Understanding the Cabbage Soup Diet: What Can You Eat on Day 1?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

The Cabbage Soup Diet is a very low-calorie eating plan typically followed for seven days, known for its restrictive nature and promise of rapid weight loss [1]. On the first day of the cabbage soup diet, the menu is limited primarily to cabbage soup and most fruits [1, 2]. While designed for quick results, it is important to understand the nutritional limitations and potential health implications before starting [3].

Quick Summary

The first day of the cabbage soup diet strictly allows unlimited cabbage soup and most fruits (excluding bananas). Adherence requires avoiding all other food groups and focusing on hydration. This phase is extremely low in calories and lacks essential nutrients for long-term health.

Key Points

Limited Menu: Day 1 of the Cabbage Soup Diet restricts intake to unlimited cabbage soup and most fruits, excluding bananas [1, 2].
Very Low Calorie: This initial phase is extremely low in calories, which can lead to rapid, but often temporary, weight loss [3].
Nutritionally Incomplete: The diet on Day 1 lacks essential protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals necessary for health [3].
Potential Side Effects: Possible side effects include fatigue, weakness, and digestive discomfort due to the restrictive nature and high fiber content [3].
Not Sustainable: The Cabbage Soup Diet is a short-term plan and is not suitable for long-term weight management or nutritional balance [3].
Consult a Professional: It is advised to consult a healthcare provider before starting this or any restrictive diet to understand potential risks and suitability [3].

Day 1 Menu: Cabbage Soup and Limited Fruit

The initial day of the Cabbage Soup Diet focuses on a severely restricted intake to kickstart weight loss. The primary components of the Day 1 menu are the staple cabbage soup and a selection of fresh fruits [1, 2]. The diet suggests consuming unlimited amounts of both the soup and permitted fruits to help manage hunger, despite the significantly low caloric intake [2].

The Cabbage Soup

The foundation of the diet is the cabbage soup, which is typically a simple, low-calorie broth-based soup. Common ingredients include [1]:

Cabbage
Onions
Bell peppers
Canned tomatoes
Celery
Carrots
Mushrooms
Seasonings (such as herbs, spices, salt, and pepper)

It is crucial that the soup is prepared without added fats or oils to maintain its low-calorie profile [1]. While seasonings can be used to enhance flavor, the soup's primary purpose is to provide volume and some nutrients without contributing significant calories [1].

The Fruit Allowance

In addition to the soup, most fresh fruits are permitted on Day 1, with one significant exclusion: bananas [2]. The allowed fruits are generally low in calories and provide some vitamins and fiber. Common examples include:

Apples
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon)
Peaches
Oranges
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Pears
Pineapple

Melons like cantaloupe and watermelon are often highlighted due to their high water content, which can aid hydration [2]. The exclusion of bananas is typically attributed to their higher sugar and calorie density compared to other fruits [2].

Permitted Beverages

Hydration is an important aspect of any diet, and on the restrictive Day 1 of the Cabbage Soup Diet, staying hydrated is crucial. The allowed beverages are limited to [2]:

Water
Unsweetened tea
Black coffee

Sugary drinks, alcohol, and even diet sodas are strictly prohibited [1, 2].

Potential Health Concerns and Nutritional Deficiencies

While the Cabbage Soup Diet may lead to rapid weight loss in the short term, primarily due to significant calorie restriction and water loss, it is not a nutritionally balanced eating plan [3]. Day 1, in particular, is extremely low in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals found in other food groups [3].

Following such a restrictive diet can lead to several potential health concerns, including:

Fatigue and Weakness: The very low-calorie intake can result in a lack of energy, leading to feelings of tiredness and weakness [3].
Nutrient Deficiencies: Essential nutrients found in grains, lean proteins, and dairy are absent on Day 1, and prolonged adherence can lead to deficiencies [3].
Digestive Issues: The high fiber content from the cabbage and fruits can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort in some individuals [1].
Gallstones: Rapid weight loss, as can occur with very low-calorie diets, has been linked to an increased risk of gallstone formation [3].
Not Sustainable for Long-Term: This diet does not teach sustainable healthy eating habits and is not designed for long-term weight management [3]. Any weight lost is often quickly regained once a regular diet is resumed [3].

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Health


Aspect	Cabbage Soup Diet (Short-Term)	Balanced Diet (Long-Term)
Caloric Intake	Very Low	Appropriate for individual needs
Nutritional Balance	Deficient in many nutrients	Provides a wide range of essential nutrients
Weight Loss Rate	Rapid (often water loss)	Gradual and sustainable fat loss
Satiety	Relies on volume of soup/fruit	Includes protein, fat, and fiber for lasting fullness
Sustainability	Not sustainable	Encourages lifelong healthy habits
Impact on Metabolism	Can potentially slow metabolism with prolonged use	Supports a healthy metabolism

Conclusion: Prioritizing Health and Sustainability

Understanding what you can eat on the first day of the Cabbage Soup Diet highlights its highly restrictive and very low-calorie nature. While it may offer a quick start to weight loss, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks and nutritional deficiencies associated with such a diet [3]. This diet is not a sustainable or healthy approach to weight management and does not provide the necessary nutrients for overall well-being [3]. Before embarking on any restrictive diet, especially one as limited as the Cabbage Soup Diet, consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian is strongly recommended. They can provide personalized advice and help you develop a safe and effective plan that supports your long-term health goals [3]. Sustainable weight management is best achieved through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle changes rather than through restrictive fad diets [3].

For information on healthy eating guidelines and balanced dietary approaches, consult resources from reputable health organizations [4].

Frequently Asked Questions

On the first day, you can eat unlimited quantities of cabbage soup and most fruits, except for bananas [1, 2].

Bananas are typically excluded on the first day because they are higher in sugar and calories compared to other fruits permitted in this phase [2].

No, the first day is strictly limited to cabbage soup and fruits. Other vegetables are introduced on subsequent days of the diet [1, 2].

The diet suggests unlimited consumption of the cabbage soup and permitted fruits on Day 1 to help manage hunger, but this should be done with awareness of potential digestive discomfort from high fiber intake [1, 2].

Allowed beverages include water, unsweetened tea, and black coffee [2].

The Cabbage Soup Diet is a very low-calorie, restrictive diet that is not nutritionally balanced for long-term health and is not considered a healthy approach to sustainable weight loss [3].

Initial weight loss on Day 1 and throughout the week is often rapid but is largely due to water loss rather than significant fat loss [3].