The Special K Diet: The Pros and Cons

Cereal manufacturer Kellogg's has come up with a new diet idea called the Special K Diet which has been the subject of debate amongst nutritionists regarding its effectiveness and health benefits. It's a pretty simple diet that is not as restrictive as most fad diets are. 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 could be anything, as long as it's a balanced meal. Snacking is not prohibited, although it is recommended that you stick to fruits and veggies or choose from the Special K brand snack options for better results. Like any diet, there are different opinions floating around about this diet plan. If you study the pros and cons, it would be easier to decide whether this diet is the right one for you.

The Upside

If you're looking for a quick weight loss fix, then the Special K diet is a good option. This diet is designed to make you lose up to 6 lbs in 2 weeks. If you follow it strictly, you may be able to slip into jeans that are a size smaller or lose the extra weight you gained over the holidays. This could also be a starting point to ease into a healthier lifestyle. Another good thing about it is that it is not too restrictive. You can still enjoy snacks and your usual beverage choices. By replacing 2 meals with cereal and skim milk, you are already cutting your calorie and fat intake for the duration of the diet, but still get the nutrients your body needs. It is simple to follow and easy to maintain, so there is less worry about falling off the wagon.

The Downside

The Special K Diet is not recommended for long-term weight loss plans. In fact, going over the 2 week period is discouraged. If you're looking to lose more weight in a continuous manner, consider other diet options instead. There is a risk of gaining back all the weight lost after going back to your normal eating habits. Also, Special K cereals and products are not as high in fiber as one may assume since it is not based on whole grains. You may have to compensate for this by eating more fruits, vegetables and other fiber rich foods to avoid constipation.

Some people see this diet as a marketing ploy to sell more cereal and snack products; however, it is backed by research done at the Loughborough University in England and there have been a number of success stories from people who have tried it. It is still best to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before starting the Special K diet or any other diet.