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The Miracle Soup Diet
You may have heard about a weight loss diet attributed to Sacred Heart Medical Center called the "Miracle Soup Diet", "T.J.'s Miracle Soup Diet", or the "Cabbage Soup Diet". This diet did not originate at SHMC and it is not endorsed by the Dietitians or the staff of our Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

One of our major concerns about this diet plan is it emphasizes the consumption of fruits and vegetables while excluding the consumption of meat or fish, cereal grains and milk products on most days. Any diet that focuses on only certain food groups will be low or deficient in essential nutrients and, therefore, lead to poor nutritional status long-term.

Our experience with any low calorie diets, like this one, is that they do not lead to permanent weight loss. Once individuals start eating in a more normal pattern, the weight is regained. A very important factor in obtaining a healthy weight is to evaluate your physical activity and other lifestyle concerns. This is most appropriately done by consulting with a Registered Dietitian.

We would appreciate your assistance in helping others, like yourself, who have been misled by this diet to let them know it is not a Sacred Heart Medical Center program and is not considered healthy or safe. Thank you for your help in combating this misinformation.

For accurate nutrition information on current issues, you may contact any of the following:

• Consumer Nutrition Hotline, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, at 1-800-366-1655 or their website at www.eatright.org
• Registered Dietitians at Sacred Heart Medical Center at 1-509-474-3220 or contact your local hospital(s) to find a Registered Dietitian in your area.

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