Congratulations on your amazing milestone—losing 23.2 pounds in 5 weeks is incredible! High-protein, high-volume meals like this classic cabbage soup are absolute game-changers for weight loss. Rooted in traditional comfort-food kitchens and famously popularized by Weight Watchers (WW) plans for its remarkably low point value, this hearty soup fills you up, satisfies cravings, and nourishes your body with wholesome vegetables.
Description
This comforting, nutrient-dense soup features a flavorful tomato-herb broth packed with tender cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, and diced tomatoes. It is naturally fat-free, incredibly low in calories, and designed to simmer effortlessly in your slow cooker so you can have a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ingredients Quantity
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head, chopped
- Diced Tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 oz each), undrained
- Carrots: 3 medium, diced
- Celery: 3 stalks, diced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 6 to 8 cups (low-sodium)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Bay Leaf: 1 whole
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Optional Protein Boost: 1 to 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, lean ground turkey, or rinsed cannellini beans to amp up the protein even further.
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place all the prepared vegetables into your slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and 6 cups of the broth. Add the Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. (If adding pre-cooked lean protein like chicken or turkey, you can toss it in now).
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until all the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle hot into bowls and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Crunch: If you prefer your cabbage with a little more texture, add half of the chopped cabbage during the last hour of cooking instead of putting it all in at the beginning.
- Batch Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, making it ideal for meal prepping portions in advance to keep your high-protein, low-point streak going strong all week.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: ~80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~15 g
- Protein: ~3 g (higher if adding lean meat or beans)
- Fat: ~0.5 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
Conclusion & Recommendation
This slow cooker cabbage soup is a delicious, foolproof way to stay on track with your health goals without ever feeling deprived.
Would you like to pair this soup with a lean protein like shredded chicken, or keep it strictly plant-based?