Neither eating fast food (such as “McDonalds”) nor starving after a run is an ideal option for post-exercise nutrition. Both choices have drawbacks and may not provide the necessary nutrients for optimal recovery and performance.

Fast food options typically lack the essential nutrients needed for effective recovery. Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium while being low in vitamins, minerals, and quality protein. Still, it might be better than eating nothing at all. Not eating after exercise deprives the body of the necessary nutrients required for recovery and energy replenishment. After exercise, the body needs to refuel with carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, protein to repair and build muscles, and fluids to rehydrate.

Instead of one of those choices, it’s recommended to opt for a balanced post-workout meal that includes a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to replenish energy stores, support muscle repair, and promote overall recovery. Choose nutrient-rich options such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and hydrating beverages to help your body recover effectively and maintain your fitness goals.

This move follows the move three years ago when McDonald’s put the Heart Foundation’s tick on seven meals, including burgers and nuggets. The three meals to have the Weight Watchers endorsement are nuggets (1560 kilojoules), a Filet-O-Fish (1390kJ), and a sweet chili seared chicken wrap (1640kJ), all served with salad.

This is said to be part of a push by Mcdonalds to change its image, but cynics like myself say that it is part of a push by McDonalds to make more money. And why wouldn’t they, that is what they are expected to do. Unfortunately, too many people will be conned by the endorsement by Weight Watchers, and enter their stores and end up buying other things on the menu. Even if a mum goes in and buys one of the healthier choices, and feels great about her Weight Watchers meal, she will likely still buy the kids burgers and fries. Don’t be fooled, people. Fast food can be part of your diet, just in moderation. And if you are treating yourself, why not buy what you are going to enjoy the most, which may not necessarily have the tick from Weight Watchers?

I know that he was probably only trying to earn a few sponsorship bucks in return for all the effort he puts into his training, but as a sporting role model, it was such a disgusting thing to promote eating undoubtedly unhealthy food.

I don’t mind that he had the occasional fast food snack, but it is not right for an athlete representing Australia to say it so publicly. It does not say much about the dietitians at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) if one of their athletes comes out of there with this attitude that this is OK to do.

A few days later, a very similar-looking ad was published (obviously on purpose), with an ex-Australian Olympian and NBA star Luc Longley, promoting healthy eating, saying that he never considered eating junk food before or after competing. The ad was a welcome response to the McDonalds one, which needed to be done, but I don’t think enough ho-ha was made of it.

The government spends millions of dollars trying to address the problem of childhood obesity, including trying to get more people active and into sports, and millions are spent on the AIS getting athletes including Nathan Deeks properly prepared for the Olympic Games. I don’t think he has done his long-time supporter (AIS) any good and hopefully, he got into trouble, all for a small financial reward.

Related Pages: Summer Olympic Games
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