Tuna freak

[nykkieberry]

I have a very strange addiction to tuna. I eat at least two cans a day (or Tuna steak), often have it for breakfast and I am renowned throughout my social circle for my slightly bizarre eating habits! I actually get quite panicky if there is none in the house!I have eaten like this for about ten years now - is it doing me any harm? And apart from possibly being a cat in a previous life, does anyone know why somebody would be addicted to such a weird food?

[molly]

Are you very clever? oily fish conains omega 3. good for the brain.It's also good for the heart and immune system.Not sure what happens if you overdose on it. What does your breath smell like?

[nykkieberry]

I suppose I would be considered 'clever' - although my academic heights were acheived before my tuna habit kicked in! I also love anchovies, salmon and swordfish so hopefully that will counterbalance the effects of smoking, limited exercise and alcohol on my heart! I have a handy supply of very strong mints so that I don't have cat breath - and my fiance never complains!

[nykkieberry]

apologies for the acheived typo - and I am a copywriter as well - achieved, achieved, achieved!!

[Roxy]

are you pregnant?

[nykkieberry]

No I am not - and it would be a long pregnancy considering I've had this 'habit' for ten years! I actually craved tomatoes, cheese and onion pies and Haribo Sour Sweets when I was pregnant! I had tuna for breakfast again ....I think I need to go to Tuna Anonymous!

[fingerpie]

You want to watch out for mercury poisoning you do.

[nykkieberry]

I have just researched mecury poisioning and tuna on the net and now I am a little (!) concerned! Considering they recommend no more than a can a week - and I eat on average a can a day - I seem to be at serious risk! Is it just a load of old cobblers? Do I really need to start limiting a very pleasurable habit?

[incitatus]

probably better to cut it down a bit. the mercury thing is real, though the risk is probably quite small. As to why you are addicted....you have to ask yourself what tuna represents....what memories do you associate with it?

[nykkieberry]

I've racked my brains and i cannot think of any association. It wasn't a treat when I was younger or linked to a nice memory (such as grandparents, holidays etc.) I tend to choose it when I eat shopped bought sandwiches as I am not a lover of dairy products and I don't eat meat. Maybe the lack of choice has developed into a habit. As a student, I also found it cured hangovers (bizarrely) so that added even more to my diet. That doesn't explain the fishy breakfasts though! I sometimes wonder if I am lacking nutritionally and my body is compensating by making me crave tuna fish. I've tried three days off it and it has been really hard. How sad is that??

[aloha]

You'll want to discontinue eating tuna if you get pregnant. Mercury is nasty stuff. But otherwise, I hope that you'll just enjoy it. Here's a quote for you: "Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing." Redd Foxx