The Cabbage Soup Diet has gained the attention of many health buffs all around the globe. According to popular belief, a person can lose around 10 lbs. per week if they follow the diet religiously. Some individuals use this diet to help them lose weight before a special occasion, while others use it to kick-start their body transformation journey.
This vegetable soup is eaten thrice a day and paired with other food like fruits, leafy vegetables, meat and brown rice. It is a very strict diet so people who use it must eat the prescribed food item for 7 days. The soup can be consumed in unlimited amounts. It can also be made in any way you want.
Even with the claimed weight loss benefits, a lot of patients stop using the diet because of its boring and bland taste. It also provides very little nutrients to help sustain the body. Unlike other types of diet, this does not include any form of exercise because it provides very little calories for the body every day.
What are The Benefits of Cabbage Soup Diet?
Many people who want to trim off excess fats follow the cabbage soup diet plan by heart. The vegetable is high in fiber and low in fat, so it is ideal for people who need help in achieving their weight goals. Also, compared to other weight loss diet plans, it is relatively cheaper because of the simple ingredients used. The basic ingredients of the soup include cabbage, celery, tomatoes, carrots, onions and bell pepper.
This type of diet has been around for several years. In fact, it was introduced sometime in the 1950’s. The diet was developed for quick and short-term weight loss plans. Cabbage is considered by many as a super food as it contains around 3.2 g of sugar, and 32 mg of Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C.
Why Diabetic Shouldn’t Eat Cabbage Soup Diet?
People with diabetes struggle in maintaining the normal level of their blood sugar. Hence, health experts strongly discourage following this diet for people diagnosed with diabetes. Furthermore, health practitioners detail that while the soup diet can help you lose weight, the effect will only last for a short period.
Experts say that the diet only helps get rid of water weight, which can be gained back over a few months once you switch back to your usual diet. The diet works by limiting your source of calories. On an average, the soup can provide 1,000 calories a day.
The recommended dietary allowance for calorie among full-grown adults is 2,000 calories. Hence, if you have diabetes, you will have huge problems coping with the sudden decrease of calorie intake.
Other Dangers of Using the Cabbage Soup
Aside from the significant energy drop, diabetic individuals are not recommended to use this fad diet because of other complications such as decreased metabolism rate, frequently upset stomach, bad breath, loss of hair, gallbladder problems, mild to severe headaches and dizziness. Other health concerns suffered by diabetic patients includes decreased muscle tone and increased irritability.
Never use the diet without the guidance of your health practitioner aside from the weak muscles and slower reflexes, you can also suffer from severe malnutrition. Regardless if you consume large amounts of soup and the food items prescribed in the diet, your body would still suffer from malnutrition. The accumulated nutrients will never be enough to support the normal functions of your body.
What Should Diabetics Eat Instead?
People with diabetes must follow a diet that has the perfect balance of nutrients, minerals and calories instead of a low-calorie diet. The key to creating the perfect diet is to consume the right amount of fruits, whole grains and vegetables.
The diet should help your body boost the normal production of insulin, the hormone in charge of converting sugar molecules in the blood. Some of the highly recommended food products you need include omega-rich fish, legumes, wheat brand, nuts, fruits and veggies.
If you have diabetes, you must avoid eating products that are high in sodium, trans-fat, cholesterol and saturated fats. As much as possible, lessen your consumption of processed products like sausages, processed snacks, and shortening. You must also regulate your consumption of egg yolks, liver and innards.
