Why do we eat foods that we know we shouldn't?

I'm lactose intolerant. And I know I should keep an eye on my cholesterol. But neither of those factors stop me from picking at a cheese board or ordering ice cream for dessert.

I'm aware while I am eating that my choices aren't benefitting future me. I never feel good after. Yet I keep repeating the cycle. 

I don't know why I keep doing it. I often swear that I'll stop. "No more cheese," I say to myself. Or, "I'll stay away from sugar." But somehow, even with the restraints I put on myself, I still want what I "shouldn't" have – sometimes even more.

Plenty of people choose to eat foods they know aren't very good for them

I'm not the only one who struggles with this. When I wondered aloud about this decision-making process on Twitter, several users shared their stories about foods they consume even if they'd be better off staying away from them.