The Weight of a Green Diet
Olerila, the sprite of vegetables, was peacefully strolling the green meadows, enjoying the fresh breeze on the way home to her farm. Suddenly, she heard a loud, fruity voice calling out her name. She turned around and saw the large and hefty Globulus, with maws like a hippo, galloping toward her, his every step making the ground shake.
When he finally caught up with Olerila, she looked up at the mammal ten times her size and asked, “What’s wrong, my big friend?”
“I have been trying to talk to you for days, but you always seemed to slip away,” Globulus spoke, panting for air.
Olerila tilted her head, scratching it in confusion. “You could have visited me at my farm anytime, you know. It’s not far from here.”
“It still would’ve been a long walk,” Globulus weakly chuckled at his laziness.
“Anyhoo, what’s the matter?” Olerila asked.
Globulus sighed and looked at his bulging belly. “I followed your advice and ate only the bounty of your fresh veggies for over a month. But instead of losing weight, I gained more. I’m almost two tons now.”
Olerila gasped. “Oh, dear.”
Globulus continued, “My canine friend, Centurion —the fastest animal on Planet Ecovia— devours everything from fatty meats to sweet desserts and ice creams, yet he is fit, quick, and agile. It makes me doubt your claim that green food is healthy.”
“Have you been eating more of my veggies because they are low in fat?” Olerila questioned. She explained his mistake, “Healthy food does not mean you can have unlimited amounts of it.”
“It doesn’t?” Globulus exclaimed, holding his head.
“No,” Olerila answered. “Eating healthy is good, but too much of anything is bad. There is no need to deny yourself sweets or even junk food every once in a while as long as you have them in moderation —everyone has a cheat day. You need a balanced diet that includes all kinds of food, from greens to protein, accompanied by plenty of exercise. That’s how you build a healthy immune system.”
“Exercise too?” Globulus moaned at the mere thought.
“Especially exercise,” Olerila emphasized. “You need to be more active. Don’t just gorge yourself on the buffet of the pastures. Next time, try walking to my home instead of waiting for me to come by. Look at your swift friend, Centurion. He runs all day, hunting his prey, only eating what he catches.”
“Please forgive me, Sprite Olerila,” Globulus said with regret. “I understand now that I don’t have the willpower to shed some pounds.”
“You’re being too harsh on yourself,” Olerila comforted him, her short arms barely wrapping around his shoulders. “Think of your size as a gift, not a curse. It makes you a formidable presence in the wild that no other predators dare to challenge you. So cheer up. Be happy.”
THE END
