[stargzr]

For some reason, when I am not feeling well I tend to want to eat unhealthy foods. Like now, for instance, I am sick with a cold. So my head just feels really stuffed up and I can seriously go for an ice cream sandwich or some french fries. Maybe that used to make me feel better? Does anyone else find they do this also? What do you have instead?

[stellarosa27]

I have to admit, when I feel like that, 75% of the times I let myself have whatever I want. When I'm sick, all bets are off. This is probably not the best strategy, but it makes me feel better.

Its all about comfort. Ice cream is a comfort food, so if your nose is stuffed up, the rest of your body is like BUT I WANT TO FEEL GOOD - so you go for that.

Maybe you could compromise with yourself - like if you eat healthy soups, vitamin rich foods, etc all day you can give yourself a treat at the end of the day to feel better?

[TaraLee]

First off, sorry to hear your sick

It is definitly not just you! I soooo do this to. Think of it this way, the things your craving... they call them "comfort foods" for a reason.

I think, personally, its because we've learned to associate foods like the dreaded french fry or evil ice cream sandwiches with feel good sensations we get when we eat them. It'd be only natural then to crave these foods, especially when we're sick. My trick, eat something nutrious first (some good ol' fashioned chicken noodle, maybe?) Wait 30 minutes. This is the ideal time for our brain and stomach to communicate and get the "full" feeling going. If after 30 minutes you feel unable to keep your hand out of the ice box (I try to picture a bear trap in there... am I really needing it THAT badly??), then cut the icecream sandwich into fourths, wrap up 3 of the pieces, eat the fourth and move on to a different activity. Try to balance out the calories somewhere else... like opting for a zero cal snack like celery later on. Plus side? You'll have 3 small portioned icecream sandwiches for the following days to "induldge" in while you have the sniffles!

I hope you feel better soon!

[NishKitten]

I have a totally opposite reaction to food when i'm ill. LoL. When I catch colds or the flu I usually lose my sense of taste along with smell and don't want anything besides hot liquid and 7Up.

I you want a treat, I say have it. Just be aware that milk products are going to make any coughs or congestion worse than it already is.

[LandonsBaby]

When I have a fever I want McDonald's fish sandwiches. I have no idea why.

[Tracy]

When i am sick i usually want[crave] salt.

[starfishkitty]

I'm totally like that too! I want salty, greasy food... and ice cream! lol!

[beautifulmess]

you're not the only one, my friend! it's pretty bad...when I get sick, I find that as an excuse to eat junk lol. I shouldn't but I do.

[kswood87]

I'm totally with Nish on this one when I'm not feeling good food is the last thing I want!

[rosekeet]

If I have a cold, I don't want to eat. I usually lose weight. Maybe eat healthy and have a treat at the end of the day. If you're sick, though, the best thing is probably just some chicken noodle soup.