This Third Grader Hates Vegetables: Go Ask Wally

NATICK, MA - He’s a bonafide Internet sensation, and probably the biggest bunny celebrity to hit social media.Wally the Bunny has 217,000 followers on Instagram,and he’s been featured in numerous media outlets, including People Magazine, CNN, Good Morning America and the Boston Globe.

Now, Wally (and Molly) assist and entertain Patch readers each week with the advice column “Go Ask Wally.” Each week, we’ll field questions from readers, and pick the most interesting one, with Wally answering one question each week on Natick Patch.

QUESTION: Dear Wally, I don’t know what I should do. I hate vegetables and people keep forcing me to eat them. I wish there was some other way to be healthy. What’s your advice? From, Third Grader

ANSWER: Hi, Third Grader! It’s ME, Wally!

Oh no! How terrible to be forced to eat something you hate! But don’t despair: this seems to be a very common human problem. Let us discuss how to make peace with your vegetables.

First, be sure that you don’t say anything mean about your vegetables when they’re on the table – they can probably hear you. If you must express yourself, have a family member cover their ears so that you don’t hurt their feelings. Vegetables are very sensitive and you don’t want them to start crying at the dinner table.

Second, you must embrace your vegetables’ beauty. Sometimes if we find something we admire in the things we think we like least, we can change our relationship to them! Begin by looking at your vegetables, saying, “hello,” and reminding yourself that not so long ago, your cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, beets, etc. were nothing but tiny, brown seeds. Can you believe the TALENT?! Look what they’ve become! All by themselves, from below the earth, they simply grew – no questions, no complaining, no “I’d Rather Be Fishing” bumper stickers. It’s really quite exquisite! Now, very closely, look at your vegetables’ shapes. Aren’t they stunning? Circles, diamonds, triangles, ruffles, squiggles! Is that a bowl of emeralds or green peas? Is that an eloquent tutu or a leaf of kale? Is that Rapunzel’s castle or an asparagus spear? Now, look at the colors. The vibrant red of a bell pepper, the dazzling purple of a cabbage, the radiant orange of a carrot. Is that an edible rainbow on your plate or a pile of vegetables?! Vegetables really know how to be themselves, and for this, I have great respect. A Brussel sprout has no shame about being a Brussel sprout. He never wishes he were a parsnip. He never pretends to be an artichoke. He simply is a Brussel sprout.

I know what you’re thinking, Third Grader. You want to hug your vegetables and thank them for being so wonderful, right? If you’re not longing for a vegetable hug yet, you will be soon … after you taste them! Now that you’ve rediscovered the inherent beauty of your vegetables, try tasting them again. Vegetables always hope that you will love their taste – it’s really their ultimate purpose. However, even if your radish is not as delightful as birthday cake or movie theater popcorn, try to find some appreciation for her unique flavor – she will be honored by this, even if you don’t declare the radish your new favorite food.

Eating vegetables is not the only way to be healthy, but it sure is an excellent way! So be like ME, Wally! And eat your vegetables! If I can do it, so can you!

Wally (and his mom) fields questions that range from life’s conflicts and local politics to social etiquette to general hygiene and fashion tips. If Wally thinks the question is beyond his scope of expertise, he will pass it to his administrative team.

So what say you? Have you a question for Wally? We will compile them here at Patch and feature one question and answer each week. Send your questions to charlene.arsenault@patch.com. Or post your query in the comments section.

Photo Credit: courtesy Molly Prottas