The origin of the cabbage soup diet is not exactly known. It is a low calorie diet and can be taken only for 7 days. During these days you can drink as much as cabbage soup, fruits, vegetables and other foods.

The seven days diet plan is given below:

• Day 1 - Eat as much cabbage soup as you like. All the fruits except banana can be eaten.
• Day 2 – You can take fresh, raw or cooked vegetables. Dry beans, peas, root vegetables and sweet corn must be avoided. A big baked potato with butter is allowed.
• Day 3 – Enough soup as everyday and fruits and vegetables as in Day 1 and Day 2, but avoid the baked potato with butter.
• Day 4 – Cabbage soup, 6 to 8 bananas and fat free milk are recommended.
• Day 5 – 300 to 500 g lean meat, up to 6 fresh tomatoes and the soup must be eaten at least once in this day. If you do not like meat you can take broiled fish or skinless chicken. Drink two to three litres of water.
• Day 6 – Lean meat and vegetables are recommended. Two to three steaks plus fresh, leafy vegetables and salad. At least once the cabbage soup. No potato or root vegetables.
• Day 7 – Brown rice, fresh vegetables and unsweetened fruit juices are recommended. Eat your cabbage soup at least once.

During these days you can drink unsweetened tea, black coffee, cranberry juice and water.

Alcohol and carbonated beverages including diet soda must be avoided.

It is important to prepare the cabbage soup as you like. Cabbage, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, celery and onion soup mix can be used. Spices according to your taste can be used and this can be curry, chillies, peppers, parsley etc. Avoid too much of salt in the soup.

The cabbage soup is bland for some persons, can make gas problems, and lacks nutrients like fat and protein and mostly contains lot of salt.

The cabbage soup diet is good for fast weight loss. It is not a long-term weight loss solution. After this diet a normal diet plan with enough exercises must be followed.

You must be healthy and have will power for this diet. If there is lightheadedness go to your doctor immediately. It may be a good beginning because you know the success is there and you can be motivated.

The cabbage soup diet and the continuation with a good diet plan helps you to reach your goal in weight reduction and also helps you to maintain your normal or ideal weight.