Are Special K Protein Bars Good For Weight Loss?

Are you looking for an easy way to lose weight and get more protein into your diet? You may be wondering if Special K protein bars are good for weight loss?

Special K is a range of low-fat cereals and protein bars by Kellogg’s, which come in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, caramel, and peanut butter.

But are they good for weight loss? Special K Protein bars are low calorie and low fat, and contain a range of minerals and vitamins such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Special K Protein bars can be eaten as part of the Special K diet, which has been proven to cause an average weight loss of 3.5 pounds over two weeks.

Yet special K bars contain high amounts of sugar, and the protein bars contain more sugar than protein, making them not as healthy as they first appear. Special K Protein bars should be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

The following will explore whether Special K protein bars are healthy, and the pros and cons of using them for weight loss or as part of a diet.

What is Special K?

Special K is one of the brands from the Kellogg’s breakfast cereal company. Special K are a brand of cereals and cereal bars.

Special K has been marketed as a healthy, low-fat cereal used to help with weight loss. Special K is made of grains such as rice, wholewheat, and barley, and is now sold in a huge variety of flavors.

What Are Special K Protein Bars?

Special K Protein bars are cereal meal bars which are marketed to be a healthy snack, and an easy way to get protein throughout the day.

As with Special K cereal, Special K bars come in a wide range of flavors and ingredients such as chocolate, caramel, strawberry, peanut butter, and blueberry.

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Are Special K Protein Bars Good for Weight Loss?

Special K Protein bars can be used as part of the Special K diet for weight loss. The Special K diet is a 14-day diet which involves replacing two meals each day with a bowl of Special K cereal, with the third meal a regular meal. Special K Protein bars are included as one of the snacks as part of this diet.

Kellogg’s Co. Ltd funded a study on the Special K diet, which found that participants reduced daily calorie consumption by an average of 673 calories and lost up to 13 pounds after two weeks, with an average weight loss of 3.5 pounds and a 10% loss of body fat, and an average of an inch off their waistlines.

This study showed successful weight loss, though as this was only over a two-week period this is a very short-term weight loss measurement.

The most difficult part of losing weight is maintaining the loss longer term once you begin eating regular meals again.

Are Special K Bars Healthy?

Special K bars can be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and the protein bars do add a good source of protein, around 12g in each protein bar, into the diet.

However, Special K bars are not as healthy as they first appear. They are often high in added sugar, with 14g of sugar in each protein bar, meaning there is more sugar present in the bars than there is protein.

This level of sugar is not ideal for someone on a strict diet as 14g of sugar is around the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of sugar.

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How Much Protein is in a Special K Protein Bar?

Each Special K Protein bar contains around 12 grams of protein, which is around 26% of the daily recommended amount.

How Many Calories Are in a Special K Protein Bar?

Each Special K Protein bar contains around 170 calories.

How Much Fat is in a Special K Protein Bar?

Each Special K Protein bar contains around 5 grams of fat, which is a low amount of fat.

How Much Sugar is in a Special K Protein Bar?

Each Special K Protein bar contains around 14 grams of sugar, which is the equivalent of 3 teaspoons of sugar.

What Vitamins and Minerals are in a Special K Protein Bar?

Special K Protein bars are a great source of vitamins and minerals, as each bar contains iron, zinc, vitamin D, and a range of B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12.

Special K protein bars also contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

What Are the Pros of Special K Protein Bars for Weight Loss?

• Special K is available to purchase at most grocery stores, and so it is an easy option.
• The bars come in a wide range of flavors to suit any taste, such as chocolate, caramel, strawberry, peanut butter, and blueberry.
• They are portable and easy to take anywhere with you as a snack.
• The protein bars are an extra source of protein throughout the day, which is not available in a normal snack bar. It is also a good way for vegetarians to get extra protein.
• The bars are low in calories.
• The bars are high in vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• Special K can help you lose weight quickly due to the restricted calorie intake.

What Are the Cons of Special K Protein Bars for Weight Loss?

• The bars may be too low in calories to keep you feeling fuller for longer, which is important to stop cravings during a diet.
• Special K is high in sugar, which is not ideal for those who are on a diet and can make them similar in nutrients to a regular candy bar rather than a healthy bar.
• The Special K diet is not ideal for a long-term diet as the calories are too restricted. Those who have began to eat regular meals and snacks may quickly put weight back on.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/diet-and-weight-loss/special-k-diet

https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/brands/special-k-.html