The phenomenon of soup diets has captivated the world, allowing individuals to consume as much as they desire while still achieving an impressive weight loss of 8-10 pounds in just two weeks. Sounds incredible, doesn’t it?
This particular diet is commonly known as the hospital cabbage diet, recommended by American cardiologists to patients before major surgeries. The regimen, centered around a variety of vegetable soups, has demonstrated remarkable results, with patients melting up to 10 kg within a span of 14 days.
The soup diet boasts an incredibly low-calorie count, totaling just 35 calories. The liquid nature of the soup, akin to water, rapidly fills the stomach, providing a satisfying feeling of fullness.
A key aspect of this diet is the freedom to eat without imposing limits on quantity or servings, all while maintaining a regular meal schedule of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Now, what’s the recipe for this magical soup?
While variations exist due to popular vegetable choices in different countries, the fundamental criteria for crafting this soup involve keeping it low in calories and achieving a stew-like consistency.
Ingredients:
- 6 large onion bulbs
- A handful of celery
- Half a medium cabbage
- One large green pepper
- Canned tomatoes
Method of Preparation:
- Chop the vegetables and place them in a pot.
- Pour water into the pot, fully submerging the vegetables.
- Cook on high heat for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature and simmer over low heat until the vegetables are soft.
- Salt or pepper can be added according to taste.
The soup’s secret and efficacy lie in the cabbage, a notoriously challenging food to digest. The body expends more calories digesting cabbage than the vegetable contains, leading to its designation as a “negative calorie value” food. Due to this advantageous property, the diet is often called the cabbage soup diet.
In addition to the soup, the diet permits the consumption of cooked and fresh vegetables, excluding bananas. Beverage options include water, mineral water, fruit juices, tomato juice, green tea, coffee without milk and sugar, and kefir. The diet centers on the intake of liquids, fruits, and vegetables.
It is crucial to completely abstain from alcohol during the diet, and refraining from alcohol consumption 24 hours before starting is advised. Consumption of bread, sweets, and sodas is strictly prohibited.
As the diet is notably low in calories and nutrients, it is not advisable to adhere to it for more than two weeks. A minimum break of two weeks is recommended if one wishes to continue the diet.
Despite some individuals expressing difficulty with the soup’s smell and taste after a few days, they acknowledge its effectiveness.
As with any strict diet involving uniform food consumption, consulting with a physician before starting is advisable.
Pros:
- No feelings of hunger
- Cost-effective ingredients and simple preparation
- Effective weight loss
Cons:
- Low energy and potential weakness
- Frequent trips to the toilet due to increased fluid intake
- Weight loss may quickly return if unhealthy eating habits resume
