And of the 4,000 who participated in the Love Bites: Dating and Dining survey, some were happy to sacrifice action between the sheets for salad.

The best thing: In a new study, one in three singles said they would go without sex for a year rather than give up their favourite food

Disappointingly, 32per cent of those people were women compared to 16per cent who were men.

But in an extraordinary twist, it is not just singles, in potentially unsatisfactory sexual relationships, who were willing to relinquish a year of loving.

An extra 3,500 married individuals were interviewed and despite being in a committed long term relationship, 28per cent chose their perfect meal over fun in the bedroom.

As if the results were not depressing enough, while a majority of respondents willing to sacrifice sex did so for steak and chocolate, some were comfortable depriving themselves for the sake of a caprese salad, sushi and fresh fruit.

The puzzling results raise questions about the quality of the sex that those who answered in favour of food, are having.

In reaction to the comments made by the interviewees, sex therapist and author Ian Kerner told MSNBC: ‘People often say things like they’d pick money or sleep or food over sex.

‘If you find yourself picking food over sex, you need to approach sex a bit more like food and vary your diet’

‘I think this shows that people take sex for granted, or that they’re not enjoying sex enough to really value it appropriately.’

What’s more, he pointed out, food might just be the reason they’re not getting the most out of their sexual experience.

While chocolate and steak both have ingredients known to lift spirits, some food groups make us full and lethargic so what starts as a romantic candle-lit meal, ends in a night in front of the television.

Kerner suggested: ‘If you find yourself picking food over sex, perhaps you need to approach sex a bit more like food and vary your diet.’

In fact a sense of adventure around food proved to be an important factor in attracting a mate as 66per cent of singles said they were put off by fussy eaters and 35per cent were unimpressed by someone who lack food knowledge.

And an ever so slightly more encouraging 93per cent were adamant that they would prefer someone bad in the kitchen over a partner with no skills in the bedroom.

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”
The puzzling results raise questions about the quality of the sex that those who answered in favour of food, are having. ”
How about mixing sex and food?

- John Picarra, Lisbon, 03/7/2012 21:33

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”
The puzzling results raise questions about the quality of the sex that those who answered in favour of food, are having. ”
Exactly!

- John Picarra, Lisbon, 03/7/2012 21:29

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Maybe a kebab, fish and chips or a curry but not a salad!

- louise, Warwickshire, 03/7/2012 21:22

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Sex.

- yoloxox, UK, 03/7/2012 21:05

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Yep………..food wins out……….that’s why I’m overweight and single I guess. Hmmmm..might be a lesson in there somewhere.

- KJ , Canterbury, 03/7/2012 20:47

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I am not surprised. Sex used be private and thrilling. Now it is so far out in the
open we have become jaded and bored. We have had it shoved in our face so
often that we are not doing it right or we should be having enormous amounts of
screamingly wonderful sex and if we don’t there is something wrong with us. Sex is a skill that takes practice and if you are hopping from bed to bed you don’t have a chance to develop that skill. Making your favourite meal is much easier and
for most people a lot more satisfying. I would prefer a good meatloaf to a one night stand.

- Jackie, Wolfville Nova Scotia, 03/7/2012 19:31

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This explains my wifes craving for lettuce.

- Tony, Brecon, 03/7/2012 19:27

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Dont even have to think about it!! Favourite food every time!!

- Steph, UK, 03/7/2012 14:47

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It all depends whats on offer. if your sex is like a dull tomato and lettuce salad, spice it up with some balsamic and parma ham. its what you add to sex or a salad which makes it good or bad. personally i like both, with all the add ons i can get.

- Nicola, UK, 03/7/2012 14:08

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I’m not sure why anyone would find the results of this survey depressing. It is a bizarre hypothetical situation. Giving up sex and giving up salad are completely unrelated, and I find the questions very odd.
How about this for an article dm, “what would you rather do: eat all your pets or gouge out your own eyes?” Shock headline “65% of people want to gouge their eyeballs out!”

- Rachel, Reading, 03/7/2012 12:29

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