What Would Bloomberg Eat? Who Cares!

If you spend as much time on the New York Times website as I do, you're bound to have noticed the hubbub about New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's poor diet. The issue, some argue, is that while Bloomberg is ruling the Big Apple with an iron fist when it comes to salt, trans fat, and calories, he's also busy salting everything that comes his way and eating "burnt bacon and peanut butter sandwiches."

Michael Barbaro, author of the NYT's recent Bloomberg article entitled "Mayor Bloomberg Doesn't Always Live by his Health Rules," offers a comprehensive report on the various dietary indulgences and hypocrisies of the man who has asked, among other things, that "restaurants and food manufacturers voluntarily cut the salt in their dishes by 20 percent or more."

Then Barbaro mentions that Bloomberg has serious enough image issues that "the sight of an unflattering photo of himself can trigger weeks of intense dieting and crankiness." So it's a really good thing that, underneath this in-depth article on all of Bloomberg's unhealthy eating habits, there's a slideshow of the Mayor "in snack mode." Classy, New York Times. Really classy.

Now, I know that everyone (including me) loves to point out when a politician does the opposite of what he or she has asked the people to do. Especially if you disagree with a certain politician's political leanings, there is nothing but delight to be found in proving that he or she is a HYPOCRITE! (our favorite word).

But, honestly, why is it such a big crime for Bloomberg to have a little trouble practicing what he preaches? It doesn't take much to realize that trans fats and sodium are bad for you and to get the word out about their health risks, but it takes a lot of willpower to cut out the tasty stuff in one fell swoop. Add a swarm of media following you everywhere you go, and it's bound to catch up with you sooner than later.

And why does anyone really care what Bloomberg is eating? It's not like he's promoting an anti-rape policy but then attacking the women of New York. He's eating junk food, for God's sake!

Lastly, it's worth noting that "after a dinner loaded with fat and salt," Bloomberg eats "a grapefruit for breakfast, then a bowl of soup for lunch." So wait, does that mean? Yes! Bloomberg eats like a real human! He indulges on something tasty, then compensates for it the next day.

I don't know about you, I'd much rather have an average eater running my city and asking me to eat healthy than a weirdo arugala freak preaching from his Whole Foods pulpit about the benefits of flax and enforcing morning yoga sessions in Times Square.

Get a life, people!