Inconsiderate coworkers wrecking my hard work

Kevalicious99 · November 2013

It is all about self control. I used to have a big issue with eating junk food. Well it has been since August that I have had any junk food. It is all about having some willpower. Just tell yourself you are going to do the right thing ... and then do it. No problem.

SkinnyFatAlbert · November 2013

As an adult you are 100% responsible for your food intake.

ruffnstuff · November 2013

If they want to have a treat counter, fine, but it should not be next to the only source of water. Nobody is stopping them from putting their cake on their desk.

And nobody is stopping you from stopping yourself from shoving it into your own mouth. Knock it off.

jofjltncb6 · November 2013

IBTR...

...which I predict will be here in less than three hours.

Already looking forward to part 2.

ChristineinMA · November 2013

please let this be a joke...

Agreed!

UpEarly · November 2013

I have a few coworkers who are on the larger side and continually bring in *kitten* food, leave it on the counter in the kitchen and then send out an email telling us to help ourselves. Today there were two partial cakes from two different people. I have no problem avoiding or limiting my cake (or other nasty snack) consumption when it isn't around the house and I don't miss it. But when somebody shoves it right in my face I crack. Would I be in the wrong if I just started throwing this stuff in the garbage? The kitchen is the only place I can get water and coffee so there's no way I can just be big and avoid it.

1) It would be very wrong to throw it in the garbage. You are not the food police and you have no say in others' food choices.

2) Also a common kitchen area seems like the appropriate place to place shared treats. You're the only one in control of what you eat, so you just need to exercise that control when faced with foods you don't think you can/should eat. Maybe you could start bringing a water/coffee from home in the morning if you find that you lack the ability to control your actions/decisions.

skullshank · November 2013

i love these threads.

the answer is:

WILL P_WER.

you should buy an "O" and solve the puzzle.

NikiChicken · November 2013

If they want to have a treat counter, fine, but it should not be next to the only source of water. Nobody is stopping them from putting their cake on their desk.

Our treat counter is also next to the water. It still doesn't mean I have to eat cake every time I walk by. This is YOUR issue not theirs.

*nodding head in agreement* Our treat counter is also next to the sole source of water that I drink all day. Will power and determination are my friend. I either choose to ignore it or choose to eat it (and track it). However, nobody is forcing anything. They are being nice and friendly and sharing treats with the office. Just because *I* am avoiding those things does NOT mean everyone else in the office has to! This is *my* issue NOT theirs!

amsipub · November 2013

One of the tricks I use is imagining the junk food with things I can't stand so I'm not tempted (personally, I hate coconut and walnuts so that's what I tell myself. I'll also imagine the worst tasting cake or cupcake ever and assume that is what it really tastes like). Plus, I have my own treats at my desk to keep me satisfied. You are responsible for your choices. No one is shoving it into your face. If you find it worth the calories for you to eat it then plan on how you are going to adjust your day's caloric intake and sort out how much exercising you need to do to cover that extra calories (that will also usually make me have just a taste if I'm too tempted).

tonitass · November 2013

Maybe you should try to counteract their *kitten* food and bring them some healthy snacks to add to the party.

AynzL · November 2013

I send stuff to my husbands work all the time! It's mostly guys and they love the treats. I guess you could explain your situation and ask them to leave it in a different spot where you wont see it if you get coffee. But, I think it's something you're going to have to have self control over. I worked at a small town bank where customers were constantly bringing in homemade goodies. It was hard. But so is every other choice we make during the day about which food we're going to eat or not eat.

teaparty75 · November 2013

Would I be in the wrong if I just started throwing this stuff in the garbage? T

I hope you're joking. Just because you can't control yourself means the whole office can't have treats?! Ummm no. We also have a treat counter at work - it's called real life and sometimes we have to deal with it. The world doesn't revolve around you.

While my response wasn't gonna carry quite that harshness, I must admit I agree with this sentiment.

I have worked in many offices like that. I worked at a nonprofit that offered free frozen custard (concretes, sundaes, whatever you wanted) delivered to everyone on Friday afternoons. I worked in a psychiatry practice that had 3 dozen donuts every Tuesday and a constant stream of pharmaceutical rep gifts (cookies, candy, nuts, etc) available to staff 8 hrs per day...and one older doc who made creamy chai in a Crock Pot with fresh maple cookies from his wife...yeah...I didn't resist. But it was my fault, not anyone else's!!

For me the harder thing to avoid is people with their constant diet talk. I worked in a law firm where the women OBSESSED all day long over fad diets and weight loss programs. That was such a downer.

nd one older doc who made creamy chai in a Crock Pot with fresh maple cookies

now that sounds good !!!

50racinggirl · November 2013

Would I be in the wrong if I just started throwing this stuff in the garbage? T

I hope you're joking. Just because you can't control yourself means the whole office can't have treats?! Ummm no. We also have a treat counter at work - it's called real life and sometimes we have to deal with it. The world doesn't revolve around you.

I agree. It would be extremely rude and inappropriate for you to make that kind of call just because it is easier for you. Part of what has to happen for EVERYONE who struggles with their weight is getting CONTROL! We had pizza and pop at work yesterday that was purchased by the bosses for everyone and I simply took my salad and did some self-talk to get through lunch. Start practicing the idea of control and I bet you will still be able to get your coffee and water without issue.

gabbygirl78 · November 2013

Sad truth is NOBODY can wreck your hard work but you. YOU and YOU alone are in control of what goes into your mouth. I had to get told very bluntly that I had to hold myself responsible for my downfalls and myself alone. Be strong and discipline yourself to walk right by that food... maybe if they see your willpower and your success they will all want to join in.

Candi_land · November 2013

ItsCasey · November 2013

You would find yourself on the wrong end of a pink slip if you threw away someone else's food in my office.

When they say "help yourselves," they are saying "Have some cake if you'd like." Not "Bring your *kitten* in here and eat this cake, or I'll shove it down your throat." Nor are they saying "Take my cake and throw it away because we must all accommodate your total inability to control your behavior."

If you want a pleasant working environment, keep your hands off other people's stuff, and keep your opinions on what other people eat to yourself.

DamePiglet · November 2013

:glasses:

JewelsinBigD · November 2013

If they want to have a treat counter, fine, but it should not be next to the only source of water. Nobody is stopping them from putting their cake on their desk.

I agree, OP! They shouldn't use a public space for their disgusting food. Would people be okay with someone sitting naked on the break room table saying, "Come help yourself, ladies?" NO!!! They would file sexual harassment!

Talk to your boss about this, OP. Maybe they'll lose their jobs!

I sure hope you are kidding - but just in case you aren't... OP will probably lose her job before the kind people sharing tasty treats will. You cannot compare a naked person on the break room table with a cake. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. It is almost surreal it is so nonsensical and illogical.

Grimmerick · November 2013

I am not really sure how you expected this to go but I have to say, just judging from what you have said you are being very selfish and rude. The audacity to expect others in a general work enviroment to bend to what you feel are your needs is extremely selfish and in my mind unthinkable I would NEVER act this way and can't believe you consider it ok. Throwing other peoples food away? Have you lost your mind? It isn't yours to throw away.
You are responsible for keeping your facehole closed and not stuffing things in it. NO ONE else is responsible for your lack of self control but YOU. Where is your accountability? Sheesh problem with people these days is they wanna blame everyone else for their issues and problems instead of putting the blame where it belongs. Grow a set and get some self control you have to eat everyday several times a day for the rest of your life, it's time you got some better self control. Sorry to be so friggin mean but you're just unreal and need a reality check

Showcase_Brodown · November 2013

It's your responsibility to control what you eat. Grow up and own it.

PikaKnight · November 2013

Sounds like someone is having accountability issues.

Unfortunately, OP, the world doesn't revolve around you. Not being mean, just stating a fact. If people want to put treats next to the water cooler at a community/public place, they can. Just because you are having issues, doesn't mean they should tiptoe around and alter their lives just for you.

glades250 · November 2013

Get you a big piece with a smile. Make sure they witness that you are not a prude and better than them. Anyway get that big slice with the frosting on two sides and the top( ya know the one I'm talking about). Grab a fork and take ya a bite because you are human and you deserve it... then through the rest of the crap away. Be sure to say thank you!!

ekz13 · November 2013

gotta be a joke.. no one would seriously expect an entire office to change to accommodate one person... that would be ridiculous

zoeysasha37 · November 2013

So everyone should not bring treats into the office because you can't control yourself?? Get a grip and grow up.

CollieFit · November 2013

LOL.... I'm just imagining office WW3 at my work if you took a unilateral decision to throw "the stash" of communal cakes and biscuits away!! :laugh: :noway:

DamePiglet · November 2013

You could get another job...

I hear pastry chefs have very high-powered positions.

Flab2Fab27 · November 2013

There are worse people in the world than your generous coworkers. Gourmet pastry chefs for example...

grentea · November 2013

Bring in a water bottle from home and go to Starbucks for coffe so you won't have to go in the kitchen. Or you can just take responsibility for your actions and not eat the food.