Cereal maker Kellogg’s has come up with a new diet idea called the Special K Diet that has been the subject of debate among nutritionists regarding its effectiveness and health benefits. It’s a fairly simple diet that isn’t as restrictive as most fad diets. The basic idea of this diet is that for 2 weeks you should eat Kellogg’s Special K cereal for breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Your third meal can be anything, as long as it’s a balanced meal. Snacking is not prohibited, although it is recommended to stick to fruits and vegetables or choose from Special K brand snack options for best results. Like any diet, there are different opinions about this diet plan. If you study the pros and cons, it will be easier to decide if this diet is right for you.
The positive
If you are looking for a quick fix to lose weight, then the Special K diet is a good option. This diet is designed to make you lose up to 6 pounds in 2 weeks. If you follow it strictly, you may be able to fit jeans a size smaller or lose the extra weight you gained on vacation. This could also be a starting point to facilitate a healthier lifestyle. Another good thing about this is that it’s not too restrictive. You can still enjoy snacks and your usual drink options. By replacing 2 meals with cereal and skim milk, you are already reducing your calorie and fat intake during the diet, but you are still getting the nutrients your body needs. It’s simple to follow and easy to maintain, so there’s less worry about falling off the wagon.
the low
The Special K diet is not recommended for long-term weight loss plans. In fact, it is discouraged to go beyond the 2-week period. If you’re looking to lose more weight on an ongoing basis, consider other diet options instead. There is a risk of regaining all the lost weight after you return to your normal eating habits. Also, Special K cereals and products are not as high in fiber as one might assume, since they are not based on whole grains. You may need to compensate for this by eating more fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods to prevent constipation.
Some people see this diet as a marketing ploy to sell more cereals and snacks; however, it is backed by research conducted at Loughborough University in England and there have been a number of success stories from people trying it. It is still best to consult a doctor or nutritionist before starting the Special K diet or any other diet.