You’ve likely heard of the Sacred Heart Diet—a 7-day soup-based meal plan that promises rapid weight loss. But what is the Sacred Heart Diet exactly, and is it really safe or sustainable?
The Sacred Heart Diet has gained popularity over the years as a short-term weight loss solution, often circulated as a hospital-originated plan meant for heart patients to lose weight before surgery. While this claim is more myth than medically verified, the diet has stuck around due to its simplicity and fast results.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What the Sacred Heart Diet is
- How the 7-day plan works
- What foods are included
- Safety, benefits, and drawbacks
- Comparison with other heart-healthy diets
🔍 Understanding the Sacred Heart Diet
The Sacred Heart Diet centers around a low-calorie vegetable soup eaten throughout the day, combined with specific foods assigned to each day of the week. The goal is to detox the body and lose up to 10–17 pounds in just 7 days.
It’s often referred to as:
- The 7-Day Soup Diet
- The Greenlane Diet
- Or simply a Cabbage Soup Diet variant
Though its name implies it originated from the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital, no official medical institution has confirmed its authorship.
🗓️ The Sacred Heart Diet 7-Day Meal Plan
Here’s a quick overview of what you eat on each day:
Day 1: Soup + any fruit (except bananas)
Day 2: Soup + vegetables (no fruit) + a baked potato
Day 3: Soup + fruits and vegetables (no potatoes or bananas)
Day 4: Soup + bananas (up to 8) + skim milk
Day 5: Soup + beef/chicken + tomatoes (6)
Day 6: Soup + beef + vegetables
Day 7: Soup + brown rice + vegetables + fruit juice (unsweetened)
The sacred heart soup is usually made with:
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Seasonings and broth
You can eat as much soup as you want each day.
❓People Also Ask:
💬 Is the 7-day soup diet safe?
The 7-day Sacred Heart Diet can be safe short-term but is not recommended for long-term use. It lacks sufficient protein, healthy fats, and key nutrients, and may lead to fatigue or muscle loss if extended.
💬 What is the number 1 heart-healthy diet?
The Mediterranean diet is widely regarded as the top heart-healthy diet. It focuses on healthy fats (like olive oil), whole grains, fish, fruits, vegetables, and limited red meat—making it sustainable and science-backed.
💬 What is the Greenlane or Sacred Heart Diet?
Both names refer to the same 7-day detox-style diet, consisting mostly of a vegetable soup, with daily food additions. It’s often used for quick weight loss, not as a long-term nutritional plan.
💬 What is the Hindu Warrior Diet?
This is unrelated to the Sacred Heart Diet. The Hindu Warrior Diet refers to eating like ancient warriors—usually involving one large meal at night and fasting during the day. It loosely resembles intermittent fasting practices.
💡 Benefits of the Sacred Heart Diet
✅ Quick Weight Loss
Most users report losing 5–10 pounds in one week due to calorie restriction and water loss.
✅ Simple and Inexpensive
No expensive supplements—just whole, easy-to-find ingredients.
✅ Good for Short-Term Detox
May help reduce bloating and give your digestive system a break.
⚠️ Drawbacks and Considerations
❌ Lacks Balanced Nutrition
Limited protein and healthy fats make it unsustainable and nutritionally imbalanced for long-term use.
❌ Weight Regain Is Common
Once normal eating resumes, weight may come back unless long-term habits change.
❌ Low Energy and Fatigue
With low calories and carbs, you may feel weak, irritable, or lightheaded—especially on active days.
🧘♀️ Should You Try the Sacred Heart Diet?
If you’re looking for a short-term reset or want to kickstart a healthier routine, the Sacred Heart Diet can offer temporary weight loss. However, it’s not a long-term solution for health or fitness goals.
For heart health, experts recommend transitioning to a more sustainable plan like:
- Mediterranean diet
- DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
- Whole-food plant-based diets
📝 Final Thoughts: What Is the Sacred Heart Diet and Is It Right for You?
So, what is the Sacred Heart Diet? It’s a 7-day soup-based plan focused on rapid weight loss through structured eating and detox-friendly ingredients. While it’s not backed by science or medical institutions, many people use it to feel lighter or get back on track.
If you do try it, treat it as a short-term cleanse—not a lifestyle. Pair it with hydration, rest, and self-care. And once you’re done, ease into a more balanced, heart-healthy diet that you can stick with for life.