diet.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you’re looking to reset your eating habits, save money, or simply enjoy a warming, wholesome soup, the Cabbage Soup Diet can be a mindful start to a healthier routine, just remember it’s the first step, not the destination.
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