This cabbage soup recipe for weight loss has been my secret weapon for healthy eating resets for years. Forget bland “diet food” – this soup is bursting with flavor while being incredibly effective for shedding unwanted pounds. As someone who’s tested countless recipes, I promise this version strikes the perfect balance between delicious and nutritious.
The best part? You don’t need fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a pot of satisfying, fat-burning goodness ready to power your weight loss journey.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe for Weight Loss
This isn’t just another bland diet recipe – it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking to shed pounds without sacrificing flavor:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients
- Ultra Low-Calorie: Under 100 calories per generous serving
- Flavorful: Secret ingredient apple cider vinegar brightens taste and may boost metabolism
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes enough for a full week of meals
- Satisfying: Packed with fiber to keep you feeling full
- Convenient: Makes healthy eating genuinely effortless
Cabbage Soup Recipe for Weight Loss Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this weight loss cabbage soup that’s both satisfying and effective:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 8-10 cups)
- 3 large carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic powder)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces – not too small as it will shrink during cooking. Dice the onions and bell peppers, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the onions become translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it as it can turn bitter!
Step 3: Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the bell peppers and cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the cabbage begins to wilt slightly. The vegetables will release some moisture and start to soften.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and tomato paste. Add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until all vegetables are tender. The cabbage should be soft but not mushy. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, if you’re following a strict detox or weight loss plan, you might want to go easy on the salt. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips & Easy Variations
- Spice it up: Add a tablespoon of curry powder or Italian seasoning for a flavor boost without extra calories.
- Protein boost: Stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken or 1 can of rinsed white beans for a more filling meal that’s still weight-loss friendly.
- Extra veggies: Toss in zucchini, green beans, or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking for even more nutritional power.
- Make it creamy: For a richer version that’s still diet-friendly, blend 2 cups of the finished soup and stir it back into the pot.
- Time-saver: Use pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store to cut prep time in half.
How to Serve and Enjoy Weight Loss Soup Recipe
While this cabbage soup recipe for weight loss is perfect on its own, there are several ways to enjoy it as part of a balanced plan:
- Light lunch option: Serve with a small side salad dressed with lemon juice and a teaspoon of olive oil for a refreshing, low-calorie meal.
- 7-day diet pairing: If following a modified 7-day cabbage soup diet, pair with a small portion of lean protein like grilled chicken or fish on designated protein days.
- Satisfying dinner: Add a half cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa to your bowl for a more filling dinner that won’t derail your progress.
- Standalone meal: The soup is nutritionally complete on its own and makes an excellent standalone meal any time of day.
- Meal timing: Remember, even when losing weight, meals should be satisfying and enjoyable!
The 7-Day Cabbage Soup Diet
The 7-day cabbage soup diet is a short-term weight loss plan. You eat unlimited cabbage soup plus specific foods each day.
Daily Plan:
- Day 1: Soup + fruits (no bananas)
- Day 2: Soup + vegetables
- Day 3: Soup + fruits and vegetables
- Day 4: Soup + bananas and skim milk
- Day 5: Soup + lean protein (chicken or fish)
- Day 6: Soup + protein and vegetables
- Day 7: Soup + brown rice and vegetables
What to Expect:
- Most people lose 5-10 pounds in one week
- Some weight loss is water weight
- High fiber keeps you feeling full
- Low calories create weight loss
Important Notes:
- This is a temporary reset, not a long-term diet
- Return to balanced eating after 7 days
- Consult your doctor before starting
- Best used as a kickstart tool
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the cabbage: This makes the soup mushy and releases an unpleasant sulfur smell. Simmer just until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Skipping the acid component: The lemon juice and vinegar aren’t just for flavor – they help break down the cabbage fibers, making nutrients more available and the soup easier to digest.
- Using high-sodium broth: This can cause water retention, masking your actual weight loss. Stick with low-sodium varieties or make your own.
- Relying only on the soup: While excellent for weight loss, using this as your only food for extended periods isn’t sustainable. Use it as part of a balanced approach for best results.
Storing for Later & Meal Prep
This detox cabbage soup recipe is perfect for meal prep! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for the famous 7-day cabbage soup diet. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through. The flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge as the ingredients meld together!
Let’s Make This Recipe!
This cabbage soup recipe for weight loss is your ticket to delicious, effective healthy eating! It’s packed with nutrients, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to enjoy all week without getting bored. Whether you’re following a structured weight loss plan or simply looking to incorporate more nutritious, low-calorie meals into your routine, this soup delivers amazing results. I’d love to hear how this recipe works for you! Drop a comment below with your experience or any questions – I’m here to help you succeed on your health journey!
More Such Recipes
- Vegetable Barley Soup
- Vegan Mushroom Gravy
- Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe
- Vegan mushroom soup
- Vegan chicken noodle soup
- Vegan pea soup recipe
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Consult your doctor before starting any diet plan. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I follow this cabbage soup diet recipe for more than 7 days?
The traditional cabbage soup diet is designed as a short-term plan lasting 7 days. For longer-term weight management, I recommend incorporating this soup into a balanced diet rather than relying on it exclusively. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized nutrition advice.
Is this fat-burning cabbage soup actually effective for weight loss?
Yes! This soup is very low in calories yet high in fiber, which helps you feel full. Many people report losing 5-10 pounds when following a structured plan with this soup as the foundation. Remember that some initial weight loss may be water weight, and sustainable results come from long-term healthy habits.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green for this weight loss cabbage soup?
Absolutely! Red cabbage works beautifully and adds even more nutrients and antioxidants. Just note that it will turn your soup a pretty purple color, which can be a fun change!
How can I add more flavor to my detox cabbage soup without adding calories?
Try adding more herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can transform the flavor profile. Fresh herbs added at serving time also provide a flavor boost without additional calories.
Is this easy cabbage soup recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes! When made with vegetable broth as listed in the recipe, this soup is completely vegan and vegetarian-friendly. It’s a plant-based powerhouse that supports weight loss while providing essential nutrients.
Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and prep all vegetables: chop cabbage, dice onions and peppers, slice carrots and celery, and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add bell peppers and cabbage. Stir and cook for 4–5 minutes until cabbage begins to wilt.
- Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes. In final 5 minutes, stir in lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
