[LLV]

Sound crazy? Maybe. But I do it. And was just wondering if anyone else did.

I buy these...

http://www.gerber.com/toddlersite?tm...tml&tmspromo=2

They're small entrees for toddlers, have reasonably good taste, and are only about 80-130 calories each, depending on the ones you buy. If I'm searching around for snack and can't find anything I particularly want, I reach for one of my Gerber Graduates

Today I had the garden vegetables and pasta in tomato sauce.

I don't eat them very often, but I keep them around for quick snacks and it's like eating a mini-meal without taking in too many calories.

Anyone else? I know I've heard that some people like eating baby food as quick snacks.

[Clue0983]

Hmmmm....Not a bad idea!

[Casandra]

I love the baby cereals. I dont have a kid or any specific reason for buying any of those types of things though!

Great idea!! Will keep it in mind should I ever have kids!

[LLV]

Originally Posted by Casandra

I love the baby cereals. I dont have a kid or any specific reason for buying any of those types of things though!

Neither do I, really. I have a kid but he's nearly 8 years old, I don't think he needs toddler food anymore

I buy it for me

[LLV]

Originally Posted by Clue0983

Hmmmm....Not a bad idea!

I don't know what made me think of buying these. I think I was just passing by them in the store and picked them up and said, "Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm..."

[Amarantha2]

It IS a good idea! Thanks.

When I was growing up back in the day, I had an aunt who had a lot of holiday parties for the family and friends and one of her best hor d'oerurves (sorry, can't spell that) was this wonderful chicken spread on crackers. Actually she made it with baby food chicken and spices. Sometimes she added chopped egg or used a different flavor of baby food. No one knew!

I used to like that toddler "rusk" bread for diet snacks, so extremely low in cals but tasted good.

What a thought. This bears thinkin' on!

[LLV]

Originally Posted by Amarantha

It IS a good idea! Thanks.

When I was growing up back in the day, I had an aunt who had a lot of holiday parties for the family and friends and one of her best hor d'oerurves (sorry, can't spell that) was this wonderful chicken spread on crackers. Actually she made it with baby food chicken and spices. Sometimes she added chopped egg or used a different flavor of baby food. No one knew!

I used to like that toddler "rusk" bread for diet snacks, so extremely low in cals but tasted good.

What a thought. This bears thinkin' on!

You can also make "pate" with the beef baby food

[Misti in Seattle]

Interesting idea! I don't eat many processed foods but these would sure be handy to have around for a quick snack! I could not find any nutrition information on the website though. I am definitely going to check them out next time I am in the store! They are probably lower in sodium since they are for toddlers.

[LLV]

Originally Posted by Misti in Seattle

Interesting idea! I don't eat many processed foods but these would sure be handy to have around for a quick snack! I could not find any nutrition information on the website though. I am definitely going to check them out next time I am in the store! They are probably lower in sodium since they are for toddlers.

I have one here, Misti, I can give you the information for, since I've got it stored in fitday. This is for the "garden vegetables and pasta in tomato sauce". I personally think the sodium is a little high for being toddler food, though. I mean, wouldn't you think that's a little high to be giving a baby?

Calories 120
Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 390mg 16%
Potassium 0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Protein 4g 8%
Alcohol 0g

Vitamin A 30 % Vitamin C 0 %
Calcium 4 % Iron 8 %
Vitamin D 0 % Vitamin E 0 %
Thiamin 0 % Riboflavin 0 %
Niacin 10 % Folate 0 %
Vitamin B-6 10 % Vitamin B-12 0 %
Phosphorus 0 % Magnesium 10 %
Zinc 0 % Copper 0 %

[MeredithP1]

That's a great idea, way to think outside the box!

[Amarantha2]

Thanks for the pate idea, LLV!

I have to say I have bought some of the toddler meals, much to the derision of a coworker as I stored them in the office. I really thought the two I've eaten so far have been good tasting as entrees packaged like this go, better than the adult versions. I don't think any non fresh food is that healthy, but as mini meals these do have merit. I agree about the sodium, but all processed food has high sodium. I also bought some toddler cereal bars, not the Gerber ones, but an organic brand that had healthier ingredients. At 70 cals, these are a satisfying treat.

I totally don't approve of the baby and toddler food I found on the shelves that contain HFCS. I can't imagine giving that to babies. The poor kids are going to be addicted to sugar before they even learn anything about nutrition and can make their own choices. Also all the products in the toddler section were very high in carbs but low in protein.

The laughing coworker, a mom, told me that it's probably ok 'cause the little kids burn off the carbs quickly, but I'm still wondering where these children are getting their protein. Hope they don't eat these entrees exclusively and that their moms cook them fresh food as well.

It did seem a little strange for me to look at the baby food section. And a store clerk asked me if I was taking care of a baby ... I guess I don't look like a mom?

I lied and said I was buying them for a friend. Couldn't bring myself to say they were for me.

I will buy these again, though, and keep them around as they really have filled a gap as a super quick mini meal and again, I think they taste better than adult versions of this kind of food.

Thanks again for the idea!

[Misti in Seattle]

Thanks LLV!! I appreciate the info. I was wondering too though whether it contains artificial ingredients such as "natural flavors" (i.e. chemicals). And I agree... I would not feed them to a kid but then I would not feed much of ANY processed food to a kid so they are probably no worse than the other stuff. But for ME this small amount is workable. Even though I avoid chemicals and processed foods to a great extent I am not 100% off of them as I have to keep things in balance for it to work for me.

Thanks too Aramantha for the input. I am definitely going to check these out tomorrow. For me they would be especially good for at night when I REALLY want a snack but don't want to blow it.

But I will say they are for me... LOL doesn't bother me what anyone thinks

[Amarantha2]

Next time I'll say they're for me also, Misti!

I got to thinking that it was funny that she even asked that question as why should the store clerk be asking the customer questions about their choices to purchase. It shows my intimidated mindset that I would not think the question wasn't her business anyhow.

[Misti in Seattle]

Amarantha Exactly! What business is it of the store clerk's who you are buying baby food for? But then I am the type that would rather enjoy "rocking the boat" a bit just to watch the waves. If people think I am a bit flaky, all the more fun!

[Misti in Seattle]

Okay I am back. I bought 5 of these at the grocery store and just had one for a light breakfast before I go out to the pool. Cheese ravioli... YUM. I NEVER buy these prepared dinners any more but for a snack these are super! Also a good way to get a few bites of stuff I would not normally eat such as macaroni and cheese!