At the New York Athletic Club they serve amazing food. People go there, get healthy, and then eat themselves to death - which is, I suppose, the right way to do it.

The quote by Oliver Reed — “At the New York Athletic Club they serve amazing food. People go there, get healthy, and then eat themselves to death – which is, I suppose, the right way to do it.” — is a witty and ironic commentary on the contradictions of modern lifestyle choices, particularly the intersection of health culture and indulgence. Reed humorously points out the paradox of people going to a place dedicated to fitness and wellness, only to indulge in rich, decadent food immediately after exercising. The quote pokes fun at how humans often seek balance between health and pleasure, sometimes in ways that cancel each other out.

The origin of this quote lies in Oliver Reed’s larger-than-life personality and reputation for his rebellious humor, love of excess, and sharp wit. As a British actor known for his rugged screen presence and off-screen antics, Reed often made tongue-in-cheek remarks that critiqued social norms and lifestyles. This particular quote is consistent with his tendency to satirize the behaviors of the elite or health-conscious, highlighting the irony in how people try to manage both self-discipline and self-indulgence simultaneously.

By saying “eat themselves to death – which is, I suppose, the right way to do it,” Reed infuses the quote with a sense of dark humor and fatalism. It suggests that if life is inevitably filled with contradictions, one might as well embrace them. In this case, the contradiction lies in striving for physical health while also surrendering to the pleasures of excessive eating, particularly in a place symbolizing discipline and vitality like the New York Athletic Club.

Ultimately, the quote serves as a satirical reflection on human nature and the way people try to have it all—health and indulgence, discipline and decadence. Reed’s words highlight the often comical reality of our habits and remind us that life is rarely lived in absolutes. His humor invites us to acknowledge our contradictions and perhaps even laugh at them, embracing the imperfect balance many of us strive for in daily life.