A Healthy Event?

I participated in a charity walk on Saturday. Over $2 million was raised to support the community cancer center! Even though it rained almost all day, the spirit of the crowd couldn't be dampened. I was so amazed that so many people still came out in the rain to ride their bikes or talk a walk to support the fight against cancer. DH actually did back-to-back century rides in this event. He inspires me. My new goal is to do the century ride next year. Not the back-to-back century though. I'm not that crazy!

What I wasn't thrilled with at the event was the food. You would think with this be a health-related event to support a medical center, they would be more cognizant of the fact that there is an obesity epidemic in this country. In fact, there were numerous obese people at this event - and cheers to them for getting out there and walking or riding! But the food was copious and not really healthy and I think many people used the "I just worked out so I earned a reward" excuse to overeat. I know most of the food was donated and they probably took what they could get but I expected a little better.

The breakfast options were mostly bagels, pastries, croissants, etc. All high-carb, white flour options. There was also fruit and some yogurt but it would have been nice to see some whole grain options, more protein options, etc. A nice breakfast burrito in a whole wheat wrap for instance.

For lunch there were lots of dessert options: cookies, brownies, ice cream, etc. There was a grilling station with kielbasa, sausage, burgers, hot dogs, and (woo hoo!) veggie burgers. Only white buns were available. They did have, it seemed as an afterthought, a couple loaves of whole wheat bread with a jar of peanut butter and a jar of jelly. Unfortunately, the peanut butter had hydrolyzed vegetable oil and the jelly had high fructose corn syrup. Sigh. So, I got a veggie burger and put it on the whole wheat bread.

I hate to be critical of an event with such a great purpose but I really feel like they have a responsibility, as a medical center, to set a better example for people.