food/eating and work environment

I deal with the same thing where I work - in fact, they no longer ask me if I want to join in when the order out - they know my answer.

The solution to the multiple birthday/potlucks throughout the month - we throw some cash into a kitty each month and we buy one big birthday cake at the beginning of each month - to celebrate ALL the birthdays that month. That way, you have birthday cake in the office one day a month as opposed to multiple. Still doesn't stop people from bringing in their own treats, but it does help. And our HR staff brings ice cream treats around every Friday in the summer . . . drives me nuts. Ever since I've moved out of cubicle world and actually have a door, it's been easier on me. The one comment that still gets me is - "oh, you can splurge, you're thin". Did they ever think it's because I eat this way and avoid the crap that I'm in the shape I'm in? Hang in there and stick to your guns!

Mo
 
I hear you! The people that I work with now are all quite healthy so it isn't so bad. Occasionally we have someone bring in leftover candy or cake but it isn't that often. Actually everyone that I eat lunch with always has a piece of fruit to finish off their meal. They keep me on track.

There is just one guy that eats really badly at work right now. He is probably 300 lbs and he brings in McDonalds egg mcmuffins everyday. If I didn't care about my body I could eat fast food everyday so it is a huge trigger for me. I hate it when I smell his fast food. It makes me want to run to McDonalds. I almost asked him to eat it in the break room instead of at his desk but then decided to keep my mouth shut. He is leaving soon so it won't be a problem anymore.

The last place that I worked at was awful though. Full of guys who were quite big. Every week we had a group meeting and they would order pizza for it. Well, I ate it at first to be one of the guys but soon decided that I couldn't have pizza every week. So, I started bringing my own lunch with me into the meetings. I tried to do it quietly without making a fuss, but they called me out on it every week asking me if I was on a diet :rolleyes:. Ugh, I'm glad to work in a place now where everyone eats pretty healthy.
 
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I keep my dieting/exercise habits completely private. Only a few trusted people I work with know what a fanatic I am. I find that works better. When they ask why I bring a Lean Cuisine instead of ordering a grease fest - I say, oh it's easy and cheap, I just grab it. I like to save my $$ for clothes & jewelry. There is no insult to them, no reason for them to feel guilty. If you reveal too much that is in conflict with their (obvious) values, they will attack you for it, in either subtle or obvious ways. Don't reveal it. Just my advice, feel free to disregard. Another trick, take a small treat back to your desk and then throw it away.
 
Gads, this has been an issue in every office I've worked in. This and the books I would read at lunch. When I was reading Team of Rivals my co-workers at the time were agog.

Have you all also noticed how uncomfortable people become when you say you don't or aren't drinking. I'm not talking about at work now, of course but in life in general. :D

Sparrow
 
How about a different spin on this problem? I've been fortunate in that the places I've worked at have had programs in place to promote employee health/well-being through workplace Weight Watchers groups, walking challenges, stop smoking programs, etc. I've seen a number of co-workers make great changes in their lives because of them.

So has anyone in unhealthy work environments thought of broaching some kind of similar program to their HR department? Some people just don't know how or where to start, and something like this could help put them on the right path. Big changes don't happen overnight, but a lot of baby steps add up.

Just a thought..."Be the change you want to see in the world" and all that...:)
 
sparrow13 said:
Have you all also noticed how uncomfortable people become when you say you don't or aren't drinking. I'm not talking about at work now, of course but in life in general. :D

Sparrow
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Yes! And some people will ask why I'm not drinking or they'll buy me another drink or something. I feel odd coming out and saying I don't want to drink because it's going to make it hard for me to do my workout in the morning and I don't want the alcohol to give me a beer belly! I'm not much of a drinker, it's more or a social pressure for me.
 
i just want to mention that today, right around the corner from my cubicle, is sliced baguettes with salami and cheeses and hershey's miniatures, leftover from a meeting this morning. my willpower is being tested big time!
 
marnapril said:
i just want to mention that today, right around the corner from my cubicle, is sliced baguettes with salami and cheeses and hershey's miniatures, leftover from a meeting this morning. my willpower is being tested big time!
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Have your co-workers been at the goods? Think of their (probably unwashed) hands all over the food. That always worked for me. :D
 
I went on Jenny Craig several years ago (I quite smoking the same year) and I've been bringing in my own lunch every day ever since. I bring all my own water and all the food I need in a cooler. People have been making comments ever since I lost a lot of weight, "Oh, you're so good" Yes, and they are fat and always wanting to lose weight but won't exercise or eat right! But I know they're jealous and envious. It's hard to do - to commit to a change in lifestyle.

I always say YOU have to be ready for change. No one can make you lose weight. I was ready and I guess they're not.

Stay strong. Most people don't like to pave the way alone and it takes a strong person to go against the majority.
 
I really like to get along with everyone and feel like I "fit in", so I never respond with anything harsh. Some of the things I do at work are:

1. If there's fruit offered, I eat that.
2. I always have a mug of something to sip on so my mouth looks busy. I'm careful to never just sit there and watch others eat. If your hands and mouth are busy with a cup of tea or something you blend in much more easily.
3. If really pressed, I'll admit that I "sweet foods just don't agree with me", which is essentially true. Hey, what do they know? Maybe I'm slightly diabetic or something.

Truth is, no one really cares that much. The main thing they remember is that you were there for the occasion, talking and laughing along with everyone else, and in the end, that's all that matters.
 
This is a great thread. People really are intimidated by someone stepping outside of the box.

Tell them you are on a budget and you are saving money by not eating out.

Keep up the good work :). You may rub off on someone.

One of my coworkers who had a notoriously unhealthy diet, is now exercising with me and learning about better food choices.
 
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