# How long could one live on spongecake, boiled shrimp and Margaritas? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 28, 2012, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971 "2012-08-28T21:53:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/21 "2012-08-29T02:44:44Z")
The amount of alcohol in the margaritas will make the difference. If you start with and 80 proof tequila, and mix it with an equal amount of fruit juice, you’re down a drink with 20% alcohol. A little high, but assuming you are getting some additional water from the shrimp and spongecake, you could make it. I don’t know what the limit is, but too much alcohol relative to the amount of water you consume will dehydrate you badly. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/22 "2012-08-29T02:51:53Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > The amount of alcohol in the margaritas will make the difference. If you start with and 80 proof tequila, and mix it with an equal amount of fruit juice, you’re down a drink with 20% alcohol. A little high, but assuming you are getting some additional water from the shrimp and spongecake, you could make it. I don’t know what the limit is, but too much alcohol relative to the amount of water you consume will dehydrate you badly. Gotsta add ice, either rocks or crushed. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/23 "2012-08-29T02:57:38Z")
You would perish very quickly, as salt is necessary for survival, and you’ve lost your salt shaker. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/24 "2012-08-29T03:06:01Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Gotsta add ice, either rocks or crushed. If we’re talking margaritas with ice, or frozen, most people would be on a healthier diet than they are now. I’d switch right over if I was sure it was margaritas on the rocks and not those frozen margarita slushies. The food is kind of bland, but I’d be drunk all the time and wouldn’t care much. ---
**Author:** ![Trinopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/2bfe46/32.png) [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/25 "2012-08-29T03:08:30Z")
> [@The\_Second\_Stone](#): > > You would perish very quickly, as salt is necessary for survival, and you’ve lost your salt shaker. Dunno how you make your margaritas…but out here, a rim of salt is pretty common. ETA: also, shrimp can be kinda salty… ETATA: oops, were you just joshin’? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/26 "2012-08-29T03:12:15Z")
“Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt…” ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/27 "2012-08-29T03:16:14Z")
“Some people say that there’s A WOMAN TO BLAAAAAAAME…” Oh, I’m sorry…isn’t this the sing along part? _hic_ Pass the shrump…shrimp…shriiiiiiimpssss… _thud_ ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/28 "2012-08-29T03:26:27Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > “Some people say that there’s A WOMAN TO BLAAAAAAAME…” > Oh, I’m sorry…isn’t this the sing along part? _hic_ > > Pass the shrump…shrimp…shriiiiiiimpssss… > > _thud_ One tequila, two tequila, three tequila… ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/29 "2012-08-29T03:34:39Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > One tequila, two tequila, three tequila… I love you guys. Seriously. No, really! You, like, really \*get \*me, you know? 'N I 'preciate that. I love you guys so much! Especially you… (Sadly, I’m actually stone cold sober. This weekend cannot come fast enough…) ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/30 "2012-08-29T03:40:24Z")
[The important thing is to balance your shrimp level with white wine.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP97PPTufJA&feature=relmfu) ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/31 "2012-08-29T03:50:37Z")
I can solve the fat problem with a butterita. Salted if you want, but the unsalted creamy butterita is the perfect drink\* if you need fat. \*Actually, the perfect fat drink is eggnog, but the butterita should get you to eggnog season. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/32 "2012-08-29T04:04:11Z")
No niacin? I foresee pellagra. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/33 "2012-08-29T04:09:01Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > No niacin? I foresee pellagra. Shrimp’s got almost 3mg per 4oz. Daily recommendation for women is 14mg, men 16mg. I could happily eat 20 ounces of shrimp a day. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/34 "2012-08-29T05:09:32Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Shrimp’s got almost 3mg per 4oz. Daily recommendation for women is 14mg, men 16mg. I could happily eat 20 ounces of shrimp a day. For what it’s worth, the very first Boiled Shrimp recipe I clicked on involves heating up water that’s chock full of the usual seasonings – oregano and bay leaves, parsley and paprika, tarragon and thyme – while squeezing in the juice from half a lemon and topping off the whole thing with some cayenne pepper. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/35 "2012-08-29T14:08:03Z")
Jimmy is also very non-specific on how the shrimp is to be served. Shrimp & Grits would be a dish from his childhood. In fact, the Margaritaville menu lists at least seven shrimp dishes: _ **Lobster and Shrimp Salad** A succulent blend of shellfish tossed with rotini pasta, olives, tomatoes, carrots and lemon-herb vinaigrette served atop a bed of mixed greens._ \* **Bayou Shrimp Pasta** Bell peppers, red onion and ground andouille sautéed with jumbo shrimp, and tossed with penne in a spicy Cajun cream sauce.\* _ **Sirloin and Shrimp Combo** Our house sirloin accompanied with grilled shrimp kabob and brushed with Hawaiian butter sauce. Served with mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables._ And don’t forget the cocktail sauce for the Peel and Eat Shrimp. I’d say you’ve got all the food groups covered quite adequately. ---
**Author:** ![Doug\_K](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b5ac83/32.png) [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/36 "2012-08-29T15:15:39Z")
Does watching the sun bake all of those tourists covered with oil enter into it? ---
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/37 "2012-08-29T15:19:31Z")
Two weeks easily. Possibly two months but I don’t have that much vacation time saved up. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/38 "2012-08-29T15:48:52Z")
In researching the OP’s question, I discovered that spongecake isn’t actually on the menu at Margaritaville, so I quit. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/39 "2012-08-29T15:56:56Z")
> [@Washoe](#): > > C’mon, guys—let’s get serious here. Purina Lab Monkey Chow and beer: can it be done indefinitely? I have little time or motivation for cooking anymore. There was a guy who lived on a Purina Monkey Chow diet for a week, and posted a series of [youtube videos](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juwvwu3Z5HI) about his experience. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971/40 "2012-08-29T18:10:35Z")
I remember a couple of summers ago. It was hotter n shit. We want to go do something but the ungodly heeeaatttt… Some friends called up. They live on a small creek. Hey guys, come on up. We are gonna sit in chairs in the shade in the creek and drink margaritas all day. Sounds good to us! No shrimp or spongecake but still a pretty nice day all in all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-one-live-on-spongecake-boiled-shrimp-and-margaritas/632971.md?page=3)