Ah, the Olympics. A 17 day demonstration of what human bodies are capable of when pushed to the limit. The payoff from the sacrifices these athletes have made is a remarkable thing to witness.
The Olympics also means Big Macs, Happy Meals, french fries, and Coca-Cola. Not exactly the type of fuel high performing bodies need.
Nevertheless, you’ll see numerous advertisements for McDonald’s and Coca-cola in the commercial breaks. Two companies whose products contribute to the obesity epidemic in the breaks between acts of physical perfection.
There’s no need to get on a soapbox. The juxtaposition of these two extremes is argument enough. The real point to underscore comes this quote from IOC president Jacques Rogge:
“The bottom line is that we have to support and alleviate the needs of…our national Olympic committees and international federations. Most international federations are on a lifeline for the Olympic Games and they need the financial support…otherwise they would be in trouble.”
Translation: We don’t really want unhealthy food advertised so prominently during the Olympics, but well, we need the money.
I’m not lamenting. Just reminding. It’s the money. It’s why pizza is a vegetable in schools, produce is pesticide laden, and livestock are fed antibiotics. It’s always the money.
But don’t fret. We’ve got a really good women’s gymnastics team…
