Summary

A man struggles with the temptation of eating a bagel instead of going for a walk, ultimately making the healthier choice due to his wife's intervention.

Abstract

The article recounts a man's internal struggle between choosing to eat a bagel or go for a walk. He initially decides to eat the bagel, but his wife intervenes and encourages him to take the walk instead. In the end, the man takes the walk, eats fruit, and feels better for making the healthier choice.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the temptation to choose a bagel over a walk.
The author suggests that taking a walk is a better choice than indulging in a bagel.
The author implies that a supportive partner can be helpful in making healthier choices.
The author concludes that taking the walk and eating fruit is a better choice than indulging in a bagel.

Better A Block Than A Bagel

As I was staring lovingly into the depths of my refrigerator this morning, I had a quick thought to go for a walk. I live a little more out in the country, next to a decent-sized winding river, so the walk is leisurely and peaceful. I wouldn’t say it’s that adventurous, but it gets me outside and fills my lungs with air.

I Swear It Winked

Today, however, I didn’t have time for the whole walk. I was in a bit of a rush, so I figured I’d head out and at least put in a half-mile. Just as I was shutting the fridge, it caught my eye — that beautiful “Everything” bagel was staring at me, and I swear it winked. Now I had a choice. I could either take a few minutes to slice and toast that delicious crispy carbohydrate wonder, or I could shut the fridge and walk away.

What would you have done?

It just so happened that sitting next to the bagel was a small tub of vegan butter. I was pretty sure it would be happy to let me smear it across the toasted ridges of that bagel. I was definitely leaning toward missing the walk and spending quality time with the bagel and a small plate.

That Little Voice of Wisdom

And then I heard it. Not out loud. Not even verbally. But it was a clear voice in my head that said, “Better a block than a bagel.” Just walk a block. That wasn’t hard at all. I tried to ignore this annoying (yet brilliant) voice with all my might. But I had to agree, “better a block than a bagel.” The bagel was full of carbohydrates and regret. The walk was full of quiet moments, a crisp breeze, and possibilities.

So I grabbed the bagel and started to slice.

That’s when my wife walked in and said, “What do you think you’re doing?!”

I played stupid. “Um, what do you mean?”

“You told me you were going for a walk,” she shot back.

“I did?”

Her laser eyes began to bore a hole through me as she lowered her voice and sternly said, “Step away from the bagel. Hands were I can see them.”

I had just finished slicing it in half. All I had left to do was drop it in the toaster. There’d be no going back after that, I told myself.

“Don’t even think about it, fat boy!” demanded my wife. She had, no doubt, crossed over a line but didn’t seem to care. I slowly lowered the bagel and laid it on the counter. Backing out of the room with one eye on the bagel and the other on my prison guard wife, I eventually made it to the front door, threw on my coat, and was on my walk.

A block later (remember, I live in the country, so the blocks are long), I turned around and headed home. I purposely and quickly meandered to the kitchen, and there on the counter was…a small pile of crumbs where my precious bagel used to be. Just then, my wife sauntered into the room and said, “Whatcha lookin’ for?”

“An apple or pear. Maybe a handful of grapes. Why?” I shot back.

“Just wondering,” she said with a sly smile that confirmed my suspicions.

However, in the end, I got the better deal. I took my walk, ate my fruit, and was better off for it. Sometimes in life, when we decide to ignore the little wise voice in our heads, we need a prison guard spouse to help us make the right choices.