Is ‘souping’ the diet for you? Nutritionists discuss controversial weight loss method

Soupe tous les jours.

In the 1980s, the so-called cabbage soup diet was piping hot as weight loss hopefuls downed bowl after bowl of the low-calorie dish in hopes of trimming their waistline ASAP.

Now, the “souping” diet fad is back — with a lot more options.

“Souping, often seen as a method for clean eating and weight loss, involves adhering to a diet consisting exclusively of vegetable soups for a set duration, typically seven days,” Kelsey Costa, a nutrition consultant for Diabetes Strong, Inc., told Parade.

“In essence, ‘souping’ is the soup version of a juice cleanse.”

While some exclusively eat soup, others take a looser approach by having soup before a meal, as part of every meal or as just two meals a day, Isabel Vazquez, a registered dietitian with Memorial Hermann in Houston, told the outlet, but the diet should not be used in the long term.

“This approach should not be used for an extended period, as it lacks nutritional diversity, misses essential nutrients found in a balanced diet, and is not a sustainable or magic solution for long-term health or weight management,” Costa advised.

“Like many strict diets, relying solely on soups may not be sustainable in the long term,” Vazquez added. “While they can be a beneficial component of a healthy eating plan, it’s essential to maintain variety and ensure the overall balance of nutrients for long-term health and well-being.”

Both Costa and Vazquez aren’t the biggest fans of “souping” — or anything that claims to be a one-stop solution to weight loss.

“It’s important to convey a clear message that there’s no miraculous solution for weight loss or overall well-being,” Vazquez said. “Relying solely on vegetable soup may deprive individuals of essential nutrients found in a diverse diet.”

However, Costa notes that there could be some benefits to eating soup multiple times a day or increasing the number of times you consume soup — even including weight loss.

“The high water content in soups can also contribute to feelings of fullness and hydration, which are both important for weight management,” she explained.

More soup, especially veggie-based soups, has benefits such as reducing calorie intake, potential weight loss, increased veggie and fiber intake, hydration and better dietary quality.

“If you are struggling to intake an adequate amount of vegetables per day, vegetable-based soups can be beneficial for increasing your daily servings,” Sarah Herrington, a nutritionist at Brio-Medical, explained.

Previous studies support this as well.

A 2020 study found that consumption of soup was associated with reduced odds of obesity, while a 2014 study linked soup consumption to having a better dietary quality, including more fiber, protein, and many vitamins and minerals. However, the increased soup consumption also led to an increased sodium intake.

The experts noted that people with certain health issues should avoid souping, or at the very least double-check the ingredients.

“Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities should steer clear of soups containing wheat, while those with lactose intolerance should avoid creamy, dairy-based soups,” Vazquez said.

“Individuals needing to monitor their sodium intake…should exercise caution with high-sodium soups. Similarly, individuals struggling with blood sugar control should be wary of soups high in carbohydrates.”

People with kidney disease should be careful as well due to sodium and potassium, and those with a history of eating disorders or who classify as underweight should avoid the diet fad, Clark warned.

Though some people look to souping as a way to lose weight, others just really love soup.

“Souping can be a healthy way to eat if you enjoy eating soup,” Herrington added.