Soup for Weight Loss: A Delicious Path to Shedding Pounds

Last updated on February 12th, 2024 at 03:48 pm

Who would have thought a warm bowl of delicious vegetable soup could be a secret weapon in your weight loss journey? Soups, often seen as comfort food, can now take center stage in your quest to shed those extra pounds. The combination of wholesome ingredients and low-calorie content makes soups attractive for anyone looking to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The idea of soups aiding weight loss isn't just a passing trend; there's science to support it. Studies have shown that starting a meal with a broth-based soup can lead to reduced overall calorie intake during the meal. The high water content of soups adds to their filling nature, helping to curb hunger and prevent overeating.

Weight Loss Soup Diet

The Soup Diet is a short-term variation of the Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Diet. It's a low-calorie diet plan that primarily centers around consuming vegetable-based soups. This healthy diet gained popularity as a purported method for rapid weight loss. The main principle behind the Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Diet is to consume large quantities of a specific cabbage-based soup along with a limited selection of other foods over seven days.

The healthy weight-loss soup recipe typically consists of cabbage, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, black beans, and other non-starchy vegetables seasoned with herbs and spices. The diet to lose weight usually involves consuming this delicious soup multiple times a day, accompanied by a restricted list of foods like fruits, lean proteins, and a few carbohydrates.

Proponents of the Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Diet claim that the high fiber content of the soup, along with the low-calorie nature of the diet, can lead to a calorie deficit, resulting in quick weight loss. However, it's important to note that the Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Diet is considered a fad diet and lacks substantial scientific evidence to support its long-term effectiveness or sustainability.

While individuals may experience initial weight loss due to the severe calorie restriction, much of this weight loss is often attributed to water loss rather than fat loss. Furthermore, the diet's limited food variety may lead to nutrient deficiencies, and the rapid weight loss achieved through such restrictive methods is generally not sustainable in the long run.

How Much Weight Can You Lose from a Soup Diet?

The amount of weight an individual can lose on a Weight Loss Cabbage Soup diet varies based on several factors, including the individual's starting weight, metabolism, activity level, and the specific details of the Weight Loss Cabbage Soup diet they are following. Soup diets typically involve replacing meals with low-calorie, nutrient-dense soups.

On average, a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is around 1-2 pounds (0.45-0.9 kilograms) per week. This equates to a calorie deficit of about 500 to 1000 calories per day. A Weight Loss Cabbage Soup diet can help achieve this calorie deficit due to soups' typically lower calorie content than more calorie-dense foods.

However, it's important to note that rapid and extreme weight loss, often promised by some Weight Loss Cabbage Soup diets, can be unhealthy and may lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and other health issues. Furthermore, much of the initial weight loss on such diets can be attributed to water weight and glycogen depletion rather than actual fat loss.

For effective and sustainable weight loss, following a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods and regular physical activity is recommended. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet is advised to ensure that your weight loss approach is safe and tailored to your needs and health status.

How Many Calories does a Cabbage Soup have?

Weight Loss Soup is recognized for its relatively low-calorie content, typically averaging between 50 calories to 80 calories per serving. This lower calorie count is primarily attributed to the soup's composition, which predominantly consists of water-rich vegetables like cabbage and a mix of other vegetables and sometimes lean protein. These ingredients collectively contribute low calories to the soup's volume without significantly increasing its caloric density.

The nature of Cabbage Soup's ingredients allows it to be satisfying and filling while still offering fewer calories compared to many other types of soups that might incorporate ingredients like cream, butter, or higher-fat meats. The minimal use of calorie-dense components is what gives this healthy soup its reputation as a suitable choice for individuals aiming to manage their calorie intake.

It's important to note that the specific calorie content of Weight Loss Cabbage Soup can vary based on factors such as the precise ingredients used, the portion size, and any additional elements added during preparation. However, as a general guideline, Weight Loss Cabbage Soup remains popular for those seeking a flavorful and nourishing dish with a relatively low caloric impact.

Can you Eat Unlimited Cabbage Soup?

While cabbage soup can be a healthy addition to your diet, it's important to exercise in moderation. Eating an excessive amount of cabbage soup, or any single food, is not recommended. While cabbage is low in calories and packed with nutrients, consuming only one type of food in large quantities may lead to nutrient imbalances and potential digestive discomfort.

It's best to incorporate a variety of foods from different food groups to ensure a balanced and well-rounded diet. If you're considering a cabbage soup diet or similar approach, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized guidance and to ensure your dietary choices align with your overall health goals.

Weight Loss Soup Recipes:

1. Savory Beef Broth Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium broth)

Instructions:

• • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrot, celery, bell pepper, green beans, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir well to combine.
  • Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
  • Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
  • Add cooked lean beef to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
  • Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

2. Luscious Tomato Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1 tablespoon olive pomace oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no added salt)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups water
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • In a large pot, heat the olive pomace oil over moderate heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Stir in the dried lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Mix well.
  • Add the dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your preference.
  • Pour in the water and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Once the lentil soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped parsley.

3. Spinach and Chickpea Creamy Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1 tablespoon olive pomace oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional for serving)
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • In a large pot, heat the olive pomace oil over moderate heat.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the diced carrot, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Stir in the chickpeas, vegetable broth, chopped spinach, dried thyme, and ground cumin. Mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  • Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the vegetables become tender.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the Greek yogurt. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent curdling.
  • Once the yogurt is fully incorporated and the soup is creamy, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve the creamy spinach and chickpea soup hot, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
  • Garnish each serving with chopped parsley for an added burst of flavor.

4. Delicious Vegetable Soup with Brown-Rice

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 cup brown rice, uncooked
  • 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup string beans, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive-pomace oil (for sautéing)
  • Fresh lemon juice (for serving)
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • Begin by cooking the brown rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside.
  • Heat a bit of olive pomace oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced carrots, celery, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the diced zucchini and chopped string beans to the pot, stirring them into the broth.
  • Season the soup with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
  • Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Good stir the cooked rice, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the soup.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Once the flavors have melded together, the soup is ready to be served.
  • Ladle the easy vegetable soup into bowls.
  • Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to each bowl for a bright and zesty touch.
  • Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.

5. Red Veggie Soup with a Kick

Ingredients:

• • 4 cups tomato juice (low sodium)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Assorted fresh veggies (e.g., carrots, celery, bell peppers), diced
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive-pomace oil (for sautéing)
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional for serving)
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive pomace oil over moderate heat.
  • Add the diced fresh veggies to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Stir in the shredded cabbage and continue sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in the tomato juice, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, including more red pepper flakes for added heat.
  • Once the veggies are tender and the flavors have developed, the soup is ready.
  • Ladle the tomato and veggie soup into bowls.
  • For a touch of freshness, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to each bowl before serving.
  • Garnish each serving with chopped parsley, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor of the soup.

6. Curried Turkey Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 pound ground turkey (lean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive pomace oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime juice (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • In a large pot, heat the olive pomace oil over moderate heat.
  • Add the ground turkey and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
  • Add a bit more olive-pomace oil, if needed, in the same pot, and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced carrot, diced bell pepper, and diced zucchini. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Sprinkle in the curry powder, stirring to coat the vegetables with the spice.
  • Pour in the light coconut milk, chicken or vegetable broth, and water.
  • Add the cooked ground turkey back to the pot.
  • Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, letting it wilt into the soup.
  • Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  • The soup is ready once the vegetables are tender and the flavors have developed.
  • Ladle the curried turkey soup into bowls.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice into each bowl before serving for a zesty kick.
  • Garnish each serving with chopped fresh cilantro, adding a burst of color and flavor.

7. Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 1 tablespoon olive pomace oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 6 cups low-sodium veggie broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • In a large pot, heat the olive pomace oil over moderate heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly.
  • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the veggie broth. Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the vegetable soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the vegetable soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  • About 5 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. This will add some extra nutrients to the soup.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the soup once the vegetables are tender and the greens have wilted.
  • Stir in the lemon juice to add a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Ladle the healthy cabbage soup recipe into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.

8. Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ingredients:

• • 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 6 cups low-sodium veggie broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked white (optional)
  • Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• • Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a drizzle of olive-pomace oil.
  • Once the oil is heated, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Turn off the sauté mode and add the chopped cabbage into the Instant Pot.
  • Pour in the tomatoes (with their juices) over the cabbage.
  • Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
  • Add the bay leaf to the pot.
  • Pour in the low-sodium veggie broth to cover the ingredients.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to high-pressure cooking mode.
  • Cook the soup on high pressure for about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick pressure release.
  • Carefully open the lid and stir the soup.
  • Add the cooked white beans to the soup for extra protein and texture if desired.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Serve the cabbage soup in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley.

Conclusion:

Soup for Weight Loss offers a tantalizing journey towards achieving your weight loss goals. This flavorful approach to shedding pounds provides a diverse range of delectable soups and emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. As you savor the nourishing goodness of soups, remember that this culinary adventure can be your key to a healthier lifestyle.

So why wait? Take action today and embrace the nourishing power of soups as a vital component of your weight loss journey. With dedication and the right recipes in hand, you can savor the taste of success while achieving your desired weight and overall well-being.