Michael Phelps Chastised for Endorsing Frosted Flakes

Daily News ^ | 8-20-08 | Rick Schapiro

[Marie2]

You better eat your . . . Frosted Flakes?

Olympic legend Michael Phelps will appear on boxes of the Kellogg's brand sugar cereal, drawing sharp criticism from health experts worried about the message he'll be sending to children across America.

"I would not consider Frosted Flakes the food of an Olympian," said nutritionist Rebecca Solomon of Mount Sinai Medical Center.

"I would rather see him promoting Fiber One. I would rather see him promoting oatmeal. I would even rather see him promoting Cheerios."

The announcement yesterday that Phelps, 23, winner of a record eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, would grace Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes boxes instead of the traditional athlete's choice of Wheaties left many perplexed.

Frosted Flakes has three times the amount of sugar as Wheaties and 1/3rd the fiber.

This doesn't matter much to a virtuoso swimmer who consumes 12,000 calories a day.

Still, in a country where childhood obesity is an alarming issue, Phelps' iconic image sharing space with Tony the Tiger sends the wrong message, experts say.

"For a guy like Michael Phelps who isn't worried about obesity because he's burning thousands of calories as an athlete...eating Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes every so often is not an issue," Solomon said.

The Phelps-emblazoned cereal boxes hit supermarket shelves in mid-September.

[Tanniker Smith]

Actually, no, I wasn't, but in retrospect I do see how the wording could've been better.

I did mean his image not himself, literally.

[Raider Sam]

Even if a kid wanted Frosted Flakes because of Phelps’ endorsement, don't the parents still have to buy it.

And if he was on the Fiber Box, do you think the kids would be saying “Oh, mommy lets get the Fiber One cereal cuz Michael Phelps is on it.” Or is it more likely they would still want the sugar cereal with a cartoon Tiger.

It seems to me that Ms Solomon is just mad that somebody is doing what he wants, even if it is unhealthy, and not doing what the great health consensus says you should.

[mass55th]

"What amazes me is how many sugary cereals are marketed to adults today."

Yeah, and they sell them as healthy for you. I recently tried Special K's cinnamon and pecan. Thought I'd try something different. I couldn't even get through the first bowl. I tossed it and the rest of the box out. Yuck!!

[danmar]

She looks like she needs some help on the sexual side of things!
Never the less, getting a life would be strongly recommended!

[Mediocrates]

"I would not consider Frosted Flakes the food of an Olympian," said nutritionist Rebecca Solomon...

You who are so shocked and disgusted with her comments: thou doth protest too much.

Welcome to Earth, space people.

[SkyDancer]

I bought the sound track ...

[ThomasThomas]

How can will put up with disrespect for tradition, what will happen next? The MVP from the Superbowl going to Knott’s Berry Farm?

[netmilsmom]

We went to Cereal City a few years ago and got our picture taken on a box of Frosted Flakes.

I’m in fine company and so proud!!

[Interesting Times]

But this is terrible!

I was hoping it was something trivial, like say Phelps having a history of hanging out with racists and domestic terrorists.

[Kirkwood]

Frosted Flakes was my favorite cereal for many years. I also liked Super Sugar Crisp (later Golden Crisp).

[irishtenor]

Coco-Krispies forever!!!

[Revolting cat!]

I like totally luv Total!

[rhema]

C'mon, Michael, make the Food Oligarchs happy: endorse Organic Wood Chips.

[Revolting cat!]

Coco-Krispies forever!!!

I think I know why, too. I don't know if they still do it, but they used to put cocaine in Coco-Krispies! 'Coco', get it?

[Cinnamon Girl]

Lucky Charms aren’t kosher.

[DocRock]

"I see we think alike, funny commercial with Belushi!"

Finally found it. LINK

Warning: Some sidebar ads may be adult

[spectre]

I'd rather hear about Phelps eating a ton of food and getting gold medal results, than read about the scant amount of food the gymnists eat resulting in their impaired nutrient intakes and eating disorders.

Frosted Flakes rule!

sw

[irishtenor]

No wonder i would eat a box at a time!

[MarkL]

I think this is great, except I am sorry he decided against endorsing my personal favorite, Lucky Charms.

I was thinking nearly the same thing... While I really used to like Frosted Flakes (back when they were "Sugar Frosted Flakes!"), MY personal favorite is Fruity Pebbles... Though I used to love Quisp when I was little too...

Damned food NAZIs! "Leave Him Alone!!!!"

Mark

[DeLaine]

“i” “i” “i” “i”
This woman is really enamored of herself isn’t she!!