Today, as promised, is my first day on the legendary cabbage soup diet. I've been meaning to try it for many years, but somehow the time was never right (translation: I was able to find excuses). It's a short-term crash diet, based on eating unlimited quantities of a cabbage-based soup which costs more calories to digest than it provides, so you can eat enough to feel full but keep losing weight rapidly.
The diet is augmented by different added foods on each day. You eat as much of the soup as you want, and as much as you want of the other foods for the day - in my case, Day 1: Fruit (except bananas). In theory the selection of additional foods is carefully chosen to maintain your levels of vital chemicals so you don't get sick. I'm told the diet was originally developed by doctors to cleanse the system and reduce weight before heart surgery, but I haven't been able to find evidence or a listing of the "original" diet. There are a whole bunch of variations floating around on the basic recipe and schedule.
Chocolate Protein Shake
So this morning I went down to my fantastic Italian greengrocers, and came back with a carrier bag stuffed full of green things. After a lot of chopping, peeling and simmering, here's what it looks like: The bulk of my diet for the next week.
Actually, it's not bad at all. With loads of onion, celery and tomato in, it's got the base of a good stock mixture (and some of my own vegetable stock cubes in for a boost), and it's well seasoned with thyme, basil, bay and black pepper. It's really pretty tasty, although I've quickly found myself adding a bit of salt to each bowl or it really is bland.
Obviously there's not much in the way of effects today, although I have felt a bit up and down energy-wise, particularly as I missed breakfast (since I didn't have anything allowed by the diet in the house to eat) and then ate a lot at lunchtime. With heavy-digesting foods like this, it's important to spread them out through the day rather than eating big meals, as anything hard to digest brings your energy levels down for a while (the reason why people get sluggish in the afternoon when they eat big lunches).
My brain is already at work trying to screw things up, and I keep imagining that I'm craving chocolate or meat, very unlikely since my last "normal" meal was last night and that's really not time for your body to feel deprived. I have been enjoying the fruit enormously, experiencing the intense flavours and sweetness much more than I normally would, but I think that's largely psychological too. I've been drinking a lot of water and green tea, and the digestive workout seems to be making me quite thirsty. Otherwise I feel as good as ever, really. I'm even looking forward to a supper of fruit tonight when I settle in to watch a new episode of House.
Obviously, a crash diet isn't a longterm solution to weight loss. Right now my normal diet is pretty good - I'm mostly off the overprocessed rubbish foods, I eat a fair bit of veg and fruit, very little out of the freezer (except things I've cooked and frozen myself) and I'm reasonably good about sweets. Week on week I am losing a little bit of weight. It's just that the mountainous task (and stomach) ahead of me are making me feel pretty demotivated. Hopefully this quick boost will help me feel more motivated to be strict with myself and stick with the exercise.
Soupsong's page for the Cabbage Soup Diet
The version of the cabbage soup diet I'm using this week. There are various other versions floating around.
Christmas Sales Twinlab 100% Whey Protein Fuel, Chocolate Surge, 5 Pound 201
Dec 19, 2011 15:44:44
Click for larger image and other views
Christmas Sales Twinlab 100% Whey Protein Fuel, Chocolate Surge, 5 Pound Feature
- One 5-pound tub of chocolate-flavored whey protein supplement
- Contains whey protein concentrate that is 100% instantized, quick dissolving and easy-to-mix; 25 grams of protein per serving
- Stimulates muscle protein anabolism by enhancing muscle building and lean tissue mass
- Increases muscle performance and improves post-workout recovery by reducing aches and pains
- Rich and refreshing flavor
Christmas Sales Twinlab 100% Whey Protein Fuel, Chocolate Surge, 5 Pound Overview
100-percent Whey Protein Fuel is a dietary supplement that contains 50 grams protein (2 servings) and is naturally and artificially flavored. This supplement stimulates muscle growth and improves post-workout recovery. It is a premier concentrate that is 100-percent instantized, quick dissolving and easy-to-mix with a rich, refreshing chocolate flavor. Stimulates muscle protein anabolism, which maximizes muscle growth that occurs after exercise, by enhancing muscle building and lean tissue mass.Clinical studies show that 100-percent whey protein is one of the most anabolic muscle building proteins available, providing a rapid drive of amino acids to skeletal muscle tissue, thereby increasing the anabolic effects of weight training. Enhanced muscle protein anabolism increase muscle growth, to maximize gains. Research also shows that 100-percent Whey Protein has one of the highest protein qualities of all proteins (as measured by the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score), and has one of the highest protein efficiency ratios, providing more amino acids than most other proteins. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)
SAVE NOW on Christmas Sales Offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Christmas Twinlab 100% Whey Protein Fuel, Chocolate Surge, 5 Pound ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |
