The Smart Start diet is similar to the Special K Kick-Start Diet. Kellogg's Smart Start Strong Heart cereal comes in four different varieties. This includes Smart Start Strong Heart Antioxidants, Toasted Oats, Maple and Brown Sugar and Strawberry Oats cereal. The cereal offers healthy antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. The diet plan encourages you to eat a bowl of Smart Start cereal for two meals a day with skim milk and fruit. Eat fruits and vegetables as snacks and a well-balanced third meal. The Smart Start diet is to be followed for no more than two weeks because it is calorie-restricted and nutrient deficient.
Function of Antioxidants
Smart Start cereal contributes vitamins A, C and E, which act as powerful antioxidants. In "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Dr. Jonny Bowden says that these antioxidants help fight the damaging effects of oxidative stress and free radicals. Vitamins A, C and E function by neutralizing and escorting free radicals out of your body before it can damage your cells and DNA. Dr. Bowden states that antioxidants can help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, eye disease and age-related declines in memory.
Function of Potassium
The Smart Start cereal is a good source of the mineral potassium. Potassium plays many roles in the body, including helping to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. In "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Dr. Jonny Bowden states that potassium prevents and corrects hypertension. A deficiency in potassium results in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and muscle cramps. Potassium is needed to prevent water retention, which contributes to weight gain.
Benefits of Soluble Fiber
Smart Start cereal is made of whole grain wheat, oat clusters, wheat flakes and rice. The combination of grains contributes a significant amount of soluble fiber to your diet. In "The Food Bible," author Judith Wills states that insoluble fiber can be helpful in weigh loss because it plays a role in stopping the absorption of fat in the digestive system. Wills also says that fiber helps control blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption.
Function of Calcium
A bowl of Smart Start cereal is eaten with either low-fat or nonfat milk. Dairy products such as milk are some of the best sources of the mineral calcium. According to Sciencedaily.com, a diet that is deficient in calcium contributes to more body fat, larger waistlines and higher cholesterol levels. Consuming the recommended daily intake of calcium seems to promote a feeling of satiety to stop you from eating more.
Warning
A serving of Smart Start cereal contains about 14 g of sugar per serving. Ingredients that contribute to the high sugar count include white sugar, molasses, polydextrose, honey and high-fructose corn syrup. According to the Reader's Digest Association, foods containing added sugars provide "empty calories" that contain very few vitamins and minerals. Excess calories can contribute to obesity and its associated health risks and problems. A high sugar intake can also promote dental decay.
References
- "The American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; The American Dietetic Association; 1996
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden, PhD; 2007
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal"; The Reader's Digest Association; 1997
- "The Food Bible"; Judith Wills; 1998
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