Cabbage Soup - The Home Stretch...
We're almost there! The final days of the Cabbage Soup Diet are winding down -- and as I look back - I've definitely learned a few things about my eating habits. I have always considered myself a pretty healthy eater, but while I was on this plan, it occurred to me that I don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. They're usually on my plate, but probably not enough of them. This diet also helped me create different combinations of vegetables cooked in various ways with different spices. I guess when you're stuck eating only veggies for a few days, the creative juices start to flow.
Talking with Karlie, she agreed. More fruits and veggies are the way to go. She made another valid point too. She has learned to be more aware of what she is actually putting into her mouth, and she's making sure to drink more water, something she didn't do before this diet.
So call it a "fad diet" if you will. But it did help the both of us "kick start" some better and healthier eating habits.
After the seven days on the Cabbage Soup Diet we have both lost five pounds -- and as a result we are keeping better track of what we are eating, when we are eating and why and how it is prepared. There are more fruits and vegetables in our diet, lower carbohydrate intake, less sugar and more exercise. I have personally lost another four pounds keeping this healthy lifestyle.
Again, thank you to all who wrote in and supported us through this. And remember, if you have your own health question for Dr. Manny, please write in to drmanny@foxnews.com
Day 5 - Menu
Beef and Tomatoes Day!
You may have 10-20 ounces of beef and up to six fresh tomatoes. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water this day to wash the uric acid from your body. Eat your soup at least once today. You may eat broiled or baked skinless chicken instead of beef. If you prefer, you can substitute broiled fish for the beef. Drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin.
Creative Creations: Using stewed tomatoes can sauce up your chicken or beef. Add some Italian seasonings for a different flavor. For dinner try chicken and tomato kabobs with some different seasonings.
Day 6 - Menu
Beef and Vegetables Day!
Eat all the beef and vegetables you want on this day. You can even have 2 or 3 steaks if you like. Eat a lot of of vegetables, making sure you have a lot of leafy green ones. No Baked Potato. Eat your soup at least once. Drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin.
Creative Creations: There are many ways to make your veggies taste good, on this day try different spices, grill them, boil them, eat them raw. You have endless options. For lunch or dinner you can make steak kabobs with grilled vegetables. Also, try sliced flank steak or grilled chicken over a green salad.
Day 7 - Menu
Brown Rice & Veggie Day!
You can eat as much brown rice and vegetables today. Be sure to eat your soup at least once this day. Drink plenty of water and take a multivitamin.
Creative Creations: Lost at what to have for breakfast? Again, using sweet spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add a different flavor to your brown rice. For lunch or dinner, try sauteing a variety of vegetables and mix in brown rice with low sodium soy sauce in a wok to create a Asian style stir-fry. Remember to drink lots of water and/or unsweetened fruit juices.
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