Office treats :(

Eskimopie

So I work in a bullpen (a big square cube where four of us work, one at each corner, plus one extra girl in between. I love my coworkers, BUT one of the girls is constantly bringing in treats. She's probably 100 lbs and 5 ft tall and doesn't eat anything she brings in.

Worse yet, she leaves them literally right next to me on one of the bullpen walls. Currently there are red velvet, chocolate, and gingerbread whoopie pies sitting less than a foot from me. There is nowhere else in the bullpen to put them.

What do I do??? My willpower has never been great. This has been going on ever since she started working here a couple months ago. It's hard to resist all day when they are staring you in the face...

Any tips?

wiglett

I'd just move them to the actual break room and say you just dont want there to be a mess or anything in your work space.

nturner612

i have a similiar issue....right now its cold and raining outside and the office just ordered chinese food...i packed chicken noodle soup which is by far no competition. I ordered one eggroll,but i will eat my soup before chinese gets here and i hope i dont eat it i just reached 159 today which is BIG for me after sitting around with 160 point whatever for like 2-3 weeks. sigh

Eskimopie

I'd just move them to the actual break room and say you just dont want there to be a mess or anything in your work space.

Yeah, its just that she brings the treats in for our team of 12 people, and our office has over 100...so moving them into the break room kind of kills the point and I don't think she'd agree.

Denise1224

I'd just move them to the actual break room and say you just dont want there to be a mess or anything in your work space.

Agree with this... A) be honest and say you don't want the temptation or say you saw ants and don't want to attract more ... LOL either way the treats belong in the break room not your office :-) GOOD luck!!! I know its hard I work in the same type envioronment and there are people who bring in cheese danishes or a box of donuts ALL the time!!! GAAH!!!

deagh93

I'd just move them to the actual break room and say you just dont want there to be a mess or anything in your work space.

This! Actually, I've stopped eating at my desk entirely. Walking away from the desk for food has made me snack less, plus there are no longer crumbs in my keyboard. Win win!

And if she pushes back about that then develop a clumsy streak and start knocking them off the bullpen wall.

LittleMissDover

Unfortunately you'll just have to learn to deal with it. I know that may not sound helpful but it is THE best thing you can do for yourself in this lifestyle change. Other people shouldn't have to not have treats around just because you can't resist.

It gets easier over time.

maryjay52

can i ever relate to you. i work both in business and nursing ..both fields that are chock full of crappy food . i talked everyone into having a healthy food day where everyone brought in healthy dishes, appetizers ect and it turned out to be a good time . on most days i try like heck to bring in stuff i can eat so i dont get hungry or feel left out

thanich2006

I have coworkers that bring in cookies and cakes all the time. Every birthday they are bringing in a cake. This year my coworkers have noticed that I have not been eating any and know now that I am trying to get into shape and really cutting out all the snacks. By letting them know this they are willing to hlep me out too. This year for my birthday they brought in a veggie tray instead of cake

cebreisch

We went to a hospital once to see my dad. When I got to the floor they were on, there was a reception area with Krispy Kreme donuts on the counter. I thought, "Okay, if I can get back to his room, they'll be out of site and I won't have to worry about them." Got to his room, went in and sat down - in comes my sister with one - smacking on her fingers, and sits down next to me with it. I
told her, "Can you go over there and sit with that? I don't want to see it, smell it, or hear you eating it...." Everybody laughed as she got up and moved and said laughingly, "oh - sorry..."

I did tell everyone at work I was trying to lose weight so they would know. We don't have the problem so much anymoe of staff bringing in things, but Last Christmas was a different story. One of our vendors actually sent 5 pounds of chocolates to each of the directors in our office. Before we knew what it was, one of them opened the box at my desk (which is up front near the reception area) - once we realized what it was, he put everything back in the box and said, "Why dont' I take this and put it in my car...." I said, "I would really like that a lot..." and smiled.



Best suggestion: Go ahead and put them in the break room anyway; either that or put them on her desk and say, "Look - I'm trying to lose weight, and having these things right next to my desk isn't working for me. Please find another place for them."

Either that or tell everyone: "Claim what you want now, or it's getting thrown away in 10 minutes."

Shua89

I would clear a space in your bullpen away from your desk and move them there. I understand having the temptation stare you in the face so if you can at least move it a little further away you're sparing her feelings, letting others enjoy but helping to keep yourself strong.

I am so thankful I have a new job where that doesn't happen. In my old office every single day during December there would be some sort of treat (mostly from vendors) but almost every Friday all year long there would be treats as well. It did make it hard to stay strong with so many temptations.

Crayvn

I share an office with another coworker. We have 4 small jars of different types of candies. yes ..4..lol

discipline is the key

Eskimopie

Hahahaha! I am already clumsy so it wouldn't be a stretch.

I'd just move them to the actual break room and say you just dont want there to be a mess or anything in your work space.

This! Actually, I've stopped eating at my desk entirely. Walking away from the desk for food has made me snack less, plus there are no longer crumbs in my keyboard. Win win!

And if she pushes back about that then develop a clumsy streak and start knocking them off the bullpen wall.

Eskimopie

Unfortunately you'll just have to learn to deal with it. I know that may not sound helpful but it is THE best thing you can do for yourself in this lifestyle change. Other people shouldn't have to not have treats around just because you can't resist.

It gets easier over time.

This is true....but at the same time they are next to ME, not anyone else. In my eyeline even. I guess that's what bugs me about it

BCSMama

Could you have a conversation with her about your goals and how having those yummy treats so close by is difficult for you? Perhaps the two of you could come up with a solution. Can you switch office space with her? Can anything be adjusted so they are not SO close to you? Could she pass them around to your team of 12 instead of leaving them for people to come up and take? Surely a solution can be reached that is agreeable to you both.

lydia_the_tattooed_lady

I feel your pain! I'm a teller at a bank--predominantly female coworkers and they always bring in snacks/treats. I usually keep a few sweet but low cal snacks in my window so there's less temptation. The Skinny Cow brand is good for that, so are pieces of fruit. Hope this was helpful!

BritneysStuntDouble

That's a tough one!

I'd eat one of each flavor.

Cranktastic

Fedex them to:

1 Cranky Lane
Crankville USA

Keto_T

One of my coworkers does this too. It's partially because she bakes and doesnt want it at home and partially because she likes to play headgames. In any case, I tried not paying attention but the treats stare at me and call my name like a siren...... sigh........I've just been delaying as long as I can and then take a small piece. I fit it in with my calories.

Rambo529

What about you bringing in a veggie or fruit tray for everyone and set it in that same spot instead? That way, if you snack, it's not the sweets (well, fruit is sweet, but you know what I mean) out there tempting you. That might also send the message that you're trying to eat healthy.

drmerc

free office treats don't have calories

koshkasmum

The problem here is less the goodies than the fact that they seem to be in charge of you. In our society it is simply impossible to avoid high calorie or unhealthy food entirely so the only thing we really have control over is how we respond to it.

Try to imagine the food as gross and disgusting (cow pies maybe) or even better imagine trowelling it onto your thighs - all squishy and lumpy - yech. Or, as I do, just look at it as something you don''t eat - as if you were allergic ( I am diabetic so I don't do sugar) - and have something around that you do eat - and really like.

Finally enlist the help of your co-workers - tell them you are trying to eat healthy and ask them to find another spot for the goodies - with 24 people, surely someone has a spot - or make one by clearing off a cabinet or similar surface - you could put whatever is on it onto the bullpen wall beside you instead if there is no other space....

HotDolphinMama

I can completely relate - my office if full of two types of people - overweight women and women who can resist - but I am still one of the first, not of the latter.

I don't know that I will ever have the willpower to completely deny myself some things. Me & Krispy Kreme go way back. But,
Knowing how many calories are in ONE has definitely stopped me from eating 2-3 a day when I walk past the counter.

I have spent the last 20 minutes thinking of what I would do if it was a 5 person unit, and I didn't feel comfortable just saying keep the treats away from me please. The klutz thing could backfire - it really isn't fair to deny your co-workers to accomodate your eating habits. But you said something that keeps coming back to me - she bakes these items (or purchases) and brings them in - but she doesn't eat them. So, maybe she has some of the same issues. Perhaps she brings them in because if she left them at home she would eat them all. Most of us know that buying/making something we can only have a small piece of is a recipe for disaster - removing the temptation is the best option. Maybe that is what she is doing by bringing them in. So, maybe she would understand if you had a discreet discussion about the issue and asked her to find somewhere else to keep them & remove them from your space. Maybe she is bringing them in to curry favor - and telling her she is losing points wtih you might be an incentive to either bring in healthier options or quit.

I made a change that has apparently affected the whole office. We have a communtiy ledge in front of the secretarys desk where treats from vendor, baked goods from co-workers,etc are placed. Everytime I go to the reception area to call a client back to my desk I have to walk by them. So I started looking up the calories on the items on the counter & printing out calories per serving sheets of paper and placing one under each item left on the counter. At first there were some rude comments made - (it's not crack, just don't take one, etc) but eventually everyone realized that not only was I not taking the items anymore, they had to be aware of how many calories they were eating because there it was smacking them in the face when they loaded up their dessert plates. Gradually the treats ended.

Everyone still brings cheese, sugar, carb loaded food to the food days, etc., but the everyday snacks have tapered off. Even more interesting - a couple of the smaller, health conscious women have started bringing healthier snacks. Last week someone had pumpkin bread on the counter - along with an ingredient list & calorie count per slice (and they used egg beaters, whole wheat bread, light margarine!) No one mentions that I have lost almost 80 lbs in 9 months, but they aren't blind so I am sure they can tell. Hopefully they are supporting me by simply keeping the crap away from me.

Finally, if all else fails, do the listing the calories thing when she brings in an item. When everyone sees you are serious about being responsible for what you consurme, they will hopefully respect that and be a little less obvious about their intake. Good luck and happy counting.

jbnl1991

I stopped eating wheat last spring and have found that to be the perfect excuse - to co-workers and family. No cupcakes, cookies, pies or brownies for me. They don't even offer anymore.

I also agree with the suggestions that you just talk to her about it. She may surprise you and be completely understanding about you not wanting the treats in your area.

Eskimopie

Thanks for your advice I wouldn't actually destroy her treats, was just joking!

I can completely relate - my office if full of two types of people - overweight women and women who can resist - but I am still one of the first, not of the latter.

I don't know that I will ever have the willpower to completely deny myself some things. Me & Krispy Kreme go way back. But,
Knowing how many calories are in ONE has definitely stopped me from eating 2-3 a day when I walk past the counter.

I have spent the last 20 minutes thinking of what I would do if it was a 5 person unit, and I didn't feel comfortable just saying keep the treats away from me please. The klutz thing could backfire - it really isn't fair to deny your co-workers to accomodate your eating habits. But you said something that keeps coming back to me - she bakes these items (or purchases) and brings them in - but she doesn't eat them. So, maybe she has some of the same issues. Perhaps she brings them in because if she left them at home she would eat them all. Most of us know that buying/making something we can only have a small piece of is a recipe for disaster - removing the temptation is the best option. Maybe that is what she is doing by bringing them in. So, maybe she would understand if you had a discreet discussion about the issue and asked her to find somewhere else to keep them & remove them from your space. Maybe she is bringing them in to curry favor - and telling her she is losing points wtih you might be an incentive to either bring in healthier options or quit.

I made a change that has apparently affected the whole office. We have a communtiy ledge in front of the secretarys desk where treats from vendor, baked goods from co-workers,etc are placed. Everytime I go to the reception area to call a client back to my desk I have to walk by them. So I started looking up the calories on the items on the counter & printing out calories per serving sheets of paper and placing one under each item left on the counter. At first there were some rude comments made - (it's not crack, just don't take one, etc) but eventually everyone realized that not only was I not taking the items anymore, they had to be aware of how many calories they were eating because there it was smacking them in the face when they loaded up their dessert plates. Gradually the treats ended.

Everyone still brings cheese, sugar, carb loaded food to the food days, etc., but the everyday snacks have tapered off. Even more interesting - a couple of the smaller, health conscious women have started bringing healthier snacks. Last week someone had pumpkin bread on the counter - along with an ingredient list & calorie count per slice (and they used egg beaters, whole wheat bread, light margarine!) No one mentions that I have lost almost 80 lbs in 9 months, but they aren't blind so I am sure they can tell. Hopefully they are supporting me by simply keeping the crap away from me.

Finally, if all else fails, do the listing the calories thing when she brings in an item. When everyone sees you are serious about being responsible for what you consurme, they will hopefully respect that and be a little less obvious about their intake. Good luck and happy counting.

Eskimopie

Thanks everyone! I guess it really is my issue to deal with, maybe I will start bringing healthy snacks to counter it. My team is young and pretty slim thanks to metabolisms, but that will change and I might as well start changing our habits now before they slow down.

nancyki

Cover them with a pillowcase.

Crayvn

Thanks everyone! I guess it really is my issue to deal with, maybe I will start bringing healthy snacks to counter it. My team is young and pretty slim thanks to metabolisms, but that will change and I might as well start changing our habits now before they slow down.

thats the spirit!

I also allow myself one or two candies a day...they range between 35-50 calories. I burn that just breathing..lol

xxthoroughbred

Why not be honest with her? If you think it won't hurt her feelings, tell her you're trying to be healthier right now and, since they look/smell so delicious, it would be better if she sat them elsewhere. Or if she only brough in enough to give to the other girls instead of leaving them up for grabs.

If you don't think that's a good option, you'll just have to get some more willpower. This is always a good thing! You might not succeed every day, but I think you'll gradually build up to it.

My office has a "treat table" in the corner opposite of me. People send emails out to let everyone know what's over there, and it can be tempting when someone walks by taking a big bite of something, but I've found it's good because I don't really ever see the treats that are up for grabs and I know to steer clear of that corner.

lobster888

Thanks everyone! I guess it really is my issue to deal with, maybe I will start bringing healthy snacks to counter it. My team is young and pretty slim thanks to metabolisms, but that will change and I might as well start changing our habits now before they slow down.

This may actually work for you...I would bring in healthy treats, fruits, nuts and low fat cheese and then everyone seemed to follow the lead. We only get the really bad treats once in a while now.

MurphysLawTD

My boyfriend doesn't eat carbs but once a week and he tells his co-workers he's diabetic. I go with gluten allergy (which I do have a sensitivity to). My boss WILL NOT take no for an answer when she bakes a freakin cake!!!!!