The Habitour

My name is Terry and I’ve always been a bit chubby. My grandmother would always grab my cheeks and tell me how plump and juicy they were. My mom squeezes me often and she tells me how I’m like a teddy bear. I think to myself often that my family likes me as I am, but I want to be thinner. “Yo necessito comemo ensalada.” The kids would tease me at school. I wish there was a super hero for dieting.

My self-esteem is not low, I just want to be healthy. My grandmother is coming over this weekend and she’s going to cook me a birthday dinner. How do I tell her I don’t want tomales, enchiladas, huarache, tacos, and roast pig. There will also be a cake and a pinata full of candy. I don’t want any of those things, but I do not want to spoil everyone else’s fun. “Oh, mi abuela, how do I tell you?” Before I knew it, I was fast asleep snuggled in my bed.

When I awoke there was a strange creature in my room. He was an elephant, well, kind of. “My name is Edanbrachaphant and I will be your go-to guy regarding your health and wellbeing. I’m a Habitour” “Your name is epadinampantttemen.” I said awkwardly. “Well, not quite, but almost. Come with me young fella.” “I need to get changed,” I said fearfully. “No, no, no, that won’t be necessary. Let’s go.” “Okay,” I said hesitantly. I think that Edan noticed my feet weren’t moving and he said in a loud fatherly voice, “don’t you worry, I am here because you asked for me. I am the next best thing to a health superhero.” With that, I climbed on his back.

We flew out the window without worry or looking back. “The first stop Edan said will be Brain Central.” We entered a space like city that was shaped like a flying saucer with a planet on top. There was a flashing sign that said, “Brain Central”. I took a seat in the observation room and on the screen was me and where my hair used to be was now a glass globe. I could see my brain. “Wow!” I sighed. “Yes, I know everyone has that reaction.” mused Edan. Edan told me that the brain needs at least 8 hours of sleep per night or more so that it can conduct repairs on the body. He also said that the brain likes it when I drink a lot of water. The recommended amount of water is eight, 8 oz., glasses each day.

Edan said that the brain likes the following things:

1. Omega 3’s
2. Vitamins like B6 and B12
3. Amino Acids
4. Sleep
5. and again, water, water, water

“I didn’t know that Edan.” “The brain drives the whole body, we must take good care of our brains. Some mothers may add that we need to be careful of what we listen to and what we watch on television too. We don’t want bad stuff getting into our brains and changing our thoughts.”

“Next on the tour is the exercise room. In the exercise room you will be able to use any machine you like once you been trained. If you cannot go to the gym, then you can turn your room or living room into a workout room.” “I had not thought of that.” Terry said thoughtfully. “Believe it or not Terry, your brain likes exercise too. It produces helpers in your brain to make you feel happier.” “Now let’s talk about another important part of your body, your heart. A strong heart will allow you to run, jump, skip, and climb. Think of the heart as a muscle. The more you use a muscle the stronger the muscle gets.

“Edan, what does the heart like to eat?” “Well, my young friend, here’s a notepad, you better take notes.”

1. Salmon
2. Avocados
3. Blueberries
4. Nuts
5. Vegetables
6. Oatmeal
7. Beans
8. Sweet Potatoes

“I have a whole list that I would be glad to present to you at the end of the tour.”

Terry had a puzzled look on his face and appeared to be tapping his pencil on the chair. “I have a very important question Mr. Habitour. I have a birthday this weekend and I know my abuela is coming to cook a fantastic birthday meal for me. I don’t want to be rude, but I want to get healthy and now I know how. I want her to change the menu. How should I tell her that is what I want?” “I see.” said the Harbitour, curling his trunk up to scratch his head. “the best thing would be to talk to your mom so she can talk to your abuela. All the abuelas I know can be quite stubborn.” “Great idea Edan.”

The Harbitour then turned and left. “Follow me, sir.” At the front of the building he pointed, “do you see that rainbow, it will take you all the way home. Why not start getting into shape immediately by walking or even running home.” “Great Idea Edan, this is a dream come true. I am so pleased you can start me on my way to getting healthier.” With that, Terry started running on the rainbow road. Sure, enough just like the Harbitour said, he arrived at his room window within 30 minutes. He thought, I am out of breath, but I feel great. Then I woke up. “It was just a dream.” Terry looked out the window and couldn’t believe it the rainbow was still there. Next to his bed was a list of notes about good healthy habits. It was signed Edan the Habitour.