I hate to sound mean but......

GasMasterFlash

I'm far too busy trolling MFP at work to worry myself about my co-workers' eating habits.

SuperAmie

Lead by example.

Start bringing healthy snacks and see if she'll share or just talk about your weight loss goals and health food (even if ya lie just a bit) Two of my best friends are overweight and weren't doing anything about it... I couldnt say anything but after "rubbing it in there face" ot actually but eating great or talking about how good I feel.. not to pushy.. they BOTH started to jog and eat better..
Its contagious!!

It ma not work but it's a way to slyly do something and seein gif it happens.

Lauren8239

Personally, if it was me having to put up with it, I'd be pissed because the smell of that crap, especially McDonald's literally makes me want to barf.
I'd be spraying stinky air freshener lol.

leomom72

maybe see of your company can get memberships to a gym or something for yall at a reduced or free rate, and offer for her to come with you..until then, maybe try to educate her..obviously you care about her some, so tell her this

angeldaae

Now. I’m am not a clean eater at all and I am not judging by her eating habits but ... I almost find it repulsive to see someone so over weight eating so carelessly.

This is, in fact, judging her.

Shannon2714

It's not your place to say anything. It is her choice to eat as she does, just as it is your choice to eat as you do. Saying something would only hurt and anger her and make your work life hell.

And...if I were her and you said something....I'd totally sit on you! ;-D

jenniebean1680

I just find it very odd that someone that knows they have a problem to continue on the path thats leading them to an early grave.

Ever heard of addiction?

I won't say I haven't felt a lot of the same things about severely overweight folks I see eating that way, but I know that's not my 'best self' coming out, so I redirect my thoughts. She's prob in her own private hell, and you saying anything would only make it worse, IMO. If she needs an intervention of some kind, it should be left to her doctor and/or loved ones, not a coworker who's got a pretty Judgy McJudgerson view.

ABetterBalance

Sounds like you're nonjudgmentally judging her. You've seen what she eats often enough to know she's not eating well, but it really isn't your place to say anything about it unless she asks. Just look after yourself and maybe she'll notice your improvements health wise and want to know how you're doing it and then you can tell her to go easy on the fast food and that she'd be better served learning how to cook her own food.

^^^ This.

If she ever broaches the subject with you, or asks for your input- give it (as kindly as possible) Otherwise, it's not your concern.

cheesy_blasters

Lead by example.

YES! People turn to that food for so many reasons. Maybe she knows it's bad but is depressed/hopeless/whatever. Maybe she doesn't care, maybe there are other reasons.
Be a support. Why not make a healthy (and delicious) snack to bring one day and offer her a bit? If she likes it, give her the recipe.
Do you get a lunch break? Maybe ask if she'd like to go for a walk during lunch?

If she doesn't, there's nothing you can do. It's her choice. It's frustrating and sad (especially if you like said person) but someone needs to want to change (as others have said).

vim_n_vigor

Now I would never say mean things about people that are over weight but I cant help but be bothered by her eating habits.

I would never say mean things but....

You just did. Unless she asks for your help it is none of your business. What she eats is none of your business, and it is pretty nosy of you to keep track of what she eats. If she wants your help she'll let you know, but I wouldn't hold my breathe.

What part of that was mean? and Im not keeping track. I just notice because she its directly in front of my face.

Saying it is repulsive for one. How would you feel if it was you that someone was talking about on this board? Do you think she would find this as you saying nice things? When someone says I don't mean to, but (something along those lines) at least subconsciously, they know that what comes next conflicts with the earlier part of the statement. Also, I don't hate fat people, not even her isn't exactly positive....

llahairdna

Chances are that at some point she will notice how you are eating and that you are losing weight/getting fit. If that happens, you can talk about what you are doing, but like everyone else said, I would NOT mention her eating habits or you will offend her and there could be some serious HR issues. However, if she asks for suggestions, give suggestions without talking down to her about her current habits. Otherwise, I agree with everyone who said to lead by example.

rllewell

What would I do?

I would get to know her better and find opportunities to share health and nutrition with her. I'd share my own weight loss and "eating clean" struggles with her. That is what I do now and will do for the rest of my life. I would NOT just blindly do nothing.

She needs help, she needs a friend that will support her, can that person be you?

ahamm002

You can always annoy her by condescendly eating a healthy salad right in front of her face as she chows down on her mcdonalds food.

kgprice11

I cant help but be bothered by her eating habits.

I am not judging by her eating habits

I’m really bothered

What would you do?

haha Touche to the truth

You may not like this reply, but I'm honest.


I would learn to accept that other people can make decisions about their life that do not effect you. Much in the same way that someone can be homosexual, or have tattoos, or wear a blue shirt.


Get over it.

MissMama5

Sounds like you're jealous because you see her eating like that and not giving a ****, and you wish you could too. She probably looks at you and thinks "Ha, that poor carrot.munching suckerfish!"
Mind your beeswax woman. That's just plain rude, a.) to judge her when you obviously barely know her, b.) when you aren't a totally clean eater either and c.) to watch her this closely and monitor her eating habits. Does your boss pay you to nose in on your co-workers? Because I would like a job there, if this is the case.

JoolieW68

105 lbs ago I knew I was fat and I knew I ate garbage. I didn't need anyone to tell me or make me feel worse than I already felt.

If/when she's ready to change, she will. Nobody can make someone else change their habits. It has to come from within.

auroranflash

Welcome to every office, everywhere.

Live and learn. We all gotta start somewhere. Yada, yada, yoo...

mslack01

You know what's funny.... 15 years ago, I weighed 105 lbs and that was my typical menu...

No one ever would have looked at what I ate and been repulsed. Jealous, maybe. Not repulsed. And no I didn't have an eating disorder. Just lucky genes.

FrugalMomsRock75

I just want to know where you work so that she can afford so much fast food. Fast food is not cheap. And I'm looking to make good coin...

** cough cough being a college student ( )

Its called the dollar menu duh hahaha

OK. So...

soda: 45 cents (let's give her the benefit that it's a canned pop from home, but it probably isn't). breakfast foods: 2.00 (we'll play the dollar menu game). total: 2.45

soda: 45 cents and chips: 50 cents (again, giving benefit of a big box store price, not vending price) total: .95

lunch: 3.00 with drink

snack: 1.00

That's 7.40. If she does this daily, as indicated, that is 37.00 a week; 481.00 a quarter; 1924 a year. We're a family of 7, and I'm not sure we spend that a year eating out...

because we can't afford to...

so I want a good paying job. :-D

For 37.00 a week, I'd be nearly halfway to my weekly grocery budget!

jmilian825

We were all there at one point I understand it why it would bother you to see it but it would bother her more and she would feel worse if you approached her about her eating. I definitely agree with most here I would down right angered by someone stepping up to me to tell me how I should eat and it may create strife between y'all. Use that as your drive to continue to eat healthier and if she decides to ever ask you what your doing healthwise then go for it!!

ralene40

I understand how you feel. I am not skinny by any means but I have co-workers that are so big I dont know how they can walk or breathe! I do not like seeing them eat fattening food either. There could be lots of reasons she eats like that or maybe she just doesnt care and is happy with who she is.

MagicalLeopleurodon

be a positive influence; you see her eat junk...that means she sees you eat healthy. All you can do is be positive, if you two are friendly invite her on a walk at lunch or simply mention how great you feel now that youre getting in shape ("isnt it a pretty day with the flowers blooming? Im so glad i can enjoy them now, my allergies arent nearly as bad now that im working out.') my dad eats horribly and makes excuses for not working out, but when i visit for the weekend i notice he eats better and is more active when he notices me opting for tea instead of soda and bathing my horse instead of watching tv. Sometimes all it takes is watching someone make it look easy.

Dauntlessness

There is a fine line between being judgmental and being concerned. Even though your a little grossed out by her food, I think you really want to help her but just don't know how.

IMO
Lead by example
Start talking more about fitness around her but not in a way that you are targeting her, let her get a bug in her ear about it and have time to think about it. Give her compliments on the things she is doing right.
Start bringing in yummy healthy food and tell her how amazing it is, give her an extra one if you got it. a 75 cent yogurt is worth it if she likes it and starts eating that instead of an extra hash brown. haha

If she starts telling you how she wants to get in shape or eat better, help her as much as you can. Only reinforce the good choices she makes and say nothing about the bad. She more then likely has low self esteem and making her feel bad is just going to make it worse and possibly make her give up.

Kids gloves with this one.

tyoung8

What would I do?

I would get to know her better and find opportunities to share health and nutrition with her. I'd share my own weight loss and "eating clean" struggles with her. That is what I do now and will do for the rest of my life. I would NOT just blindly do nothing.

She needs help, she needs a friend that will support her, can that person be you?

This!!! I just want to help. I constantly hear her talking about her health issues and all of that. Maybe all she needs is someone to support her? !

TravisBurns

Yeah, a lot of good answers. People know what they are eating now days and no that stuff like that on a regular basis is terrible for you. That lady needs to help herself. Just use her as an example of something you will never become.

aproc

I would leave it alone. It's not really any of your business to comment about her eating habits. She will change them if she decides she wants to but somebody else saying something could only cause trouble.

Wonderob

You do sound kinda mean. I'm sure you're not but what others do shouldn't be our concern. Maybe she'll see the light of health and fitness one day soon.

If everyone was of the opinion that 'what others do shouldn't be our concern' then I'm not sure we would be living in a very nice society

Take it to the extreme - she's on her mobile about to cross the road oblivious to the 30 ton lorry about to run her down.... do you stop her???

You find out she is suicidal - what she does it not your concern so you do nothing right?

I don't know what the answer is in this case though. Get to know her is a good start

patchesgizmo

Hey do you sit next to me?? That used to be my diet. I am on a mission now to clean up. It is hard.

You would probably seriously destroy her if you said something trust me on that. If she brings the subject of food up, then I would suggest you offer up this site and offer to friend her on it and help her. Until someone is willing to change, they won't.

MirandaEnlightened

This may sound mean but here it goes I HAVE to get this off my chest. There is a woman that sits in the cubicle next to mine. She is severely overweight maybe about 350 lbs and 5'3. Now I would never say mean things about people that are over weight but I cant help but be bothered by her eating habits. Im with her from 9-5 and here is something like how her time her might go:

Breakfast: Soda and McDonalds or burger king
Snack: Chips and another soda
Lunch: McDonalds, burger king, Wendy’s, or other fast foods
Snack: soda, donuts, candy, chocolate, chips

Now. I’m am not a clean eater at all and I am not judging by her eating habits but I find it very discouraging being around this. I almost find it repulsive to see someone so over weight eating so carelessly. Another thing is that she is always out sick, which I can attribute to her weight. I know its not my place to say anything however I’m really bothered and I really want to help out. But don’t want to offend her. What would you do?

You are right, it's not really your place...I know that it's hard to deal with because I work with similar 8-5 problems...the thing is, you have to allow her to be....and you have to be you. Someone on here said to use her as an example of what not to be...I say divert your attention to only those things that you want (look for people who are healthy or in shape, or happy, etc), and you will stop being bothered by her. Eventually you wont even notice it, but it's a choice to look only for the good and ignore the bad. It works for me!!!

gingerveg

You can't change other people. It is actually just a bad habit when we get into this kind of thinking, luckily we can change our thinking by simply being aware of it. It is okay to have these thoughts, but understand where your feelings are really coming from. Lead by example. Let her be an inspiration to you and maybe you will also inspire her. But don't judge her against what you are doing (you are different people and you can't possibly know what it is like to be her). If the smell of the food is interfering with your work (as a vegetarian I could see how nauseating it would be) then maybe I'd say something either to her or ask your boss for a cubicle change. If she asks about weight loss techniques/ideas then by all means definitely share them, but unless she asks I think it is best to keep this to yourself. I'm an atheists so this is not meant to be some christian thing but: Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged.