This Low Calorie Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and Plan can help you trim down fast, and stay on plan! With 5 yummy recipes you’ll never be bored with cabbage soup again!
I made these recipes because I was sick of the “same-old” cabbage soup recipes. And what I came up with included hearty vegan soups, protein packed soups, and more.
I like adding lots of ingredients to my cabbage soups, and so I also supplied you with 5 additional add-ins. So you can get creative in the kitchen and have some fun with these healthy recipes.
And because we all have our favorite ways to cook, I also included directions on making these soups in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, and on the stove top.
This recipe for cabbage soup is just 61 calories and comes with 5 yummy versions of the traditional cabbage soup…
Why You’ll Love These Cabbage Soups:
- 5 Recipes To Choose from – with 5 to choose from you’ll never be bored with cabbage soup again!
- Low Calorie – just 61 calories for 2 heaping cups!
- Fat Burning – packed with fat burning ingredients, these soups will help you lose weight fast!
- 3 Ways to Cook – Instant Pot, Slow Cooker and Stove Top directions included.
- Yummy Add-Ins – 5 additional add-ins make your options limitless!
Low Calorie Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and Plan
I love this recipe, and if you’ve read my weight loss story, you know I’ve tried every diet out there… including the cabbage soup diet.
I make this soup all the time. It’s a great healthy (and super filling) snack, and a great way to boost metabolism and burn fat.
I will review the cabbage soup diet below, but this article is more about giving you more flavor and hearty options for the traditional recipe. So no matter why you’re making cabbage soup, you are never bored with it again.
What You’ll Find in this Article:
You can click on the links above to skip ahead to the section you are looking for. But I do recommend skimming the entire article as I have included weight loss help and ideas on making the cabbage soup diet work better for you.
Up next, what is the cabbage soup diet, and why it works…
What is the Cabbage Soup Diet Plan
The cabbage soup diet has been a staple in the weight loss world. It is controversial as it is very low calorie, and because of that I do urge you to seek medical advice before embarking in the 7 day diet with cabbage soup.
With that said, these soups are great for fast weight loss and can absolutely be enjoyed with all diets. I recommend having them for a light lunch, as a hearty snack, or a side dish with a yummy salad if you don’t want to embark on the full cabbage soup diet.
7 Day Traditional Cabbage Soup Diet:
- 1st Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus fruit (except bananas)
- 2nd Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus vegetables like leafy greens (not starchy), but no fruit
- 3rd Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus fruits and vegetables
- 4th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus bananas and skim milk
- 5th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus beef (or baked chicken without the skin) and tomatoes
- 6th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus beef and vegetables
- 7th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables
If this traditional soup cabbage diet plan is too difficult, just try swapping 1 meal per day with homemade cabbage soup. You will still see results. And at just 61 calories for 2 cups, you can also just make these soups for snacks.
Why the Cabbage Soup Diet Plan Works
The cabbage soup diet is a high fiber, low calorie diet that spans 7 days. Often people lose up to 10 pounds in a single week on this calorie restrictive diet, and that is the main reason you lose so much weight, it is calorie restrictive.
On the cabbage soup diet, you consume about 1000 calories per day for the first few days (days 1-4) and then go up to about 1200 calories for the remaining days. This severe calorie deficit causes quick weight loss. (1)
It should be noted that the cabbage soup diet is only meant to be a 7 day period, and does not address salt intake, exercise, or hydrating. All of which are important for weight loss and overall health.
The cabbage soup diet is high fiber and low calorie, you can lose 10 pounds in 7 days on the popular diet.
Though I do love the hearty soup, I am not the biggest fan of severely restricting calories. Often people do lose 10 pounds on the cabbage soup diet, just to gain it back quickly. With that said, you have a few ways to make the cabbage soup diet work in a healthier way.
5 NEW Ways to Try the Cabbage Soup Diet:
- Swap one meal per day with the traditional cabbage soup, and eat normal otherwise.
- Do the cabbage soup diet, but with protein, bean, or veggie add ins to boost calories and nutrition (see recipes below).
- Enjoy the cabbage soup as a daily snack.
- Have 1 cup of cabbage soup 1 hour before dinner (it will fill you up and your won’t be as hungry!)
- Break your intermittent fast with healthy cabbage soup, it’s a great way to fill up after a light fast.
Up next, I’ll review the ingredients of cabbage soup, and share what each does for weight loss…
Ingredients In Low Calorie Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
I love this recipe because it’s packed with nutrition, fiber, and so much flavor. And it’s so low in calories I can have as much as I want!
The traditional recipe for diet cabbage soup is vegan and packed with veggies. But I have supplied you with several options to boost nutrition, protein, and even calories (because with this skinny soup you may need them!)
Cabbage Soup Ingredients:
- Olive oil spray – to cut the calories and fat, use olive oil spray
- Onions – naturally boosts metabolism and add flavor
- Carrots – increase fullness helping you stay fuller longer
- Celery – supports digestion and releves tummy bloat
- Red Bell Pepper – boosts metabolism and burns fat
- Garlic – removed toxins from the body
- Italian Seasoning – adds lots of flavor, and is an anti-inflammatory
- Salt and Pepper – you can skip the salt and use lemon juice if you like
- Vegetable Broth – low calorie and metabolism boosting
- Cabbage – supports digestion and boosts metabolism
- Tomato – improves digestive health as it boosts metabolism
- White-Wine Vinegar – reduces inflammation. You can use apple cider vinegar instead to boost metabolism.
Be sure to keep scrolling for all 5 cabbage soup recipes!
You can also try some of my yummy add-ins. In the recipe card below I have supplied you with amazing add-ins like protein boosters, probiotic packed ingredients. And hearty beans and herbs.
Up next, you’ll learn how to make cabbage soup in the slow cooker, instant pot and on the stove top…
How to Make Healthy Diet Cabbage Soup Recipes
This diet soup with cabbage can be prepared 3 ways, I find that the slow cooker is the easiest. But choose your favorite…
Stovetop Directions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and spray with olive oil.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Next, add in the bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in any protein, beans, or potatoes (see 5 recipes above for variations) you chose, the broth, cabbage and tomato. Stir to combine.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until all the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, if you added chicken remove, shred and add back to the pot, add vinegar and serve hot.
Slow Cooker Directions:
- To your slow cooker, add all of the ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- If you added chicken remove, shred and add back to the slow cooker, add vinegar and serve hot.
Instant Pot Directions:
- Preheat your Instant Pot to Sauté Low, and spray with olive oil.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery, and sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Next, add in the bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the broth and scrape the bottom well to remove any browned bits (this helps your avoid the “Burn” reading.)
- Add in any protein, beans, or potatoes (see 5 recipes above for variations) you chose, cabbage and tomato. Do not mix.
- Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release the pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid, and if you added chicken remove, shred and add back to the pot, then add vinegar mix well, and serve hot.
Up next, a sharable recipe card with the directions, measurements, and all 5 yummy cabbage soup recipes…
Low Calorie Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe (5 Recipes!)
These 5 yummy cabbage soup for diet recipes are packed with flavor and nutrition! Be sure to see the 5 optional add-ins below the ingredients for fresh herbs and yummy spices that will give your diet soup a kick for flavor!
More Weight Loss Recipes:
If you love this recipe, you’ll also love my Low Calorie Grilled Cabbage Steaks!
Low Calorie Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
Ingredients
1. The Original Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe:
- Olive oil spray
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
2. Protein Packed Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe:
- Olive oil spray
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
3. Hearty Potato Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe:
- Olive oil spray
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 Russett potatoes peeled and cubed
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
4. White Bean Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe:
- Olive oil spray
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 can cannelloni beans drained and rinced
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
5. Japanese Miso Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe:
- Olive oil spray
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato chopped
- 2 teaspoons white-wine vinegar
5 Yummy Add-Ins:
- 1 bay leaf (make sure to remove and discard after cooking)
- 1 jalapeno chopped
- Fresh herbs to the top (Dill, Basil, Parsley, Cilantro)
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce (pr more depending on your taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
Stovetop Directions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and spray with olive oil.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery, and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Next, add in the bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in any protein, beans, or potatoes (see 5 recipes above for variations) you chose, the broth, cabbage and tomato. Stir to combine.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until all the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, if you added chicken remove, shred and add back to the pot, add vinegar and serve hot.
Slow Cooker Directions:
- To your slow cooker, add all of the ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- If you added chicken remove, shred and add back to the slow cooker, add vinegar and serve hot.
Instant Pot Directions:
- Preheat your Instant Pot to Sauté Low, and spray with olive oil.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery, and sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Next, add in the bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the broth and scrape the bottom well to remove any browned bits (this helps your avoid the "Burn" reading.)
- Add in any protein, beans, or potatoes (see 5 recipes above for variations) you chose, cabbage and tomato. Do not mix.
- Cover and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release the pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid, and if you added chicken remove, shred and add back to the pot, then add vinegar mix well, and serve hot.
Nutrition
Nutrition and Calories in Cabbage Soup Diet Recipes
The nutrition and calories are based off 1 serving (2 cups) of the The Original Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe in the card above.
If you add in the chicken, beans, potatoes, or miso it will slightly change the nutrition. Furthermore, this is based on the stovetop directions, so if you make the cabbage soup in a slow cooker you won’t need the oil, and that will lower the calories a little.
Important Note: As a reminder, at Lose Weight By Eating the goal is to make healthier, all-natural versions of your favorite recipes… not all will be “diet worthy” depending on the diet you are on. But they will be healthier versions to help curb your cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cabbage soup diet can help you lose 10 pounds in 7 days. This high fiber, low calorie diet accelerates weight loss.
7 Day Traditional Cabbage Soup Diet:
1st Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus fruit (except bananas)
2nd Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus vegetables like leafy greens (not starchy), but no fruit
3rd Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus fruits and vegetables
4th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus bananas and skim milk
5th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus beef (or baked chicken without the skin) and tomatoes
6th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus beef and vegetables
7th Day: 2-3 servings of cabbage soup plus brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices, and vegetables
Coffee is allowed on the cabbage soup diet, however sugar and cream are not. Black coffee, tea, and water are all allowed while on the cabbage soup diet.
Cabbage soup is packed full of nutrients and metabolism boosting ingredients. At just 61 calories for 2 cups you can basically have as much as you like and experience weight loss.
More Weight Loss Recipes:
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Article History:
- Originally written and published October 11, 2022 by Audrey Johns
- Updated on June 8, 2023 by Audrey Johns
- Updated on September 11, 2023 by Audrey Johns
