The Baby Food Diet is a gimmick for decreasing calories and regulating portions that began as an Internet sensation said to have been established by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson. It entails substituting baby food for one to numerous meals or snacks every day, with jars ranging in calories from 20 to 100.
In this post, we'll look at what the baby food diet is all about, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of this eating plan. Finally, we’ll answer should adults eat baby food?What to Know About The Baby Food Diet
First things first, let’s get something out of the way-- the baby food diet is at most a maintenance regimen, not a weight-loss diet, to help you keep the weight off that you've already lost.
The regulations differ, and they aren't listed anyplace formally. One variant suggests consuming 14 jars of baby food during the day and a proper dinner at night.
Portion control is unlikely to be an issue because many people find it difficult to eat more than a few spoonfuls due to store-bought baby food being bland and void of any texture, seasoning, or richness one may find in adult food.
What Can You Eat on the Baby Food Diet?
All varieties of baby food appear to be acceptable, which means your meals can consist of pureed fruits, veggies, and a few types of meat with "gravy," such as turkey, chicken, and beef. There are no restrictions on what you can eat during dinner.
People following a vegetarian or vegan can easily find things to eat on this diet because most baby food is prepared from fruits or vegetables. Plant protein sources, such as beans and soy products, however, aren't commonly present in baby food.
Gluten-free: Most fruit and vegetable baby foods should be gluten-free, but don’t take a chance; read labels carefully. Wheat is present in certain other baby food items, such as cereals and even dinner-style meat-based meals.
Is there Any Scientific Data to Support This Diet?
No, there is currently no scientific data to make evident that the baby food diet is a successful and safe long-term weight loss regimen.
Replacing regular meals with baby food will likely reduce the number of calories consumed each day, which is likely one of the main reasons people have lost weight on this diet in a short amount of time.
However, this type of aggressive calorie restriction is not an effective or healthy way to lose weight. When calorie intake is drastically reduced, metabolism slows down as well. If you aren't consuming enough calories, you may feel hungrier than usual and then may run the risk of binging.
Also, the weight lost on calorie-restrictive diets is frequently recovered when you return to your normal eating patterns, according to ResearchTrusted Source.
Is the Baby Food Diet Nutritious?
If followed for a few days, it's unlikely the baby food diet will harm you. However, sticking to this diet for the long-term poises one to be more prone to developing nutrient deficiencies. Put bluntly, the infant food diet lacks the calories and nutrients that an adult body requires to function correctly. Why? The majority of baby diets are deficient in protein and fiber. Eating fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead of pureed foods can provide you with significantly more fiber.
What’s An Healthier Alternative to The Baby Food Diet?
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fiber, beans, fruits, legumes, and vegetables is better for optimal health and weight loss.
Also, by eating a balanced meal for an adult, rather than pureed foods for infants, you’ll be nourishing your body with fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, along with other important nutrients. Plus, you feel more satiated with the different textures and tastes of adult meals.
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