Today at work we were treated to a lunch of deli sandwiches, chips, cookies, and donuts. Not exactly the healthiest fare. And most certainly not keto. It’s easy to look at the spread and think “well I can’t participate in this” and avoid the break room entirely. But you can always make the best of any situation.
How could I participate in this decidedly non-keto meal? Well there were actually a few options. It just required my being attentive. The first option was the deli sandwiches. They were either turkey, chicken, or ham served on a ciabatta bun with romaine lettuce, tomato, and cheese. The sauces were on the side so you could add them to taste. All I had to do was remove the ciabata bun and the rest of the sandwich was keto. Was it as filling as eating the whole sandwich? No, but then again one of the nice things about the keto diet is not feeling hungry so I don’t eat as much anyway. Each deli sandwich came with a pickle, which is also keto, and not everyone likes pickles. So I was able to get a couple extra spears that way.
The donuts, which were from the beginning of the day as a “breakfast” food were also served with coffee. The donuts were obviously a no go but black coffee is not only allowed on the keto diet, it’s actually helpful. The water volume helps with satiety and the caffeine in the coffee helps rev up the metabolism.
So I was able to partake, I just needed to focus on the few good things I could have, and not focus on the wide spread of things I shouldn’t have. I just picked the best options for me from all the available ones so that I could enjoy the provided meal with the crew.
And that brings up the last option I had for making the best of the situation. Let’s assume none of the food would work for me. Maybe the sandwiches were made with a sugary dressing. Or it was all just cookies and donuts. I still had a final option available and that was just grab a cup of coffee and hang out with the gang anyway. I’ve fasted for just over two days before so certainly I can make it through one lunch hour. And the point of the meal was to socialize while eating. Even if I couldn’t eat I didn’t have to deny myself the opportunity to socialize. Especially since the socializing was the best part.
And that’s how we should view all situations presented to us in life. Don’t focus on what we’re denied. Focus on what works or is good for us. Like going to the store and the only parking spots are on the far end of the lot. Don’t focus on how it sucks you’re so far from the building, focus on how you’re getting in extra steps unexpectedly which is good for your health. When you go into the store to buy some food and your favorite brand is out of stock don’t focus on the lack. Focus on the opportunity to try something new. Then you get into your car and start driving home and the roads blocked due to an accident. Don’t focus on the hold up. Focus on how you’re getting a few extra minutes to meditate you didn’t realize you’d get. Focus on how you get to try a different way home tonight. Or better yet focus on how lucky you are that you go there after the accident and not during.
Regardless of the situations you find yourself in this week, make the best of them. You always have a choice of viewing things in a positive way, or a negative one. And being positive just feels so much better. So give it a try. Find your silver lining and make it a great day anyway. Peace and happiness.
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