Does Special K Diet Work?

Special K Diet was introduced by Kellogg's, a manufacturer of cereals. It certainly is one of the most intriguing weight loss diets to have appeared on the diet scene. It is not an expensive diet to follow, and not a difficult one either. Some research was conducted at Loughborough University in England and positive results of the Special K diet were seen. It is claimed, that with this diet, one can take a jeans size off for adults whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 25. Therefore, it is not uncommon for people to ask, if Special K Diet indeed does show results, but before that would you want to know what is the Special K Diet exactly?

Special K Diet

Special K Diet meal plan is one of the easiest to follow. It basically consists of two meals a day, which consist of measured amount of the cereal with skimmed milk, while the third meal is a well-balanced normal meal. Along with it, the dieter can consume unlimited amounts of fruits, salads, coffee or tea without sugar. However, this diet should not be carried out for more than two weeks. During which, the dieter on an average does lose one jeans size. The Special K Diet approximately looks as follows:

Breakfast

• 45 g Special K Cereal
• Semi-skimmed milk, better skimmed milk
• Coffee, tea without sugar or fresh fruit juice without added sugar

Lunch

• 45 g Special K Cereal
• Semi-skimmed milk, better skimmed milk
• Coffee, tea without sugar or fresh fruit juice without added sugar

Dinner

• A balanced meal, which includes carbohydrates, proteins and fats, vegetables and as much roughage as possible.
• Whatever beverage (without sugar) is desired, no alcohol.

Snacks

• Snacks can fruit, raw carrot or cucumber, tomatoes, etc.

Does Special K Diet Plan Work?

We have just seen the Special K Diet meal plan, but the question now is, if the claims of the diet showing results is indeed true. With Special K Diet, it is claimed, that one can lose as many as six pounds in about two weeks. This is not an unrealistic claim. According to most Special K Diet reviews, if one has to adhere to the diet totally, then one is able to shed off the weight. It is not the food as much as the snacking in between meals, that makes one pile on pounds. It is a high carbohydrates, low fat diet, which is said to be beneficial in the long run. A point which works in favor of this diet is the fact, that weight loss does not happen through fluid depletion. However, in the Special K Diet, it is not mentioned, that healthy carbs are actually complex carbohydrates, and not sugar coated cereal. It is common sense, that when a person's calorie intake for the day is reduced, it will automatically lead to weight loss. The same thing can also be achieved in a number of other ways. Where you substitute your regular bagel with cream and cheese, with a bowl of oatmeal with fruit or egg whites for breakfast and grilled chicken breast for lunch, in place of cheese sandwich for lunch. You necessarily may not have to substitute it for a bowl of cereals.

Another drawback of this diet, is that the Special K Diet products lack fiber. These products indeed make up for more than 50% of the food consumed in a day. At the same time, these products are highly processed and hence there are chances, that the person may feel hungry all through the day. At the same time, the diet lacks variety, due to which chances are high that a person will not stick to the diet for a long period of time.

To answer the question, "does Special K diet work", I would say although, it is effective, it may not always be able to keep the pounds from piling again. Hence, it is not recommended for a long term weight loss procedure. At the same time, since it does not give proper nutrition hence, it is recommended you talk to your dietitian. And get a healthy weight loss diet chalked out for yourself. Along with the diet, you will also have to include some form of exercise in your daily routine.