Well the nation's advertising moguls are at it again and this time the deceptive ads can be found among the sporting events of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver B.C. If you have seen the prime time coverage of the events I am sure you have noticed the slogan, "….you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to eat like one." These ads are not coming from the games themselves but from their sponsors. The most infamous sponsor the golden arches of McDonalds the official restaurant of the Olympic Games. 
In reality, how many of the athletes are really eating at the golden arches? And if they are just imagine the calories they are burning with the long hours of training and competing. But think about it isn’t it important for these elite athletes to properly care for their body on and off the field. This care comes from not only proper training and rest, but also through healthy eating habits. For most, that consists of large amounts of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Not the fatty, salty, sugary, and high calorie foods that are served within the walls of the golden arches. Yes it is true that fast food restraints have been working harder at offering ‘healthier’ options, but sadly that is not what is being advertised.
Perhaps the most shocking Olympian campaign is the McDonalds ad where the athletes are rewarding themselves with fast food after a defeat in completion. Why would any world class athlete eat such unhealthy food as a reward after working so hard? Sure, it might be fine to treat yourself to something comforting every once in a while, but the image these advertisements are trying to promote is that you have to reward yourself for loosing. Isn’t that a great self-esteem builder!
Ultimately media is placing an unrealistic ideal on the general public. When society should be fighting a battle against obesity and the co-morbidities associated with it, here individuals that are leading people to think that the world’s greatest athletes are eating fast food, and that it is okay for you too. Sadly that isn’t the case, there is a bigger healthier picture, but then again that bigger picture isn’t what makes money for these corporations.
Quick Order
