how do you handle this situation?

M

mommacody

Cathlete
I'm not a regular poster, but a regular reader for sure :) I'm currently following a totally clean diet as i try to lean out and gain some definition to show off my hard work. it's really going along well, but i'm hitting a snag this week with office parties and my birthday. today they are catering lunch at my office for administrative professionals day. i have no idea what will be available. do i just politely decline? my office is small and filled with people who like to tell me to "lighten up" when they see how i eat. they don't seem to understand that i'm not depriving myself of the good stuff - i AM eating the good stuff! how do you deal with constantly explaining yourself over and over? i feel like i should be beyond defending my choices, and yet i find myself constantly in this situation. any tips? thank you in advance!
 
In a situation like that, I would be inclined to bring my own food, and not give any explanations to anyone. It's none of their business why you eat the way you do, so you don't have to defend your choices. Do they defend their choices to you? Heck no!
 
You know, I see this question all the time on this board and I have to wonder if I'm just clueless about what goes on around me, because I never have this problem! In fact, the opposite usually happens - I'm told that I inspire others to eat healthier and exercise. I don't know why. I don't make a big deal out of it.

Of course, people do see me eat the "bad" stuff on occassion.

One thing that DOES work for me when somebody offers me something, I just say, "no thanks....I've got gum". I'm almost always chewing gum - it helps me concentrate when I'm working and keep from snacking.

During the obligatory birthday cake...I go, sing Happy Birthday, and head back to my desk before any cake comes my way.
 
I just love how people have nothing better to do than tell someone else how to eat.

I guess you could just take a little of whatever may be there that you can eat. Can you peruse the table before everyone gets there to find out what's being offered, and if there is nothing for you, can you say you're working on a deadline or something, and come back when the gorging is over?

Or, you could just go in, say you've already eaten, and when someone starts in on you, just chuckle and say that you're so tired of talking about your eating habits and you'd much rather hear about...insert whatever is appropriate (even though they are being totally INappropriate)such as 'so and so's promotion,' or 'what you did this weekend' or 'so and so's trip.' Try to be gracious...it'll give them less to talk about when you've left the room and maybe they'll learn some manners...doubtful, but maybe.
 
I know it's difficult. Even visiting relatives is hard with regards to food offerings (they think a small head of boston lettuce will suffice for the week, etc, but pile on the boiled ham...)

Anyway,is there any way you can have any input to what is catered? Could you suggest a crudite platter, so you can munch away on fresh veggies? Otherwise, I'd just try to make the best of it, and stow something good in your desk drawer for later.;)
 
If I were you I would dump the all or nothing approach. A little bit of indulgence will not ruin all of your efforts at clean eating. Go to the lunch, try a little of this and a little of that and chat up others . . . not about what you are or are not eating but any subject that takes the focus off the food. There are a ton topics that are more interesting to talk about than food that's for sure! If what you pick to try is not to your liking . . . then take it with you and dispose of it and get something else later. It's only a big deal if you let others make it so.:)
 
I would go and just nibble rather than draw attention to my eating. That is just me. I'm not saying that is what you SHOULD do but that is what I would do.
 
"If being gracious doesn't work, you could always dump the potato salad on them"


Oh, yeah, and that!
 
If someone tells you to 'lighten up', tell them 'that's exactly what I am doing!' :)
I feel for you, I do very well at home but when I get into social situations my resolve weakens pretty quickly. It's great that you are mentally preparing for this, that goes along way. When I am strong and restrained I don't feel the need to explain myself, a polite smile and another carrot stick suffices. Birthdays are tough though, it's hard to graciously decline a cake that's presented in your honour. I went for a sliver of a piece this year, ate it very slowly and savoured it completely, it was delish!!:).

Let us know how it went :)

Take Care
Laurie
 
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