How to Take the Special K Challenge

If you're looking for an easy-to-follow diet that requires minimal cooking, expense and counting of calories, the Special K Challenge may be right for you. The Challenge is designed for up to two weeks. It's helpful if you need to drop weight for a special event or kick-start a diet plan. You eat two Special K meals, two Special K snacks and one light meal of your choice per day. You can also eat unlimited fruits and vegetables.

Special K Meals

• On the Special K Challenge, you replace two meals per day with a prepackaged Special K food item. Your options include a Special K protein shake, a Special K protein meal bar, or one serving of Special K cereal with skim milk. Special K offers 10 different cereals, including Red Berries, Chocolatey Delight, Cinnamon Pecan, Blueberry and Vanilla Almond. Because the cereals have different calorie counts, read and follow the suggested serving size on the side of the box you choose.

Special K Snacks

• Dieting can be tough, but the Special K challenge helps prevent ravenous hunger by including snacks. You are allowed to eat two prepackaged Special K snacks per day at the times of your choosing. Select from Special K cereal bars, protein snack bars, Pastry Crisps, crackers, chips, snack mixes, or, if you're thirsty, protein water. Having a snack between breakfast and lunch and one between lunch and dinner can help curb your appetite.

Dinner Suggestions

• You are allowed a healthful, "normal" dinner on the Special K Challenge. If you're not sure what to eat, the Special K website offers an interactive "Start a Meal Plan" link. Just navigate to the Special K Challenge page and click on the "One Meal of Your Choice" button to customize your plan. Choose from a number of options, including convenience meals, "foodie" meals or vegetarian meals. The site also offers handy, approved, dinner recipes.

Considerations

• Always consult your doctor before beginning any diet plan. Proceed with the Special K Challenge only after securing her approval. Do not continue on the plan for more than two weeks. Adding exercise to any diet program can increase your likelihood of weight loss. Regular exercise boosts metabolism, helping to burn more calories even when you're at rest. If you find that you're still hungry while on the Challenge, supplement your meals and snacks with all the fresh fruits and vegetables you like. Use lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or your favorite spices to add flavor without extra calories and fat.