Cabbage Soup Detox Diets

The cabbage soup diet is popular with many people as part of a healthy detox plan. This soup will help you lose weight and keep you healthy. Normally, a cabbage soup detox diet is part of a seven-day detoxification program. During this seven-day time frame, the dieter's entire meal plan focuses on the consumption of cabbage, most notably in the form of cabbage soup. While cabbage soup is effective, there are pros and cons to this diet, and these should be taken into consideration before starting the program.

Pros

One of the pros of using a cabbage soup diet detox program is that it is quite effective in delivering the promised weight loss. It also is quite a change from most people's usual unhealthy eating habits, which can be very beneficial. Vegetables like cabbage, along with broccoli and cauliflower, are helpful in fighting cancer. Many people also say that they enjoy eating this soup.

Cons

While there are many perceived benefits to being on the cabbage soup detox diet program, there are also negatives. Some people complain that cabbage soup is too bland and doesn't taste very good. Cabbage may also produce large amounts of gas in the body, causing uncomfortable side effects. The amount of will power required to stay on this diet for any length of time is considerable, and few people can maintain it for longer than a week. Also, daily nutritional requirements are not fulfilled by this diet. Another concern is salt content, because most cabbage soup is seasoned with large amounts of salt to make it palatable.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

To prepare the soup that is typical of most cabbage soup detox diet plans, use the following ingredients:

One can of beef broth or French onion soup
Three quarters of a head of cabbage, chopped
Two chopped white onions
One chopped green pepper
One half cup of chopped celery
Four cups of water
One large can of stewed tomatoes (28 oz.)
One garlic clove, chopped
One teaspoon of salt
Three tablespoons of brown sugar.
You may also add a dash of hot sauce, if desired, to punch up the flavor.

To prepare, combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to boil, then turn the heat to low, and let simmer for about one and a half hours until vegetables are tender.

While the cabbage detox diet plan can help you achieve your weight loss goals and also cleanse your colon, it is not recommended for long term use, as it does not contain all the necessary vitamins and nutrients for a healthy diet.