Cabbage is good for weight loss. It controls appetite and decreases cravings for unhealthy, fattening foods. The best time of the day to eat cabbage for weight loss is before a high-calorie meal.
Cabbage is very low in calories
Above all, cabbage is great for weight loss because it’s very low in calories. It contains only 25 calories per 100g. A serving contains even fewer calories.[1]
Therefore, cabbage can help us be in a caloric deficit. We lose weight only when we consume fewer calories than we burn in a day.
In fact, almost all vegetables are low in calories. Eating a big salad daily is good for losing weight. You could add spinach, kale, arugula, and many other vegetables and spices.
Cabbage controls appetite & cravings
Furthermore, cabbage is high in fiber. Fiber has a great satiating effect. Following a diet high in fiber helps stick to a diet plan for a long time.[2]
Fiber decreases appetite and helps control cravings for unhealthy and fattening foods. In other words, it helps us be in a caloric deficit.
High fiber diets help us maintain a healthy body weight and improve body composition.[3]
Hence, it’s important to eat vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. These are the best dietary sources of fiber.
Most people who follow the standard Western diet fail to meet the minimum required dose of fiber.
How much cabbage can I eat a day?
Most people can eat as much cabbage as they want.
If you have a sensitive stomach or used to follow a diet low in fiber, better avoid consuming high amounts of cabbage. You should gradually increase fiber intakes.
As cabbage is low in carbs and sugars, even people with diabetes and people on keto can eat it.
Cabbage helps burn belly fat
Although, cabbage doesn’t contain a magic compound that burns belly fat, it’s ideal for weight loss.
Cabbage has a great nutritional value. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which promote fat burn.
For instance, cabbage is a good dietary source of calcium and iron. Calcium helps burn belly fat, while iron is involved in energy metabolism!
Cabbage hydrates the body
In addition, cabbage is good for hydration, as it’s 92% water!
We have to stay well-hydrated in order to burn more fat. Proper hydration is vital for good health as well.
Consuming foods high in water, like cucumbers and watermelons, is better than drinking plain water. First, foods contain electrolytes, which also have to be replenished. Secondly, fruits and vegetables contain high-quality, purified water!
Cabbage is high in antioxidants
We can eat cabbage at any time of the day. But, a really great time to consume it is at breakfast or at brunch. Cabbage is packed in antioxidant compounds, which can protect us from air pollution, smoke, and sun radiation. These are key risk factors for oxidative stress.[4,5,6]
For instance, cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, which have potent antioxidant properties.
Also, green cabbage is an excellent dietary source of chlorophyll, while red and Chinese cabbage are very rich in carotenoids!
What’s the best time to eat cabbage to lose weight?
But, if you want to lose weight, the best time to eat cabbage is before a high-calorie meal. Water and fiber in cabbage can decrease appetite and cravings for fattening foods. So, it can help you consume fewer calories in a day.
Caloric deficit is key for weight loss.
As a rule of thumb, try to consume a big salad before the main meal of the day.
What’s the worst time of the day to eat cabbage?
Actually, there is a time that you should avoid eating cabbage or any other food high in fiber. You shouldn’t consume cabbage before exercise. Athletes should avoid the consumption of fiber a couple of hours before a workout or a race.
Moreover, you better avoid cabbage consumption at night. Its high fiber content may make you feel a little uncomfort during the night. People who used to follow a low-fiber diet or people with a sensitive stomach may have the hardest time to digest fiber at night.
