I’m a purist when it comes to lazy or secret eating habits. I tend toward spoonfuls of peanut or cashew butter. I like nut butters so much an ex-roommate of mine would carve initials in his Peter Pan as a marker to alert him of my having been there. I also love skinning a mango with my teeth and then sucking on the pit.

When I was little I hoarded butter behind the sofa, but was thankfully caught before finishing the whole stick. I also liked eating mayo out of the jar, spoon backwards for optimal licking. When it really comes down to it, though, I am mostly a sour girl. I love jars and jars of pickles and eating whole lemons. I am also a big fan of eating directly from the pot. Dishes, silverware, and manners are definitely overrated.

While researching article ideas, I came across this Chowhound thread on “Single Eating Habits.” They range from wives home alone, food-lovers secret tastes, college students getting by, and perfect dips for vegging out. Whether it’s rooted in nostalgia, an act of rebellion, a diet deficiency, shameful vice, comfort, or a favorite flavor combination, you’re definitely not alone. On a less funny but just as interesting note, check out some of the health foods that people crave.

Take a look my favorite secret home-cooked habits from the thread and then share your own!

“Cold spaghetti and butter/magargine sandwich. So gross, so good.” [Source]

“I have DQ blizzards for dinner on a regular basis, balanced by an enormous bowl of mid-afternoon spinach to make myself feel better about it.” [Source]

“Whole hearts of palm from the can, by themselves or dipped into things – tzatziki, tomato paste, to name a couple” [Source]

“SPAM, arugula, & dijon on a baguette (the provolone cheese is optional)” [Source]

“I like to sprinkle cheddar cheese on a pan, cook till its crispy but not quite burnt, and eat.” [Source]

“My husband and I actually make something we call “faux pho,” involving ramen dosed with deli roast beef, sri racha, lime juice, and cilantro (if available)” [Source]

“Peanut butter, potato chips, and strawberry preserves on a potato roll.” [Source]

“I take an average bowl of spaghetti and tomato sauce, put on a black shirt, and ignore everytying I ever learned about table manners. No winding strands on the fork, no taking small bites, just big, loud slurps of messy goodness. It’s all about style.” [Source]

“I drank a lot in my single days. You can totally stay slim drinking and not eating.. it’s the addition of home cooked meals and leftovers every day that are killing me now. Not to mention, I ain’t getting any younger ;)” [Source]

“I know what you mean. I can’t wait till he leaves town also! The minute he’s gone, the liver’s on the pan, the stinky fish sauce and shrimp paste are out, the durian’s cracked open and I eat everything out of it’s cookware. No dishes. Just stick the fork into the pot or pan and munch away.” [Source]

“Eat at the sink with your hands and without a plate or utensils. If you’re really bacheloring…don’t even use a napkin, just wash up with with water from the facet. Sort of like a trough really.” [Source]

“Onion and Velveeta sandwiches with Miracle Whip (NO mayo)…can’t go near anyone for hours” [Source]

“eating instant ramen as a cracker… there’s one brand in particular that isn’t so good cooked, but when eaten uncooked tastes so yummy… i’m sure the noodles have more sodium and msg probably” [Source]

“We used to do that when we first got a microwave. Marshmallows do fun things when you nuke ‘em.” [Source]

“A cup of sour cream, a teaspoon of sugar, and a dash of vanilla. Stir. Eat with spoon.” [Source]

“I am so hungry after reading this! My favorite when Hub is gone: Open-faced PB/garlic/tomato sandwiches. Toast bread, scrub with garlic clove, coat with thin layer of creamy peanut butter, top with slices of tomato and sprinkle with kosher salt. (Dang! I am out of tomatoes.)” [Source]

On a serious note…
I crave sugar, chocolate, or ice cream fairly regularly, and so have been doing some research on the topic. Our bodies are capable of signaling us to what we need, but in our contemporary culture it is rare that we’ve tuned in to listen. Instead we respond to advertising, emotional signals, convenience, and stress when picking up food. Many junk foods and specifically sugar cravings are sometimes due to insufficient protein. I am testing this one out now. Consistent chocolate cravings can suggest lack of calcium. Additionally, our bodies fall into rhythms, and while we sometimes outgrow these needs, it’s hard to break the cycle. While indulging in our own “eccentric” tastes sometimes is totally healthy, it’s also good to keep yourself in check and investigate the root of your cravings.

Photo from amanky