Food "traps" at work and how to cope

I started bringing food with me to any work meetings that involve eating. It's not easy and I have heard some negative comments about it from co-workers, but it has been my only solution. And IMO if they can't support you in eating healthy that is their problem.

Why not bring your own food and then simply enjoy eating WITH your coworkers....but not eating what they are eating?

I like this idea. This is what I do, instead of finding something to eat in the cafeteria.

I work at a hospital, that is always chanting healthy eating and exercise. However, they are constantly having bake sales, popcorn sales, chili dog sales, etc...etc...etc... They don't seem to know what healthy eating consists of. :laugh: I haven't participated in these sales in a long time, though.

That is very hard! I always tried to bring my lunch to work so I would guilt myself into eating the more healthy option, but sometimes that doesn't work very well, haha.

Maybe try to allot some extra exercise or eat a lighter dinner to make up for what you're eating for lunch? Modify the lunch you're getting from the office-- taking cheese off the sandwiches (I've found that in most cases, cheese doesn't make a ton of taste difference when you have a sandwich with a lot of toppings), one slice of pizza without adding the garlic sauce, just taking smaller portions. Maybe you could start a new trend and suggest places that have healthier, but still tasty, options.

Hope you find a way to overcome this!

We have "Food Friday" here, when a different employee brings in lunch for everyone each week. I never know what I'm going to have, so I make sure I've got a better option on hand in case it's something I don't want, don't like, or don't want to spend calories on. So far, it has worked out very well.

Also, since the owner of the company provides dessert on that day, I make sure I allow for a few calories to take a mini portion of whatever he brings in (basically I try for about four or five fork-fulls). That way, I can enjoy it and pay him a compliment on it when I thank him. This works for me because my diet is not so restrictive that I can't work those calories off, as long as I plan for them.

Edited to add: I have been doing MFP this way for sixty-five days, and I have dropped 24.5 lbs. I think this is working for me!

I know they have food for you and that is nice but they can't force you to eat it. I have to agree with others and bring in your own food and enjoy eating with them not with what they have. I'd rather offend someone by my eating what is making me healthy than to appease the masses. It's my body and I'll do what I want when I want.

Why not bring your own food and then simply enjoy eating WITH your coworkers....but not eating what they are eating? Or eat a smaller portion and fill the rest of your plate with veggies or fruit that you brought? Or plan lower calorie meals for the rest of the day so you have a larger calorie budget for Friday lunch?

^^^ THIS ^^^

I also second the suggestion to remove the cheese from sandwiches, using no mayo/fatty condiments, etc. You can cut some calories back that way, and then just make sure that your workout that day is a planned large calorie burn, like cardio. I've learned the hard way that it's a lot more fun and less stressful to just try to make things work for you instead of against you. It's all in the little details. After you practice those principles for awhile, they become second nature.

I work at a hospital, that is always chanting healthy eating and exercise. However, they are constantly having bake sales, popcorn sales, chili dog sales, etc...etc...etc... They don't seem to know what healthy eating consists of. I haven't participated in these sales in a long time, though.

I work for an insurance company that is all about giving us incentives to eat well and exercise, and then the same thing happens. Someone is always bringing in bagels, donuts, pie, sweets, etc. Oye. I was glad today that when the big bowl of Halloween candy came out, there were a couple of mini Special Darks for me.

Obviously the best solution is to bring your own food. But if you didn't, try looking up the calories and fat of what you are wanting to eat before you eat it. I do that sometimes when I'm tempted to get something quick from a fast food joint. When you see that the snack or sweets are 500 cals or above, you might not be as tempted to eat it.

I have dietary restrictions (Celiac) so I always bring my own food and eat with the group, They try to accommodate me and I refuse every time. Same with diet. Bring your own and socialize. Let them know that it looks wonderful but you would rather just hang out.

There are already some great suggestions posted. I recommend setting your boundaries/an eating goal and sticking with it. Have an alternative with you in case you can't stick to your plan with what is provided. Bring a salad to have firat and then a smaller portion of the entree. Advocate for yourself and suggest some healthier options for the group. This quote helps me a lot:
In times of doubt, close your eyes and imagine ourself a year from now. Then get back to work

These are all great suggestions and it's sad that your co-workers can't support you. How about this one...I work for a major food company that makes cereal, cookies, crackers, chips that is always in the office at all times! Very hard to resist!! Especially when new products come out then I have to try them. Most days I do ok. I keep telling myself "I don't eat that kind of food" since it's not healthy and doesn't fit into my meal plan. Fortunately my co-workers are supportive as they try to keep a healthy lifesyle as well.

Maybe the trick is when they can see you're losing weight, it will inspire them and they will start eating healthier and including healthy options on Fridays.

Ok, I won't use the word "diet" - let's just say that "lifestyle changes" won't stick if you mentally feel deprived. I'm sorry, but how much would it suck to be sitting there munching on a carrot while seeing and smelling all this far yummier food that everyone else is eating? I wouldn't be very happy doing that. Instead, I'd make room for the yummier food. I would take a small portion, I'd get rid of excess calories that I won't miss (like removing cheese as suggested). I'd exercise like heck (maybe throw in an evening workout in addition to my morning workout) and I'd eat very light meals the rest of the day. Celebrate Friday with your coworkers and fit it into your healthier lifestyle - you can do both!

FWIW, Mondays are the meal day at my work and I do participate. My work is also awful about the random cake, doughnuts, Halloween candy, cookies, etc., and those I can usually resist by just staying out of the kitchen while they're out for grabs.

If you know what is likely to be available for the lunch, you can always plan for it. Otherwise bring your own food.

I used to enjoy snide remarks when I worked in an office (I work at home now). I enjoy being different, and snide remarks proved that I was different enough to be noticed. For example, we'd have a once-per-month birthday party for the employees who had birthdays that month, and I'd show up for the "happy birthday" song, then I'd go take my walk or whatever. Every once in awhile, someone would bring something that I just loved, and I'd stay for a piece.