• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • About
  • Media/Pr
  • Contact
I Heart Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Soul Food
  • Slow Cooker
  • Dinner
  • Side Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers

  • My Latest Cookbook!
  • Rosamae Seasonings

  • About
  • Media/Pr
  • Contact
X
  • Recipe Index
  • Soul Food
  • Slow Cooker
  • Dinner
  • Side Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers
I Heart Recipes
I Heart Recipes

I Heart Recipes

Recipes You'll Love, Made Easy!

  • My Latest Cookbook!
  • Rosamae Seasonings
  • Recipe Index
  • Soul Food
  • Slow Cooker
  • Dinner
  • Side Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers
All Posts / Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe For Weight Loss & Detox

Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe For Weight Loss & Detox

Jump to Recipe
By Rosie Published: December 28, 2017 Updated: February 10, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links.

The Cabbage Soup Diet! Does it work? Get the recipe, pros & cons, and more!

You can lose weight with this cabbage soup detox meal!
Table of Contents
  1. What Exactly IS the Cabbage Soup Detox Diet?
  2. Will the Cabbage Soup Diet work for You?
  3. Cabbage Soup Diet

Are you looking to drop some weight for an upcoming event, to fit back into a favorite dress, or just to give yourself a kickstart into a healthier lifestyle?

You may be considering the Cabbage Soup Diet. Itโ€™s trending right now, and itโ€™s likely youโ€™ve seen it talked about among weight loss and fitness forums. Usually, a fad diet like this is started by a particular organization, but the origin of the Cabbage Soup Diet is still unknown. It goes back as far as the 1980s and 1990s.

A wooden spoon lifting a spoonful of cabbage soup out of a metal soup-pan.

What You Need to Know About the Popular Cabbage Soup Diet

The Cabbage Soup Diet is not intended for long-term weight loss. If youโ€™re looking for a lifestyle change, this is not it. If youโ€™re just looking to drop a few pounds quickly, such as for a wedding or special event, then this may be just what youโ€™re looking for. As the name implies, itโ€™s a diet that requires you to eat large amounts of cabbage soup. If you really hate cabbage, or donโ€™t think you can stomach eating mostly cabbage soup for a week, this is not the diet for you.

Important Note: This diet is not meant to be done for more than one week at a time.

Some proponents of the diet claim you can lose up to 10 pounds in a week from it. Letโ€™s take a look at some pros and cons.

Pros:

You will lose weight fast.
Itโ€™s a great kickstart to a regular diet.

Cons:

Most of the weight loss is water.
Only eating one thing gets boring.

Cabbage, tomatoes and a wood spoon in a silver pot.

What Exactly IS the Cabbage Soup Detox Diet?

So, how does this cabbage soup diet plan work? Itโ€™s actually very strict, but youโ€™ll have the freedom to eat as much cabbage soup each day as you want. The idea is to use the soup to fill you up, so youโ€™re not tempted to eat other foods.

If youโ€™re planning to try it, youโ€™ll need to make some large batches of cabbage soup as preparation so youโ€™ll have plenty to eat throughout the week. You are allowed a few other foods, but the guidelines are below.

Seasoned cabbage and veggies in a metal soup-pan.

Here is a general layout of the cabbage soup diet:

Day 1 โ€“ Cabbage soup and all the fruit you want, except bananas

Day 2 โ€“ Cabbage soup and veggies, including one jacket potato with butter

Day 3 โ€“ Cabbage soup plus fruits and veggies (but no banana or potato)

Day 4 โ€“ Cabbage soup plus up to eight bananas and as much skimmed milk as youโ€™d like

Day 5 โ€“ Cabbage soup and up to 20 ounces of beef and up to six tomatoes

Day 6 โ€“ Cabbage soup plus as much beef and veggies (excluding potatoes) as youโ€™d like

Day 7 โ€“ Cabbage soup plus brown rice, veggies (but no potatoes), and unsweetened fruit juice

A white bowl filled with cabbage soup. The bowl is sitting on a white saucer and rattan placemat.

Will the Cabbage Soup Diet work for You?

If you stick with it fully, the cabbage soup detox diet will work for you. The problem most people have is with sticking to it. Most people give up on the diet before they get the results they actually seek.

If you want the best shot at success, you need to follow the diet exactly. You should also drink plenty of water every day (8 glasses or more). You can take a daily multivitamin as well. Also, be sure to eat a lot of soup. Trying to starve yourself, or consuming too few calories will have the opposite effect that you want. It will cause your body to hold onto fat because it fears starvation. It can also cause you to cheat because youโ€™re feeling so hungry.

An overhead image of a bowlful of cabbage soup. A sprig of parsley and a silver spoon lay nearby.

So, stick to the cabbage soup, but eat up! Share & Save this Pin on Pinterest.

Two images showing cabbage soup before and after cooking. Image text overlay reads: "Cabbage Soup Diet" and "Rapid weight loss in 1 week!?!".

Print the recipe below, and donโ€™t forget to tag and follow me onย Facebook,ย Instagram, andย Pinterest,ย subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out all my cookbooks!

cabbage soup

Cabbage Soup Diet

This cabbage soup recipe is a quick way to lose a few pounds and kick start a diet. Try this 7-day cabbage soup diet plan for a detox week!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Keyword Cabbage Soup, Cabbage Soup Diet
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 30 minutes minutes
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lb fresh cabbage chopped
  • 3 stalks celery diced
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4-5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 large carrots peeled & chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced
  • 5 1/2 – 6 cups vegetable broth I prefer low sodium
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil into a large pot or pan, then place the pan over medium heat.
  • Toss in the onions, celery, and bell pepper.
  • Cook until translucent.
  • Next, stir in garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Now pour in the vegetable broth.
  • Add in the cabbage, and carrots then stir.
  • Once all of the cabbage is in the pot, add in the diced tomatoes (with the juice).
  • Sprinkle in all the seasonings, then stir the ingredients.
  • Cover the pan with a lid, and cook for about 15 – 20( depending on how tender you like your cabbage).
  • Serve and enjoy!
If you loved this recipe, leave me a review below. This helps future recipe makers and ensures continued high-quality recipes for years to come!
© 2025 I Heart Recipes
Recipe by: I Heart Recipes

Try these recipes as well!

A bowlful of 7-Day Vegetable Soup on a white and blue tablecloth.

7 Day Vegetable Soup Diet


Vegetable Stir Fry in a white bowl served alongside white rice.

Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe


 

33.4K shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

EXPLORE RECIPE CATEGORIESAll Posts, Diet & Detox, Diet & Weight Loss, Dinner, Healthy, healthy featured, Soups

MEET THE RECIPE AUTHOR

Rosie

Iโ€™m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my familyโ€”whether theyโ€™re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

Related Recipes

  • 7 Day Vegetable Soup Diet
  • Hamburger Soup
  • Chicken and corn soup
    Chicken and Corn Soup Recipe
  • Broccoli Cheddar Soup
    Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Free Email Guide

My favorite seasonal tips & recipes

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Helpful comments include feedback on the recipe or changes you made.

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Marlene Owens says

    December 28, 2017 at 7:44 pm

    5 stars
    Rosie, You are right on time especially after New years Day. We need to get back to basics and lose those few pounds we put on since Halloween. Thank you and I will share this with my Facebook friens. I’ll give them the link after the first.

    Marlene Owens

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 29, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Hi Marlene!! I have more diet/ detox recipes coming, so stay tuned! XOXO

      Reply
  2. Roni Diabate says

    December 29, 2017 at 1:33 am

    Thanks, avery good thing, gonna try this, i love cabbage, you are the best cook, loving all your receipes, do you have a book?,

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 29, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Hi Roni! I don’t have one yet, but we’re working on it ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  3. Mika says

    December 29, 2017 at 2:45 pm

    5 stars
    HI Rosie,

    I am cooking the cabbage soup now and my house smells amazing. You forgot to add when to put the carrots in so I cooked them with the onions. Will let you know how it turns out. BTW, I did your candied yams and Turkey wings for Christmas and everyone LOVED them! Thx for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 29, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      Ooh, Thanks for the heads up! Enjoy, and stay tuned for more healthy & diet recipes . Xoxo

      Reply
    • MEG Knaub says

      February 2, 2020 at 5:49 am

      carrots are in #6 with cabbage….

      Reply
  4. Yvette says

    December 29, 2017 at 6:46 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie,
    Thank you for all the AMAZING recipes. I have also tried the cabbage soup diet and it is wonderful especially after the holidays. I would love to know if you have a book coming soon. Please continue to keep your GREAT recipes coming!!!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 30, 2017 at 8:45 am

      Hi Yvette! I’m working on the cookbook, but not so sure when it will be out ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. Mika says

    December 29, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    The soup is a winner. My husband liked it and we plan to stick to the 7 day plan. We added 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper to the pot to give a little kick. I also added some Apple cider vinegar to my bowl and it was wonderful . Thanks again for sharing.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 30, 2017 at 8:44 am

      Thanks for trying Mika!

      Reply
  6. Ms Michelle Ellis says

    January 8, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    So I can eat this three times a day! Breakfast lunch and dinner.

    Reply
  7. Lottie Jordan says

    February 5, 2018 at 7:03 pm

    Hi Rosie,I have did the cabbage soup diet before & it it really do work.gonna try it again I will let u know he out come.

    Reply
  8. Autumn says

    May 19, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe today. I found the recipe easy to follow and DELICIOUS. I love it! Plan to eat through out this week. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  9. Robert says

    December 10, 2018 at 8:46 am

    Hi Rosie,
    I was wondering if you meant 3 ribs of celery or 3 whole stalks of celery? Seems like a lot of celery. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Thanks,
    Robert

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 10, 2018 at 1:38 pm

      Yes, three ribs

      Reply
  10. Lane says

    December 18, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    Tried it today . It was great!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  11. Vera says

    January 20, 2019 at 6:34 pm

    I donโ€™t follow the strict diet but I love the soup for just a regular diet. I have a problem getting enough vegetables each day and the soup helps with that.

    Reply
  12. Robin says

    June 19, 2019 at 7:16 pm

    5 stars
    Hi, Rosie. I happened upon your site yesterday and I am very impressed with all the varieties offered. The food looks absolutely delicious. my mother and I will be doing the cabbage soup diet to start and then find more healthy recipes on your website. I have subscribed and looking forward to seeing more healthier recipes. thanks so much.

    Reply
  13. Robin says

    June 20, 2019 at 5:47 pm

    Hi, Rosie. My mother and I started our first day of the cabbage soup yesterday (6-19-19) It was amazingly gooood! We followed your recipe to the letter. We’re going to try each soup for a week and then rotate. please post more healthy soup ideas and I’m looking forward to receiving them in my email. Thanks again from tampa, florida.

    Reply
  14. Fred says

    July 14, 2019 at 4:22 pm

    Looking to change the way we live and eat , enjoying you recipes. Looking forward to following your recipes.

    Reply
  15. Caroline Smith says

    May 25, 2020 at 10:36 am

    I am going to start this diet tomorrow (Tuesday 26 may 2020) just need to get ingredients from shop.

    Reply
  16. Katie says

    November 9, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    5 stars
    Iโ€™ve tried a couple of cabbage soups and this is by far the best one Iโ€™ve had! Super tasty which makes it even easier to stay on track with the diet ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  17. Sand says

    April 26, 2023 at 2:48 am

    Rosie, I’m making ur cabbage soup today. Just wanted to know what’s the best way to store the soup and how long a pot of soup is good for. Also, reheating instructions. Thank you

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      April 26, 2023 at 6:39 am

      Hi there! You can store in a airtight container, and microwave any leftovers.

      Reply
  18. Julia Chavez says

    May 6, 2023 at 6:09 pm

    5 stars
    This is the best cabbage diet soup recipe I’ve had, so far. And I’ve tried several over the years, The flavor is spot-on!!!

    Reply
  19. Brenda Johnson says

    May 15, 2024 at 8:04 pm

    I’ve had cabbage soup several times before, but your recipe is better. The Italian seasoning gave it an extra flavor quite pleasing. Tonight I’ve decided to have hot water cornbread with it. Actually I’m beginning the diet tomorrow. Thank you!

    Reply
  20. Jill Rody says

    February 1, 2025 at 3:56 pm

    I LOVE this soupโ€ฆ Iโ€™m looking forward to the week ahead

    Reply
  21. DIANNE LEEVES says

    April 19, 2025 at 3:26 am

    HII IM LOVING YOUR CABBAGE SOUP DETOX LOST HALF A STONE IN A WEEK YAY

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Vegetable Stir Fry | I Heart Recipes says:
    December 30, 2017 at 1:00 am

    […] ย CABBAGE SOUP DIET […]

    Reply
  2. 7 Day Vegetable Soup Diet | I Heart Recipes says:
    January 3, 2018 at 1:01 am

    […] Cabbage Soup Diet […]

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hey cousins, itโ€™s Rosie!

Iโ€™m a Soul Food blogger living in the Pacific Northwest, bringing Southern cooking to gorgeous Seattle, Washington. I was born and raised in the PNW, but my family roots go all the way to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my grandparents were born and raised. I live every day to bring the traditional values, recipes, and love of food to life for my familyโ€”whether theyโ€™re online or in real life. So, welcome to the party, family!

FOLLOW ALONG

  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Subscribe

Subscribe by Email

Keep up with all things Rosie & I Heart Recipes and subscribeโ€”itโ€™s FREE!

Order Rosie

Mayes New Cookbook

In this newest cookbook, Rosie shares the must-have recipes in her Holiday spread. Holiday favorites from mains to sides and, of course, pies and dessertsโ€”all made Cousin Rosie style.

ORDER NOW!

Learn More

Reader Favorites

Smothered Oxtail

Southern Slow Cooker Smothered Oxtails

yams

Baked Candied Yams – Soul Food Style!

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Best Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Oven Baked Barbecue Pork Chops

Tex Mex Ground Beef Skillet

Free Email Guide

My favorite seasonal tips & recipes

Footer

FOLLOW ALONG

  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Subscribe

Recipe Index

  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert
  • Side Dishes
  • Slow Cooker
  • Soul Food

Resources

  • Subscribe by Email
  • Join on Facebook
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

About

  • Meet Rosie Mayes
  • Rosamae Seasonings
  • Super Soul Food Cookbook
  • I Heart Soul Food Cookbook
  • Letโ€™s Work Together!

© 2025 I Heart Recipes  ยท  All Rights Reserved  ยท  Website Design by Anchored Design

33401 shares