Many people are scrambling to learn the cabbage soup diet recipe because of the 'quick weight loss' the diet is famous for. But because of its severe calorie restrictions, this diet is only meant to be followed short term (7 days - thus the '7 Day Cabbage Soup Diet).

Does the cabbage soup diet work?

This 'modified fast' seems to have been responsible for many people losing a significant amount of weight in a very short time, but the majority of the weight lost while following the cabbage soup diet, unfortunately seems to be water rather than fat reduction.

The origins of the cabbage soup diet are unclear. It seems that no one is willing to claim it - most likely because of its severe lack of nutrients - but it is believed to have been created some time in the 1980's.

If you decide to put the cabbage soup diet recipe to the test, you should talk with your physician first. Many experts agree that because of the restricted foods you are allowed on the diet, and the very low calorie consumption, inadequate nutrition is almost certain following the cabbage soup diet plan.

You are also advised to stick to the diet for no longer than the suggested 7 days at a time. If more weight loss is desired, you should allow at least a couple of weeks before going on the diet again.

There have bee a number of different cabbage soup diet recipes circulating for many years, but the basic recipe is listed below along with the restricted list of foods you are allowed while on the plan. The actual ingredients of the soup can be modified to your taste to create your own version of the recipe.

• 1 small head of Cabbage, chopped
• 4 to 6 Carrots, sliced
• 4 to 5 stalks Celery
• 1 large or 2 small cans Tomatoes, diced
• 5 to 6 large Green Onions
• 2 Green Peppers, seeded and sliced or chopped
• 1 - 10 oz. can or container Mushrooms, largely chopped
• 1 package Lipton Soup Mix (optional - use 1 to 2 additional low sodium bouillon cubes for less salt)
• 1 48 oz. can V8 Juice, optional
• 1 to 2 Beef or Chicken Bouillon Cubes (low-sodium) optional
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Curry, optional to taste

Directions For Making The Cabbage Soup:

Place the vegetables in a large soup pot and saute for a few minutes using cooking spray. Add a small amount of Curry or Cayenne Pepper at this point if you'd like to have a spicy soup. If you prefer, you can just cover all the vegetables with water and boil, omitting the sauteing step, but the soup seems to be a bit tastier if the veggies are sauted first.

Add about 12 cups of water to the vegetables, or optionally you can use half V8 Juice and half water. The flavor of the soup can be greatly enhanced by using bouillon cubes, and this should eliminate the need for additional salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the soup mix. Boil gently for about 10 minutes, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

While following this diet, you are allowed to eat as much of the cabbage soup recipe as you like, and at any time you like. You are encouraged to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and you are also allowed non-caloric drinks including coffee, tea, and herbal teas. Following are the foods you are allowed to eat, in addition to the soup, while on the cabbage soup diet.

Day 1: You may have all the fruits you want, excluding bananas.

Day 2: Any kind of cooked or raw vegetables except beans, corn, and dry peas. You may have a baked potato with a light pat of butter. No fruits today.

Day 3: Fruits and non-starchy vegetables, but no bananas or potato.

Day 4: Bananas (as many as eight) and skim milk (as many as 8 glasses).

Day 5: As much as 20 ounces of beef, skinless chicken, and/or fish. You can also have up to 6 tomatoes, and you must drink 8 glasses of water, which aids in removing the uric acid that will have accumulated in your body. At least one bowl of soup.

Day 6: Unlimited beef, skinless chicken, or fish, and non-starchy vegetables. At least one bowl of soup.

Day 7: Brown rice with your soup and non-starchy vegetables. Unsweetened fruit juice.

You are allowed as much of the named foods as you want, except where portion size is specified. You may eat as often as you like, but no oils or anything else not listed here are allowed. On days that beef is allowed, it can be added to the cabbage soup diet recipe if desired, or you may just choose to have some ground beef cooked in a small amount of water in a frying pan, or even a grilled steak.