6 A Healthy Attitude

CHAPTER 6 A HEALTHY ATTITUDE The next day, Mom tells me that walking is the best exercise. I can walk, so I am in good shape. She also says that a well- balanced diet is important. She claims, "You are what you eat." So I ask for a hot dog. I'd like to be a hot dog at the field day.

Later that day, I go to the health food store. The shelves are loaded with products and promises. Power Powder says that it can give you a healthier body in three days. Another is called Energizer—I don't want to eat a battery, though. There is even some stuff called Muscle Maker and another thing called Puny Pills. I don't think I want any of them.

BRAWN BAR I walk farther into the store and there's row after row of powders, pills, and potions that all say they are packed with power. Each one promises a healthier body in three minutes or three days. There are Brawn Bars, Force Flakes, and Tower Tabs that strengthen, invigorate, and fortify. IF YOU TAKE ONE OF THESE A DAY YOU'LL LOOK LIKE ME. COOL.

There's another product called Lightning Bar—one bite will turn you into an Olympic champion and two bites will give you the power to fly. I don't think there's a flying competition at the field day. Another aisle contains a whole alphabet of vitamins and minerals. And all the store's signs say that you need to buy them all. AWESOME.

Then there's a weird food area. Hot dogs made from cereal. Cereal made from seaweed. Then there's tofu, which sounds like it comes from in between your toes. GROSS! And it's all really, really expensive. I wonder if they'd like to buy my rubber band.