Sources at the office of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon implied that his recent stroke was inevitable--considering his insatiable appetite for such tasty items as falafel, kebab and humus.
The sources said that Sharon was almost incapable of saying “no” to such fattening foods as falafel, shawarma, and especially humus. Another favorite of the Israeli PM is fried canned beef, which would be served to him by a cook at his office in the middle of the day, the sources said.
Many times on his way to his office in Jerusalem, Sharon’s convoy would stop at a well known Jerusalem humus restaurant for a celebration of humus, tehina and pita bread.
With the caloric count of humus as high as 50 calories per tablespoon, it isn't surprising that the Israeli leader was putting on the pounds at the rate that he did.
Israeli radio reported that Sharon's estimated weight is currently ranging between 120 to 150 kilos, or more than 350 lbs. With the PM's height not exceeding 1.70 m, or 5'6'', such a weight is most definitely excessive and unhealthy.
Some even accused Sharon's aides of not properly guarding his diet in light of his poor eating habits, according to Yedioth Ahronoth, and that “The writing was on the wall” for a future stroke. “He ate irregularly and stuffed himself with cookies between meals, and in addition drank a lot of soft drinks,” one source added.
In addition to tradition Middle Eastern food, Sharon also reportedly fancies French fries, hamburgers and steaks.
Sharon's doctor, Prof. Boleslav Goldman, has been advising Sharon to lose weight for years, apparently. "I have advised this for 30 years," he said.
A few women working at the PM's office said that although cooks tried to prepare healthy dishes such as vegetables, their attempts were ruined with a generous portion of pita and humus.
However, now that Sharon has suffered a stroke, his humus binging days are apparently over, and his diet era has begun.
After being released from the hospital in Jerusalem that he was being treated, he reportedly ate a nutritious lunch of low-fat chicken, steamed vegetables and a vegetable salad.
Sharon's humus addiction, however, has more than health ramifications. US President Bush recently advised Sharon to "go easy" on the food, since he "needed him around", and advised him to take more time away from his stressful job.
Furthermore, with upcoming elections in Israel, Sharon's health will likely gain a growing amount of attention. As Sharon will soon turn 78, the key question among Israeli voters will be regarding his abilty o complete another four years in office....
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
