If you really want to get me going on nutrition, Special K cereal products are just the ticket, I literally cringe every time I see a commercial on T.V. Special K is mass marketed as a weight loss tool, but when you look at the science behind it, the math just doesn’t add up!
Special K cereals are low calorie food choices because they are a VERY processed and refined product (remember “WHITE” foods). Now, we know that it is eating whole grains has the most benefits for our bodies providing a source fibre and protein to feed our bodies. So why is it that Special K is viewed as some sort of “miracle food”? It really blows my mind.
In my opinion the reason why people see weight changes while on the Special K challenge is because they are used to eating high fat foods. So of course if they are eating something in place of the high fat ‘bacon and egg’ type breakfast then they will see some temporary changes! BUT they are just that! Special K lacks the protein and fibre that would keep you feeling full until your next meal. This goes back again to the effects on you blood sugar, because it is very refined (WHITE) and very rich in simple sugars, Special K causes a LARGE spike in your blood sugar. These are very easy for your body to digest, so you get hungry again very quickly after you eat it because the high spike in your blood sugar only leads to a very low dip. After the consumer resumes a normal meal plan the weight generally is regained. This diet also does not curb hunger as it is a carbohydrate based diet plan loaded with sugar.
The Special K challenge, or products can produce weight loss but it is not sustainable and NOT realistic! The challenge was created by Special K, as a marketing technique to sell more product. ALSO, the claims of weight loss are unsubstantiated by published research.
It would be worth your while to throw away your box of Special K (and cereal bars), and replace it with a more wholesome breakfast. Something whole grain, that will supply you with the adequate protein and fibre to keep you full for longer and will help stabilize your blood sugar.
A great alternative to Special K, is Fibre 1 Cereal (made by General Mills). It is whole grain and a fabulous source of fibre, half a cup has 14 grams! The day I found Fibre 1, my life changed forever! It also comes in Honey and Raisin Clusters, these are not as nutritionally satisfying as the Crunchy Original variety but even they are a vast improvement from Special K.
Some of us, get really caught up in the whole ‘carb’ aspect of things. The great thing about fibre is it is actually considered a carbohydrate ( on the dietary facts panel ) but because fibre in not truly digested, you can actually take the grams of fibre in the product and subtract it from the carbohydrates. I remember telling my boyfriend about this, it completely changed his way of thinking. I hope this can inspire you to drop the box of Special K and try something new! There are so many wholesome breakfast choices out there, don’t give up!
