ast semester, I published a column proclaiming my ineptitude at dieting. The week before spring break, however, I decided to give it another try: I finally successfully completed my first diet regimen.
While the key to losing weight is combining a healthy diet with exercise, if you ever need a quick fix to those unwanted pounds, the Cabbage Soup diet will work wonders. Here's how:
Day One: The first day of the diet consists of eating fruit (no bananas) and cabbage soup. The recipe can be found online at www.cabbage-soup-diet.com/recipe.html. I had a fruit salad on my way into Boston, but when lunchtime came around, I knew I was in trouble. The photo team at my internship ordered from a local seafood restaurant. As the team dined on succulent fish and lobster rolls, I sat with my orange, trying to ignore the tasty aroma. By the time I left the shoot, I was starving. I came home hoping that my roommate had prepared the soup, but no such luck. So I peeled another orange and got to work. The soup takes a while to prepare, since it is supposed to simmer for two hours. It can be a little bland, so make sure you add a significant amount of your favorite spices before simmering. We added curry powder for a little zing. When the soup was finally ready, I poured myself a large bowl and ravenously slurped it down. After I was finished I got an unpleasant surprise: I felt fat! The excessive cabbage created abdominal bloating. So make sure not to start this diet if you need to wear a figure-hugging outfit.
Day Two: After the first day, I was so sick of fruit that I was excited to partake in a day of veggies. My roommate and I happily munched on broccoli, mushrooms and carrots - though it was a bit strange eating grilled zucchini for breakfast. Eating vegetables all day did get boring, but luckily, day two allows you to treat yourself to a large baked potato with butter. I have never looked forward to a potato so much in my entire life!
Day Three: On the third day, you combine the first two rules, except there is unfortunately no baked potato. So again, my roommate and I partook on a day of oranges, apples, spinach and, of course, cabbage soup. By the end of the day, I was so sick of fruit and vegetables that I had to force the soup down, trying to pretend that I was eating a large plate of nachos. I felt so tired that I spent the entire evening on the couch.
Day Four: Halfway through the diet, you are presented with the strangest combination: skim milk, bananas and soup. In the morning I made myself a large banana smoothie on the way to my internship. I felt weird bringing cabbage soup to work (it has an odd aroma), so that afternoon I stepped out to get some milk. I was hoping to find a small milk chug, but my luck only landed me with a half-gallon container. I took the beverage back to my desk and tried to covertly pour the large container into smaller cups. I guess I'm no James Bond, because I was caught during my second transfer and had to explain to a co-worker about my crazy diet.
Day Five: After a day of milk and bananas, meat was truly rewarding. The fifth day allows you to eat beef (10-20 oz.) and tomatoes. I woke up late and threw two burgers on the George Foreman. At the end of the day, I dined on baked chicken, roasted tomatoes and the cabbage soup. I was perfectly content.
Day Six: After the effortless fifth day, I thought day six would be a breeze. Beef and vegetables? No problem, I told myself when I woke up. At 8 a.m., however, I could not fathom eating either. Two hours later, I felt nauseous. I was worried about making it through the morning, so I cheated. I stopped into Starbucks, grabbed a bran muffin, and guiltily ate the unacceptable carbs. I did, however, feel better.
And finally...Day Seven: The last day calls for a celebration. Unfortunately, brown rice and veggies aren't comparable to chocolate cake. Nevertheless, the simple carbohydrates revitalize your body, and rice for breakfast isn't all that bad.
I woke up the next morning ready to get on the plane and slip on my brand-new bikini.
