The GM (General Motors) diet, particularly its soup recipe, has been a popular topic in the weight loss world for many years. While I'm not a big fan of specific food weight loss diets because they can be dangerous in that the human body will respond negatively to deprivation, by forcing weight gain later on when the diet is given up, I persuaded myself to endeavor the most talked about GM Diet. It literally helps to lose 5 to 6 Kgs in a week’s time (from the information I gathered from friends and the internet). This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the GM diet soup, often called "wonder soup," "weight loss soup," or "miracle soup," including its recipe, variations, and the overall diet plan.
Understanding the GM Diet
The GM diet is a 7-day eating plan designed to promote weight loss. It involves consuming specific foods each day, along with the unlimited consumption of a particular soup. The diet was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone. This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects. The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.
The Core of the Diet: GM Wonder Soup
The cornerstone of the GM diet is the soup, which can be eaten in unlimited quantities throughout the week. This helps to keep hunger at bay and provides a sense of fullness.
Basic Recipe
The basic recipe is as follows:
- 28 oz Water
- 6 Large Onions
- 2 Green Peppers
- Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 Head Cabbage
- 1 Bunch Celery
- 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- Herbs and Flavoring as desired
Some people use stock, but it depends on how you want to diet.
Read also: Delicious Instant Pot Soup Ideas
Modified Recipe
When I cited the recipe of the Cabbage soup or famously known as Wonder soup I was not sure how it would taste, as it reflected very bland. Actually, a few people whom I know who have tried this diet, had followed the recipe given on the site and did not relish the flavors, so I decided to make some changes by adding a few ingredients which would make it at least taste like a soup. And guess what??? I managed to make one, which was not the best soup one would wish for, but edible enough compared to the stated recipe and I did not mess around with the rules.
Then add water, salt, mixed herbs, pepper, paprika, nutmeg and mix well, and keep the pot on medium flame to simmer.
Visual recipe video!
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker.
- Add onions and Bell peppers.
- Add the other vegetables.
- Soup is ready.
Variations and Customization
The recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you. Throughout the diet, I also use salt (very lightly), pepper, lots of herbs and seasonings, olive oil, and a small amount of butter on potato days. I also add 0-5 calorie flavorings to my water to ensure I get in all my water if needed.
The 7-Day GM Diet Plan
The GM diet is structured around specific food groups for each of the seven days:
Read also: Weight Loss with Cabbage Soup
- Day 1: All fruits except bananas. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good. I enjoy eating baked cinnamon apples (using Gala or Honeycrisp apples) in the morning, a large fruit salad, and cabbage soup for lunch, as well as a melon salad for dinner. Get your crunchy fix with dried fruits-snack on fruit throughout the day. Frozen pineapples and frozen grapes make delicious treats. Also, frozen watermelon blended makes a refreshing, natural slushy.
- Day 2: All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter. I prefer sweet potatoes. I dice my sweet potato into cubes for breakfast, sprinkle it with a little olive oil and cinnamon, and roast it in the oven with some bell peppers and onions. I have cabbage soup for lunch, along with a salad sprinkled with salt, pepper, and olive oil. It’s pretty good. I have rice cauliflower topped with a stir-fry of zucchini, roasted carrots, and bell peppers, all served with light soy sauce (a cheat, I know) for dinner. I snack on baked spinach chips.
- Day 3: A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.
- Day 4: Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities. For breakfast, I do a banana smoothie made with bananas, almond milk, and Greek yogurt. I eat cabbage soup for lunch. For dinner, I do another large banana smoothie and more cabbage soup. I make banana ice cream by freezing banana slices and then blending them. I also eat some dried banana chips.
- Day 5: Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing. I made turkey sausage patties for breakfast, topped with tomatoes. I had grilled chicken topped with tomatoes, seasoned with salt, basil, and pepper, and served with cabbage soup for lunch. I had more Wonder Soup for dinner, but I added turkey breakfast sausage and more tomatoes. Very filling. I got tired of the soup on this day.
- Day 6: Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content. I had turkey sausage and roasted veggies for breakfast. I had a stir-fry with chicken and vegetables for lunch, which was really good. I had spaghetti squash with tomato sauce and ground turkey for dinner. Spaghetti squash is off-limits (starchy), but I had to have it! Today was the best!
- Day 7: Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume. I make a huge fruit and veggie smoothie using spinach, apples, oranges, grapes, and water for breakfast. It was so divine and sweet! Kept me full until it was time for lunch! For lunch, I do a large salad, cabbage soup, and watermelon slushy. For dinner, I prepare another riced cauliflower stir-fry with roasted vegetables.
Beverages Allowed
Beverages you may consume while on the program:
- Water (flavored with lemon/lime if desired)
- Club Soda is OK
- Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness
- Black Tea = Herb or Leaf
- Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.
Don’t forget you MUST drink eight glasses of water each day.
Expected Weight Loss and Results
On the 7-day cabbage soup diet, most people lose between 5-10 pounds. For me, it’s usually in the 7-10 pound range. Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine.
Personal Experiences and Tips
I’ve discovered that I can cheat a bit on this diet. I’ve snuck a muffin in a few times. BEST. MUFFIN.EVER!!
Pre-Diet Benefits
This diet is great for starting a real diet or eating plan. You know, one where you eat a variety of healthy foods and a decent balance of calories. Sometimes you just need a jumpstart, a cleanse, or a boost of confidence on the scale.
Read also: The Split Pea Soup Diet
Post-Diet Maintenance
I paced myself with food and will continue to do so for the next week while on vacation: no sugary foods or unhealthy carbs. I continue to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. I’ve incorporated eggs, oatmeal, and whole-grain pasta into my diet. Honey and stevia make excellent sweeteners. My calorie intake is now at its recommended level for healthy weight loss with exercise.
Addressing Common Concerns
Can I substitute foods?
I’m not sure, because I’ve only replaced the water in the cabbage soup with chicken broth. Other than that, I follow the plan with a few cheats here and there. : ) There’s only one way to find out; try it and see!!
Can I drink coffee?
You’re only supposed to drink water, black coffee, or unsweetened herbal tea.
Can I do this beyond seven days?
It’s not recommended. Your body will start to hold on to weight if you cut it’s calories too much for an extended period.
Can I exercise?
Not recommended. Your calories are minimal on the cabbage soup diet. Do not work out for the seven days while on this plan or a few days afterward.
What if I feel tired?
This diet may not be for you, especially if your days are high-energy. The cabbage soup diet has low calories. Eat as much cabbage soup as you would like to keep your stamina up, and drink plenty of water.
What if I regain the weight?
7-day diets work to eliminate mainly water weight, which is why the results are so quick. Be sure to continue drinking lots of water after the diet. Pace yourself after the diet and eat small, frequent portions of fruits, veggies, and proteins: no refined sugars and bad carbs. Don’t stuff yourself either. Start with a balanced eating plan or lifestyle that will support average weight loss along with exercise.
Potential Benefits
The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value. This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being.
Disclaimers and Precautions
As always, consult a doctor before drastically reducing your calorie intake.