Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Journalist. Mother. Bunny enthusiast. Pop culture junkie.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

My dirty little secret



I have a dirty little secret.

Okay, it's not really dirty. It's not even remotely that bad. But you're super curious now, right?

It's more of an...embarrassing little secret.

You see, I eat baby food. Once a day I eat a little jar of fruit puree that is meant for people who still calculate their age in months.

I got on this habit a little while ago when I had to get a cavity filled. My dentist told me not to eat lunch unless it was soup or baby food. Intrigued, I went to the grocery store and bought a jar of banana baby food. It was DELICIOUS. I was instantly hooked.

I only eat the fruit flavors (banana, apple, mixed berries, peaches, etc.). The vegetable and dinner flavors look nasty. This little snack habit of mine is actually beneficial. It's cheap (at most grocery stores you can buy two for one dollar) and they are obviously very healthy. There is no added sugar, it's basically just fruit. The calories are incredibly low. One jar of peach is only 50 calories. Plus, as I said earlier it's freaking delicious.

However, it is a habit I kept hidden from my friends and family. After all, I am not a baby. I felt like people would laugh at me. Buying baby food in the store is worse than buying tampons. I would always do it quickly, praying no one would catch me in the act. And whenever a mother, or someone else with a legitimate reason, would walk up to the section, I would laugh really loudly and say something like "oh, I definitely need to get three jars of peach for little Andy!" or say apologetically "I'm sorry for hogging the pears, my daughter just can't get enough of them."

I have no children. It was shameful.

But then a few days ago I read a couple news articles online that changed my life. It made me decide to come out of the baby food closet.

Reese Witherspoon. Jennifer Aniston. Madonna.

They eat baby food too!

Apparently it's a popular diet for Hollywood celebrities.

For an example, take a look at this a recent Marie Claire article.

A lot of these celebrities substitute their regular meals for baby food.

Personally, I have no intention of taking it that far. Enjoying a jar of peaches as a snack is one thing, but to replace all my meals with it is another. I enjoy chewing food. Adults are supposed to chew food. That's why we have teeth.

But nonetheless, it was nice to see that I'm not the only one indulging in food designed for infants.

So...do you think I'm totally lame?

...please don't make fun of me!

56 comments:

Amber Lucas A Mused Blog said...

I had a baby food phase. Unfortunately it sparked rumors that I was pregnant. LOL

But yes . I read that article. Oh heavens. Some diets are just insane. Ha!!

Amber
ambersmouthwash

Anonymous said...

Baby food has many calories! I used to do that and I gained some weight!

Leia said...

No, you aren't totally lame at all! I think we all have different tastes ... some people eat dogs! To me, that's weirder than eating pureed fruit - what you're snacking on sounds more like a thick smoothie to me. And if it's low in calories, why not?

I'm glad you would never think about taking it too far though, I read about the baby food diet thing and it's quite sickening - adults need a certain amount of calories per day and substituting baby food for meals is seriously wrong! I think it can be quite dangerous if taken too far.

Sarah from 20somethingcupcakes said...

I kind of want to try it now!

Healthy is always good in my book, and I'm kind of obsessed with anything mini. xxSAS

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

My friend used to eat baby food... I want to say the bananas?

Going to read that article!

Anonymous said...

omg you are not the only one. i love baby food. and my fav is banana! i use to babysit my cousins and i would eat one as they ate one! lol

Barbara von Enger said...

I have not eaten baby food since infancy, but if eating it makes you happy then nothing else matters. Don't over-indulge, though;-)

Fattie Fatterton said...

You are not lame at all. When you think about it, baby food is a lot healthier than most food out there - no crap added and all that.

As with anything, taken too far, it becomes dangerous.

It doesn't sound as though you're there, though. :D

Josie said...

I've never tried this but I guess it's not that different from eating fruit. Personally, I'd rather chew something but as an avid baby-sitter, I can say that fruit baby food always smells really good. And it does come in those cute little jars.
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Sherin said...

That is such a good idea. I can't believe I never thought of it! It's a low calorie, healthy, yet delicious, snack. Hmmm, I'm contemplating trying this out now...

Life At Victoria House said...

I liked it when I tried it!!
But then I realised how many calories it had in it and stopped :)
Although its not a lame thing to do!
xox

Laura Tenshi said...

No,you are not lame at all.I can see why you can enjoy this snack,even tough I never tried eating baby food before, it has fruits,it's healthy and has only 50 calories.My opinion is that you should share this with your family and friends.You would feel better getting this off your chest,after all,it's nothing embarrassing or illegal.Oh and if you still think it's weird telling them,you can say you were inspired by those celebrities.
Tokyo and Seoul Dreams

JUST ME said...

Dude, I've nannied for half of my adult life. You KNOW I've tried all the flavors of baby food out there.

...And you're right, the meat and vegetable ones taste like absolute vomit.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Dude. I totally used to eat baby food when I had digestive issues. Shiz is good. HA!

kristiyana shinta said...

if you think that baby food can support your diet, just do it,,, it is not wrong as long as it keeps you healthy :)

_loovveeccuuppss
shinta

Leah said...

Really? I hate the taste of baby food... I remember tasting them when I was feeding my kids when they were babies and I really don't like the taste. But if you like it and you feel good eating it, then go and enjoy yourself. Nobody has the right to stop you. Luy yah Jen! xoxo

Mina said...

Now Jennifer, you know nothing will ever make you lame..... I think I'm going to start eating baby food! It sounds like a great way to lose weight! I was cracking up when you said you'll lie about having children to the Mother's actually getting baby food. =)

little luxury list said...

No way! Makes sense though - tasty and kinda healthy right? You're a trendsetter and never knew it!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Shhh! We baby food eaters have to keep it quiet or the stores will increase the price! Roland

Sydnie said...

I know so many people that eat baby food! It's nothing to be ashamed of ... if it's good, there's no shame in eating it! Congratulations for finally coming out and telling someone. :)

Sydnie
www.takemeouttotherunway.blogspot.com

Couture Carrie said...

I love baby food too!

xoxox,
CC

Audrey Allure said...

Haha, I actually thought about it once but never did because I didn't have a legit excuse to start at it. I think I might go and try the banana one haha.

Imogen said...

This is totally not lame at all. If it is something that you enjoy and has many benefits like you said, then there is nothing wrong with you doing it. I actually love the taste of baby food too. I don't eat it on a regular basis and I haven't even had any for a few years now but I do like it. In fact I could happily eat a jar now.

Ton Amour said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ton Amour said...

I eat baby food! The carrots are ok. But yes the fruit is way better!!! ohmigoosh. I didn't want to tell you, cus I thought you'd think it was weird!!! Lol love you. Can't wait to shop with you today!!!!!

The Trendy Fashionista said...

Of course not, you are not lame at all! Sometimes we just like other things which aren't so usual.

-The Trendy Fashionista
http://thetrendyfashionista.blogspot.com

Melanie's Randomness said...

Oh Jen I wish I could give you a hug. Your such an awesome friend. I apologize for not going on facebook alot but I do have your number & when today I get unlimited texting so I will be using it. =)

I actually eat baby food too. Ever since I've had my gall bladder removed in the fall I will substitute a meal with one of the pear/berry ones. It's soft food, easy to digest, & no sugar or all that extra junk. Your not alone. I actually eat those gerber banana puff cereal thingies too for babies becuz they are shaped like stars & I think that's too cool!! I'm shocked about Jennifer Aniston but then again I'm not. When eaten in right portions I can totally see how it can help you regulate & maybe lose some weight. Your so funny about lil Andy. I love self-checkouts in super markets, but it doesn't bother me to buy it. It's not embaressing at all.

daisychain said...

Oh I love baby food, and snacks!

Cafe Fashionista said...

The reason why I don't think you're totally lame is because I am guilty of the very same thing. "Never trust a pretty girl with an ugly secret," right? Haha! We are a pair of baby food eating grown-ups - love it!! :)

Nikosmommy said...

I hear the baby food diet is popular in hollywood however I have been enjoying baby food (prunes) since I was a...baby! I love the taste and it keeps me regular!
Ain't no shame in liking it...as u said it's cheap, low cal and tastes good. What's wrong with that! Zero. Carry on!

tough girl said...

God, the photo is so amazing!
Thanks for your lovely comments!

tough-girl-being-tougher.blogspot.com

Tights Lover said...

I'm in no position to judge others on their 'dirty little secrets' hahaha.

All of this does have me intrigued, I have to admit. I think I would like it other than the fact that I have a food texture issue. I hate trying anything that's pureed. hahaha I'm a mess...

Betty Manousos said...

Well, i'm with Katerina. Baby food makes you gain some weight.
I love baby food, too. I need to find some low in calories though.
Hope you're having a fantastic day!
B xx

drollgirl said...

WOW WOW WOW! this is pretty wild! but harmless, so indulge yourself! i never would have thought to do this, but if the price is right, the taste is great, and the cost is low, it sure makes sense! maybe you can get this stuff in bulk?

Fashion Court said...

confession... i like those little baby snacks. the puffed rice ones. i remember reading that it was a good snack on a website called hungrygirl ;)

stylefrontier said...

oh wow i have never tasted baby food again when i have grown up lol
it's ok all of us have quirky habit
xoxo

Gorgeous Glam said...

This is so interesting! I guess it would be kinda tasty, except for the peas! I tasted that one once and it was pretty groce! xoxo

Unknown said...

Hey, no worries, I've known people just like you! Embrace the baby food! I've had a taste when feeding my nephews...not bad at all.

xx,
Anna Jane

http://seejaneworkplaylive.blogspot.com/

A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie said...

If you enjoy it, then go for it! I personally don't like the taste of it, but it definitely doesn't make you lame if you eat it! Bon appetite, my sweet!

http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com
http://closetfullofgoodies.blogspot.com

Chicago Chic said...

Hi Jennifer! I JUST read about this diet trend last week, and it definitely had me intrigued! Obviously there is nothing wrong with a healthy snack, in whatever form! Thanks for sharing with us your secret, you definitely have me wanting to try it. I had no idea it was not only healthy but delicious too! :):)

xoxo
Rachel

Barry said...

"I enjoy chewing food. Adults are supposed to chew food. That's why we have teeth."

"oh, I definitely need to get three jars of peach for little Andy!"

This is hilarious Jen! I'm not making fun of you honey, I think it's kind of adorable actually. You're so awesome!

xoxo

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

*For some reason the All-American Rejects song was playing through my head whilst reading this*

Definitely weird, but weird = good. Normalcy is boring. Everyone has quirks!

QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

Julie @ ROJ Running said...

I didn't read all your comments to I might be repeating...but that's not weird at ALL I've heard it can actually be a very good and healthy part of a diet. I was going to do it but Mom had serious issues with baby food in the house with no baby hahaha

Vintage Obsession said...

I haven't come across baby food here in India , so i really wouldn't know . But what the heart wants the heart wants right ?:))

noone said...

actually i've heard of people eating baby food when they go on a diet. I think lady gaga eats a lot of baby food to maintain her figuer too!

Unknown said...

i like this its very nice

have a great weekend

Unknown said...

Ha ha ha you are stinkin cute! It's healthy right?! Good for you

Sadako said...

Wow, weird. Your dentist said that? Does he advise all his patients that? Interesting.

Anonymous said...

I love baby food applesauce, does that count? :)

Have a great weekend,sweetie!

xoxo
Amy

Giovanna said...

Baby food is yummy, I tried once and loved it, especially the desserts! Yummy :)
xoxo
Giovanna
www.bohomarket.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

I don't think you're lame at all! It actually sounds delicious. As a diet, hmmm.... I think I'd crave actual chewy foods. But as a snack, yum!

-Ashley
http://breakfastatsaks.blogspot.com

Fashion Cappuccino said...

lol..no, not at all! It's a perfectly fine habit! Now that I know how healthy and delicious they are, I'll be replacing my all other salty snacks with them! xoxoxoxoxo

Sophia said...

I love baby food! You're not alone.

xo, Sophia

Laura Beth said...

haha, I do too. Peach is my fav! haha this was funny. I can't believe I'm not alone either haha

makeuponmind.blogspot

kanishk said...

i would eat one as they ate one!
indian classified site

Oh to Be a Muse said...

i haven't looked at all the comments, so i don't know if someone has said this already, but i do know that a lot of people use baby food in desserts (like cupcakes) and it tastes even better!

http://cherylclarke.blogspot.com