# Giving into cravings, no matter how bad for you **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 17, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066 "2011-03-17T20:57:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/1 "2011-03-17T20:57:00Z")
I just polished off a plate of four biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. I feel badly for doing this to myself, but it sure was good. I think I’ll be skipping dinner. Right after my nap. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/2 "2011-03-17T21:05:08Z")
I just had a Caramel Freddo (think Frappucino) from [Peet’s](http://www.peets.com/default.asp?rdir=1&ftv=n). With the whipped cream. And the caramel drizzle on top. Totally worth it, and I probably won’t need another one for at least a month. ---
**Author:** ![Batsinma\_Belfry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea5d25/32.png) [@Batsinma\_Belfry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batsinma_Belfry)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/3 "2011-03-17T22:31:49Z")
I hadn’t had fried french fries in years. I bake them when we grill out. Last week at the grocery store they had a BOGO sale on fries. Then, at a local outlet store I found a Fry Daddy for $10! I didn’t know they still made those things. They were so crispy, greasy, and delicious. But afterward I felt like I had eaten a complete Thanksgiving dinner. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/4 "2011-03-17T22:37:08Z")
Definitional example: We’d quit smoking for about two years. Then we went to Vegas for a week. (Wearing the patch now.) ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/5 "2011-03-17T22:40:32Z")
> [@Rhythmdvl](#): > > Definitional example: > > We’d quit smoking for about two years. Then we went to Vegas for a week. > (Wearing the patch now.) > > ☹ Ouch. ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/6 "2011-03-17T22:52:09Z")
Claim Jumper restaurant has a cake dessert that is a 10 inch high 6 layer wedge. **Chocolate Motherlode Cake** Six decadent layers of chocolate cake and rich chocolate fudge icing topped with walnuts. Featured on the Food Network as one of America’s “Top 5 Most Decadent Desserts". Yes, I ate the whole thing myself. After a complete prime-rib dinner, with salad bar. Yes, I can be a right pig. ---
**Author:** ![dawson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@dawson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dawson)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/7 "2011-03-17T23:11:52Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Claim Jumper restaurant has a cake dessert that is a 10 inch high 6 layer wedge. > > **Chocolate Motherlode Cake** > Six decadent layers of chocolate cake and rich chocolate fudge icing topped with walnuts. Featured on the Food Network as one of America’s “Top 5 Most Decadent Desserts". > > Yes, I ate the whole thing myself. After a complete prime-rib dinner, with salad bar. > > Yes, I can be a right pig. Would you like a mint sir? ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/8 "2011-03-17T23:41:46Z")
> [@Icarus](#): > > Claim Jumper restaurant has a cake dessert that is a 10 inch high 6 layer wedge. > > **Chocolate Motherlode Cake** > Six decadent layers of chocolate cake and rich chocolate fudge icing topped with walnuts. Featured on the Food Network as one of America’s “Top 5 Most Decadent Desserts". > > Yes, I ate the whole thing myself. After a complete prime-rib dinner, with salad bar. > > Yes, I can be a right pig. Now this is why I’m actually glad sometimes that I’m allergic to nuts. I wouldn’t even be tempted by this. (Yes, I know you can probably scrape them off, but that’s a lot of trouble, and makes the whole thing unpleasant. And if I missed one piece, it could be off to the hospital for me!) Roddy ---
**Author:** ![Nawth\_Chucka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c57346/32.png) [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/9 "2011-03-17T23:53:15Z")
I know that if I give in to the desperate cravings I have right now it will counter my attempts to control my PMDD solely through diet. I don’t want meds just to keep from feeling sobby/stabby. But it’s soooo difficult. I want some friend chicken and I want it now. ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/10 "2011-03-18T01:00:11Z")
I’ve been underweight most of my life. I don’t have cravings, which might be the difference. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/11 "2011-03-18T01:05:17Z")
> [@Superhal](#): > > I’ve been underweight most of my life. I don’t have cravings, which might be the difference. We can find out where you live, you know. ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/12 "2011-03-18T01:25:42Z")
> [@Nawth\_Chucka](#): > > I know that if I give in to the desperate cravings I have right now it will counter my attempts to control my PMDD solely through diet. I don’t want meds just to keep from feeling sobby/stabby. But it’s soooo difficult. > I want some \*\*friend \*\*chicken and I want it now. That’s a really cute typo, given your reason for not giving in to cravings. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/13 "2011-03-18T01:30:28Z")
My cravings are the reason why I bake things. I get into this “I want it, so I’m going to make it” mentality, and fifteen minutes later there’s a pan of brownies in the oven. My mom just showed me a bunch of recipes for slow-cooker desserts, and suddenly I’m in the mood for a fudgy, pudding-like chocolate cake. I think I have a problem. A tasty, tasty problem. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/14 "2011-03-18T01:45:18Z")
I’ve had a craving for whole milk lately, I don’t know why but the other day I bought a gallon and drank it, in one day. Of course I didn’t really eat anything else that day, but that milk sure was good. ---
**Author:** ![fubbleskag](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fubbleskag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fubbleskag)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/15 "2011-03-18T01:58:59Z")
I am constantly battling cravings for acidic foods, particularly vinegar. Going all the way back to childhood, a favourite snack has been white onion in apple cider vinegar with copious amounts of salt. I’m currently on a low-sodium restriction on account of a kidney disease, but still can’t resist this snack. :\ ---
**Author:** ![Sakuma\_Drops](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sakuma\_Drops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sakuma_Drops)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/16 "2011-03-18T02:41:03Z")
There are some cravings that I just satiate to get it over with, and afterwards I don’t get the cravings again for a good long while. I’m not a big ice cream eater, but every couple of months I will, out of the blue, suddenly reaaallly want a milkshake, like RIGHT NOW, dammit. So I go get one and eat it, but the way it makes me feel when I’m done makes me not want to ever look at ice cream again, which is good…until a couple _more_ months go by 🙂 IMO it’s not the end of the world if you indulge a craving every now and then, because sometimes the craving will just go away once you get a taste of whatever it is you think you want. It’s when you make a habit out of eating stuff that’s bad for you that the problems start. ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/17 "2011-03-18T02:58:08Z")
> [@dawson](#): > > Would you like a mint sir? Waffer thin… ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/18 "2011-03-18T02:59:29Z")
> [@Sakuma\_Drops](#): > > I’m not a big ice cream eater, but every couple of months I will, out of the blue, suddenly reaaallly want a milkshake, like RIGHT NOW, dammit. Chocolate, please! ---
**Author:** ![Sakuma\_Drops](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sakuma\_Drops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sakuma_Drops)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/19 "2011-03-18T03:04:35Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > Chocolate, please! Oh, and it HAS to be vanilla ice cream blended with chocolate syrup. Don’t make it out of chocolate ice cream, it’s just not the same. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066/20 "2011-03-18T03:32:59Z")
My thinking is, aside from genuinely addictive drugs like nicotine, when you get a craving it’s your body’s way of telling you there’s something in that food that you need. Sometimes, of course, you can figure out what that something is and find a healthier food that will satisfy the craving, but sometimes you can’t figure it out, and sometimes what your body needs really is the fat or salt or whatever. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-into-cravings-no-matter-how-bad-for-you/575066.md?page=2)