In general, people are healthier than they were 30 years ago because of all of the research and info out there on healthy eating and exercise practices. Of course, some people don't abide by them, but at least the word is out there.
That wasn't the case in the 1980s, illustrated by the eating habits of NFL players at the time.
Jets head coach Todd Bowles discussed how both Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall are able to preserve their bodies as they age in the NFL with their eating habits. It's a practice other guys have caught onto as well as sports science continues to advance. But in Bowles' playing days, he didn't know how important his diet was to his longevity in the league, and it was reflected by what he ate.
From Daniel Popper of the NY Daily News:
Jets coach Todd Bowles said Monday that back in his playing days during the late 1980s in Washington, he and his teammates would eat McDonald's for lunch four times a week.
“Quarter-pounder with cheese, apple pie and French fries,” Bowles said with a chuckle.
“Really?” one reporter asked, dumbfounded.
“Yes we did. Every single day,” Bowles said. “Friday was Italian day and we had pizza and Italian food. Monday through Thursday we had McDonald's.”
Just thinking about eating McDonalds four straight days makes my stomach hurt.
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