Special K Diet – Part 1 - Health Plus Digest

Most fad diets involve eating one or two specific types of food consistently or in eliminating all of another type of food. In the case of the Special K diet, created by the Kellogg’s breakfast cereal company, individuals are encouraged to eat a bowl of Special K cereal for breakfast and another for lunch or dinner for a two week period of time.

The Kellogg’s breakfast cereal company relies on the results of a study that supports their diet, showing three out of four dieters who achieved a slimmer waistline and hips and lost over 6 pounds in a two week period. On average each of the participants consumed approximately 1590 calories per day which was a reduction of their normal intake by 27% and a reduction of fat intake by 50%.

The basics of the diet include two servings of Special K cereal with one half cup low-fat milk for breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This food should be coupled with a low-fat and nutritionally balanced third meal and snacks that include fruits, vegetables or low-fat yogurt. Although this particular diet does not count calories it appears that individuals usually get an actual calorie intake that is in line with requirements for weight loss for most individuals.

The magic behind the Special K diet is that there is no magic. The company has literally outlined a diet plan which is low in fat and calories, requires the individual to eat one food (theirs) for two out of three meals and adequately meets the description of a fad diet. According to the study, which the cereal company relies upon in their advertising, prior to starting the Special K diet the women were eating approximately 2200 calories per day. The Special K diet drops the amount of calories per day that these women were eating by approximately 650.

While this particular cereal is higher in nutrition than what most people eat, the truth of the matter is that it still contains high fructose corn syrup, has less potassium and fiber than other cereals and is a bit tiresome after two weeks. Most people who attempt this strict diet will probably lose between 4 1/2 and 6 pounds in the first two weeks but they will also feel very hungry and may get incredibly bored with the food they are eating.