Gerber baby food diet for adults

What Is It, and Can You Lose Weight?

Baby Food Diet: What Is It, and Can You Lose Weight?

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Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Nutrition — By Daniel Yetman — Updated on Oct 31, 2020

The baby food diet involves replacing breakfast, lunch, and snacks with 14 containers of baby food. You then eat a regular dinner in the evening. The diet is meant to last for 3 days.

The baby food diet gained popularity around 2010. It’s rumored that actress Jennifer Aniston, with the help of her celebrity trainer, used the diet to lose 7 pounds in a week during the filming of the movie “Just Go with It.”

The idea of losing a pound per day may sound tempting, but the baby food diet fits into the category of a fad diet.

Many fad diets might help you lose weight in the short term, but they’re usually difficult to follow for an extended period of time.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly the baby food diet is, as well as the pros and cons of this eating plan.

The premise behind the diet is that the small portion sizes of baby food will reduce your daily calorie intake. The bland taste of pureed baby food is also supposed to discourage you from overeating.

There are several less restrictive versions of the diet, like replacing only one meal a day with baby food.

Compared to many fad diets, the baby food diet has loose guidelines. For instance:

The diet plan doesn’t specify which type of baby food you can eat. The calorie content in baby food can vary from about 20 calories to more than 120 calories per jar.
It doesn’t put a limitation on what you can eat for dinner.

Here’s an example of what an average day might look like on the baby food diet.

Breakfast: 5 jars of baby food
Lunch: 5 jars of baby food
Afternoon snack: 2 jars of baby food
Dinner: your regular dinner
Evening snack: 2 jars of baby food

Most reports of weight loss on the baby food diet are anecdotal. According to people who’ve tried it, it can help you lose weight in the short term.

However, there’s currently no scientific evidence to back up these claims or to prove it’s an effective diet for long-term weight loss.

Replacing your usual meals with baby food will likely lower the number of calories you eat per day, which is probably one of the main reasons why you may lose weight while you’re on this diet.

But research suggests that restricting calories alone is rarely an effective method for reducing body weight. When you lower your calorie intake, your body’s metabolism tends to slow down, too. You may also feel hungrier than usual if you aren’t getting enough calories.

Because this diet typically lowers your intake of fiber and sodium, the weight you lose may be from water retention and not necessarily from fat.

Research also shows that the weight that’s lost on calorie-restrictive diets is usually regained when you return to your usual eating habits.

In theory, it’s possible to get most of your essential nutrients while following the baby food diet. Many baby foods are made from pureed fruits and vegetables. Some baby foods are also made from high-protein foods or whole grains.

Following the baby food diet for the recommended 3 days likely won’t hurt you. But following this diet for a longer period of time could lead to nutrient deficiencies if you’re eating far below your daily calorie need.

With restrictive diets like the baby food diet, it’s also important to keep in mind the risk of developing disordered eating, which could lead to an eating disorder if the diet is followed for a longer period of time.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the baby food diet.

Pros

High in fruits and vegetables. Most baby foods are made from pureed fruits and vegetables.
Low in sodium. Most baby foods are low in sodium. Babies have a lower sodium requirement than adults.
Low in fat. Most baby foods are low in saturated fat.
No preparation. Besides your evening meal, there’s no meal prep necessary. Just open a jar and eat.

Cons

Restrictive. The baby food diet lacks the calories and nutrients you need to properly fuel your body.
Not filling. Most baby foods are low in protein and fiber. You may find that you feel hungry even when consuming adequate calories.
Low in fiber. You’ll get a lot more fiber from eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, rather than from food that’s been pureed.
Expensive. Most baby foods are fairly expensive per serving.
Large variation in calories between brands. The number of calories in a container of baby food varies from about 20 to 120 calories. Eating 14 containers per day could provide you with anywhere from 280 to 1,680 calories.

Following the baby food diet may help you quickly shed a few pounds, but it’s unlikely to cause sustainable weight loss.

Instead, a healthier strategy for long-term weight loss is to:

Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Limit your intake of foods and drinks that are high in added sugars.
Focus on portion control. Resist eating more than you need to satisfy your hunger.
Exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes a week.
Don’t skip meals.

If you’re looking to quickly lose a few pounds, the baby food diet may help you achieve results. But if you’re looking for sustainable, long-term weight loss, it’s far from ideal.

The baby food diet falls into the category of fad diets. These types of diets often promise rapid weight loss and include a strict list of foods you can and can’t eat.

Containers of baby food are relatively low calorie, but research has shown that restricting too many calories can slow down your metabolism. This means that as soon as you go back to eating normal meals, you’ll likely put the weight back on.

A safer and healthier option for long-term weight loss is to follow a balanced eating plan that includes all food groups, while also keeping an eye on your portion sizes, and including regular exercise in your weight loss program.

Last medically reviewed on October 31, 2020

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Benton D, et al. (2017). Reducing calorie intake may not help you lose body weight. DOI:
10.1177/1745691617690878
Fad diets. (2017).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9476-fad-diets
Fernández-Elías VE, et al. (2015). Relationship between muscle water and glycogen recovery after prolonged exercise in the heat in humans. DOI:
10.1007/s00421-015-3175-z
Obert J, et al. (2017). Popular weight loss strategies: A review of four weight loss techniques. DOI:
10.1007/s11894-017-0603-8
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Chapter 1: Key elements of healthy eating patterns: A closer look inside healthy eating patterns. Dietary guidelines for Americans 2015-2020.
health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/chapter-1/a-closer-look-inside-healthy-eating-patterns/#food-groups

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Oct 31, 2020

Written By

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Medically Reviewed By

Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

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Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Nutrition — By Daniel Yetman — Updated on Oct 31, 2020

Can Adults Eat Gerber Baby Food?

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August 2, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers

August 2, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

There are a lot of reasons why adults might want to eat Gerber baby food. Maybe they’re looking for a quick and easy snack that they can take on the go. Or, maybe they’re trying to cut back on their sugar intake and think that baby food might be a good option.

Whatever the reason, there’s no shame in admitting that you want to try out this childhood favorite. However, before you start chowing down on those little jars of pureed goodness, there are a few things you should know. For starters, not all baby foods are created equal.

Some brands use more sugar and artificial ingredients than others. So, if you’re looking for a healthy option, it’s important to do your research ahead of time. Additionally, while most baby foods are safe for adults to eat, there are some exceptions.

For example, honey-flavored baby foods typically contain botulism spores which can be harmful to adults (and babies under one year old).

Adults Try Eating Baby Food

Can adults eat Gerber baby food? The simple answer is yes, though it’s not necessarily the most ideal diet for an adult. Gerber baby food is designed to be easily digestible and packed with nutrients to support a growing infant’s needs.

Adult bodies are less forgiving when it comes to processed foods, so eating large amounts of Gerber baby food could lead to some uncomfortable side effects. That said, there are some benefits to incorporating Gerber baby food into your diet as an adult. If you have trouble chewing or swallowing, pureed fruits and vegetables can be a great way to get the nutrition you need without putting strain on your digestive system.

And if you’re looking for a quick and healthy snack on the go, reach for a jar of Gerber applesauce instead of a candy bar – you’ll get the sweetness you crave without all the sugar and calories. So while you can technically eat Gerber baby food as an adult, it’s probably not something you want to make a habit of. Your body will thank you for sticking to grown-up foods!

Can Adults Eat Baby Food Snacks?

We all know that baby food is packed with nutrients that are essential for growing babies. But what about adults? Can we benefit from eating baby food snacks?

The short answer is yes! Baby food is not just for babies anymore. In fact, many adults are turning to baby food as a healthy and convenient snack option.

Baby food is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost our health in many ways. Plus, it’s easy to grab and go when you’re on the run. No cooking or prep required!

If you’re looking for a nutritious snack that will give you energy and help you reach your wellness goals, consider adding baby food to your diet. Here are some of the top benefits of eating baby food as an adult: 1. It’s Nutrient-Dense

Baby food is made with pureed fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains—all of which are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. These nutrients are essential for keeping our bodies strong and healthy. And since baby food is so easily digestible, we can absorb more of these nutrients than we would from solid foods.

Credit: www.nytimes.com

Can I Eat Gerber Baby Food?

Yes, you can eat Gerber baby food. In fact, many adults enjoy eating Gerber baby food because it is convenient and easy to eat on the go. Additionally, Gerber baby food is often more affordable than other adult-branded foods.

Can a Adult Survive on Baby Food?

It is possible for an adult to survive on baby food, but it would not be a sustainable or healthy long-term diet. Baby food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants and toddlers, who have different dietary requirements than adults. Adult bodies need more calories and nutrients, such as protein, iron, and calcium, than what is found in baby food.

Additionally, baby food typically contains added sugars and artificial ingredients that are not recommended for adults. While an adult could subsist on a diet of baby food for a short period of time, it would not be nutritionally adequate over the long term.

What Age is Gerber For?

Assuming you are referring to the baby food company, Gerber is for infants and toddlers from birth to age two. The company was founded in 1927 by Dorothy Gerber. Initially, she started making homemade baby food for her own child out of her kitchen.

She then began selling it to other mothers in the area. Her business quickly grew, and she eventually started canning and selling her products commercially. There are now a variety of Gerber products available for different ages and stages of development, including infant formula, cereals, snacks, and meals.

While some parents choose to feed their children only Gerber products, others use them as supplemental foods or as occasional treats. No matter what age your child is, Gerber offers a variety of healthy and delicious options to choose from!

Does Jennifer Aniston Eat Baby Food?

Although we cannot be 100% sure, given her healthy and fit appearance, it is highly unlikely that Jennifer Aniston consumes baby food on a regular basis. Baby food is generally high in sugar and low in nutrients, two things that Aniston likely avoids based on her diet and lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

A lot of people don’t know that you can eat Gerber baby food as an adult. The baby food is actually really healthy and nutritious for adults. It has a lot of the same nutrients that are in regular adult food, but it is more easily digestible.

The baby food is also a great way to get your daily fruits and vegetables.

About Author (Marjorie R. Rogers)

The inspiring mum of 6 who dedicates her time to supporting others. While battling with her own demons she continues to be the voice for others unable to speak out. Mental illness almost destroyed her, yet here she is fighting back and teaching you all the things she has learned along the way. Get Started To Read …

Is it possible for adults to eat baby food: benefits and harms

Photo: Natalia Kurzova / Adobe Stock

Now we will talk about the benefits and harms of products made specifically for children. These include fruit and vegetable purees, juices and nectars, yoghurts and curds, cereals and various snacks for the little ones.

Pluses of baby food

No harmful ingredients

It is clear that baby food is made specifically for babies. Therefore, they do not add harmful additives, dyes, flavors, a lot of sugar and salt. Not a single ingredient in the composition should cause an allergy or any disorder in a baby - which means that such food is safe for an adult. Moreover, manufacturers are strictly looked after - all children's products undergo a thorough check, and only then they get on the shelves in stores. nine0013

Tasty and convenient

Children's curds, cereals and purees with a sweet fruity taste can easily replace high-calorie cakes and other "adult" desserts. Some may also like cookies in cute little packages.

Speaking of packaging. Kids are not physically able to eat a lot, so for them everything is laid out in small portions. And these jars and packaging are very convenient to take with you for a walk, to school or university.

Low Calorie

Children's fruit and vegetable purees, and in such tiny portions, are very, very few calories! Some stars even specifically switch to only baby food in order to lose weight. So, for example, did Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.

Ready to follow suit? Well, slow down. Now let's talk about why you shouldn't do this.

Disadvantages of baby food

Few essential nutrients

Yes, these tasty purees contain only useful things and nothing harmful. But do not forget that this is still baby food. That is, it is made specifically for babies - taking into account the peculiarities of digestion of young children. And the body of an adult, you know, is very different. An adult needs a lot more fiber and dietary fiber - otherwise problems with the intestines will begin. nine0013

Sometimes it's not so tasty

Taste is both a plus and a minus of baby food. Sweet foods really look like a delicious dessert, but mashed vegetables and meat? We are used to cooking with all sorts of spices, which will definitely not be in the composition of dishes from a jar. In general, "adult" and "children's" food is very different in taste. You can, of course, get used to eating baby food all the time ... But why?

Is it useful or not?

There is nothing wrong with snacking on baby food occasionally. It can be quite healthy, tasty and without extra calories. But you definitely can’t replace all breakfasts, lunches and dinners with them - in this way you will deprive yourself of important components and harm your health. nine0013

Ekaterina Migacheva, Elena Bugay

is it possible to eat mashed potatoes in jars and lose weight Still, modern children can have mango puree for breakfast, eat horse meat with vegetables for lunch, and dine with organic chicken with rice. Why shouldn't adults eat this delicacy too? It turns out that the baby food diet exists and has already gained popularity among Hollywood stars. nine0013

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Tracey Anderson, an American fitness trainer who has worked with many celebrities, became the popularizer of the baby food diet. She suggested that those who want to get rid of extra pounds and keep themselves in shape should pay attention to jars of baby puree. Wiz Reeserspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga followed this diet at various times. nine0013

There are a lot of advantages of such a diet, but, however, such a diet also has enough disadvantages. We figure out what outweighs and to whom such a diet can suit.

How can you lose weight on baby puree?

There are several variations of this diet. The strictest option does not involve the use of any other products - only mashed potatoes, no juices, curds and other products. It is optimal to use only mono-products, which means that, most likely, you will have to limit yourself to mashed potatoes for the smallest ones, because jars for older children already contain mashed potatoes from several components. nine0013

It is recommended that you consume no more than 1200 calories daily. Considering that one jar contains up to 100 kcal, you will need quite a lot of such jars for one day. It is quite possible to lose weight on baby food - following a diet for babies can provide a loss of up to 5 kilograms per week.

An easier and simpler option is to substitute baby puree for several meals or use baby food for a quick snack.

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What are the benefits of a baby food diet?

Such a diet can captivate with its simplicity - you do not need to count calories, because all the data is written on a jar. There is no need to waste time on cooking, serving and studying the composition, and the products for babies are so diverse that such a diet cannot be called boring. Do not forget about the quality of the products - baby food meets the highest standards, and therefore definitely does not contain harmful additives, artificial colors and incomprehensible ingredients.

In general, when choosing food for the little ones, you definitely will not buy pizza for babies or baby fries in a jar: the assortment will be healthy and healthy. Take at least mashed broccoli or green peas. nine0013

Weight loss on such a diet is more than real: the absence of harmful products, calorie restriction, portions adjusted to the gram will help get rid of extra pounds.

The Baby Puree Diet: Cons of the Diet

Obviously, for most of us, baby food as a permanent diet will not work - this system can serve to unload for a week or two. Abuse of a strict version of the diet can harm rather than improve the body. nine0013

If you follow such a diet, you will have to eat food without spices - salt, pepper and other seasonings are not added to monocomponent purees. Surviving more than two weeks on unleavened food is not so easy.

In addition, it is worth remembering that protein, whole grains, fiber and proper fats enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids are not enough in children's products - they are quite enough to provide everything a baby needs, but they are not enough for an adult. Long-term adherence to such a diet can lead to digestive problems. nine0013

For those who have already experienced certain diseases of the digestive system, the use of baby puree in large quantities should be completely abandoned. Also, the diet is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, those who suffer from anemia, have problems with pressure.

Another important factor is the high cost. A two-week sitting on baby puree will cost a pretty penny, because you will have to eat the contents of 10-15 cans every day, which will cause both the body and the wallet to lose weight at the same time. We also note the environmental aspect - such a huge number of empty jars will quickly accumulate in your house that the question of their proper disposal may arise. nine0013

Baby puree: yes or no

Feedback from those who have already tried the baby puree diet is mixed. Some say that such a diet really allowed them to throw off those extra pounds, while others note a constant feeling of hunger for one or two weeks of “canned” nutrition. Many simply yearned for "adult" food, wanting to chew on pieces of food and not only absorb certain foods, but enjoy the very process of eating.

Those who nevertheless decide to try such a diet should not forget that it is not necessary to follow it for more than two weeks.