Over the past 6 months, I’ve professed my love of protein in multiple posts including my tips and tricks to losing a size in a month and my roundup of GNC’s protein powders. In fact, when I look at pictures from this time last year, I attribute the fact that Bo and I have lost weight during marathon training to protein. These days when we are starving after a run or during the day we grab nuts, cheese sticks, cottage cheese, Chobani, or whip up a smoothie.

Therefore, when Fitfluential asked if I was interested in reviewing Special K’s protein enhanced line of cereal, bars and shakes I was more than happy to give them a try. Special K’s new campaign, The Protein Effect or #theproteineffect, revolves around the positive effects protein can have when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

• Some research suggests people who get 30% of total calories from protein will feel full longer. Go willpower!
• Higher protein intake may be beneficial for weight management
• Protein helps satisfy hunger and in turn helps you stay on track

I used to eat Special K cereal for breakfast when I first started losing weight six years ago. While I love the flavor of Special K I’ve since realized that a 100 calorie bowl of cereal can’t constitute breakfast for me these days. I need protein, fiber and more nutrients.  But, a new enhanced line of Special K products that would be perfect office snack options to battle the afternoon hunger strike? Count me in!

I received an adorable bright Special K red box bursting with assorted products.

I took the box contents to my office last week and enjoyed them throughout the week in place of my normal afternoon snacks. In addition, I enjoyed the shake this weekend after my final double digit long run.

Here’s the low-down on my thoughts regarding each of these different products.

Special K Protein Plus Cereal: I am a huge fan of cereal but rarely eat it anymore since I have oatmeal most mornings for breakfast. I have absolutely LOVED having a serving of this in the afternoon with a few berries and a splash of skim milk. It’s a fun change to my afternoon snacks and I like the flavor and crunch. Yes, definitely!

Special K Protein Shake: Okay I definitely have a love hate relationship with these. I really didn’t care for the strawberry flavor or the vanilla flavor which was surprising as those were the two I thought I’d like best. They both seemed too artificial tasting for my liking. But, the chocolate one came through for me this weekend when I had to dash from my long run to yoga and didn’t have time to make a smoothie. This 10 oz shake clocked at 190 calories, 5 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 10 grams of protein, and 18 g of sugar. A bit high on the sugar side but the chocolate was mild and the flavor was smooth without any chalky aftertaste. I’d definitely buy this again and keep a few in the pantry for emergency situations. I do have to admit that the plastic wrapper around the top made them a bit annoying to open. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Yup, but only the chocolate!

Special K Protein Meal Bar: I definitely prefer the cranberry walnut bar over the chocolate ones as those were far too sweet for me. This was a perfect snack bar but NOT a meal bar. Sorry Special K, I love you but 170 calories doesn’t equal a meal in my book. However, 170 calories, 10 grams protein and 5 grams of fiber is a great snack! I wish that sugar wasn’t the second ingredient on the list but if I can grab something like this versus the Halloween candy that is taking over my office than I consider it a win. Would I use my own money to buy these again? Nope, sorry!

So there you have it. My take on these products and the ones I’d buy again or pass on if I was spending my own cash.

To find out more about these products and #theproteineffect project you can follow Special K on Twitter and use the hashtag #theproteineffect to see how others feel about the products and share your experience.  Special K is on Facebook too!

How do you fight hunger?

FitFluential LLC compensated me for this campaign. All opinions are my own.