Advice on saying "No Thanks" for office snacks

Heavybetty
Heavybetty Posts: 38 Member
in Motivation and Support
Hi Guys,
ADVICE PLEASE!! Today is the first day my office had birthday snacks that I politely said no thanks too......since starting back up using MFP I really wanted to make sure that I didn't add any extra calories from all the office snacking. Two people asked why I wasn't having any....the first one I just said I wasn't having any today....the second I just said Im not in the mood for that snack today. So my question is, has anyone else had to deal with this and how do you tell them with out saying IM ON A DIET? It was a little annoying when the second person asked since all eyes seemed to be on me at that time, I really didn't know what to say, I didn't feel like I needed to share with the whole office that I am counting calories. Thanks for any advice in advance.
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Replies

  • sorcha1977
    sorcha1977 Posts: 133 Member
    I just say, "No, thank you." If they push, I just say, "Thank you for offering, but I'm okay," and then I change the subject or say I have work to finish up and turn back toward my monitor. That makes it pretty clear the conversation is over without being rude.
  • alimarie53
    alimarie53 Posts: 102 Member
    I just simply say "No thank you." If they ask why I say, "I'm cutting back on sweets." If they ask why again I say, "Just a lifestyle change I'm working on." Any additional pressure or questions I just laugh off. Don't give into the pressure!
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    Depending on what the snack is, if the person won't accept a simple, "thanks but no thanks" I can usually get away with referencing my lactose intolerance. If I don't know if there's milk in the snack in question, I'm not going to risk it.

    My lactose intolerance isn't that severe, but the way I see it, my pushy co-workers don't need to know that. :wink:
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    "No thanks."

    You don't need to explain anything. If they press, say you're not hungry, or you might take some home for later, which you conveniently forget to do. Also, there's no shame involved in saying you're watching what you eat.
  • rose228822
    rose228822 Posts: 186 Member
    I will just say that I've eaten and not hungry right now but then add it looks great or something nice and walk away.
    Also, maybe bring in a healthier snack if you guys take turns.
    Be polite but stay firm and they will eventually get the picture:smile:
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    If I want to look like you- I'd eat like you.


    I can't stand when people get pushy with me. I am VERY opinionated about that these things. I have strong self discipline and when I decied to not eat something I don't. And you cant' change my mind... most people who are like that are weak minded and weak character individuals - and they just want to make themselves feel better- even if it means guilt tripping/manipulating you.

    Just say no. Make the decision to not eat them- and say they look delicious but no thank you.
  • chezjuan
    chezjuan Posts: 747 Member
    I just say "no thanks." Generally that's enough in my office. If someone presses it, I politely decline again (and again, until they get the point if necessary).

    I do find it interesting that, culturally, people seem conditioned to feel guilty about refusing offers of food. I can see maybe a little regret if it is obviously a planned gift specifically for you that was made with a lot of thought... but if it is just office treats for a birthday or other random stuff, there should be no regret in doing what you want to do.
  • blossomnu
    blossomnu Posts: 65 Member
    If I want to look like you- I'd eat like you.

    I would be incredibly hurt if anyone I worked with said that to me. In some places I can imagine that being interpreted as a low-level form of bullying.
  • lozadee
    lozadee Posts: 89 Member
    Your going out after work?
    Not feeling too good?
    Not in the mood?
    You've got a headache?
    Your saving your snacks for the weekend?

    Universal excuses to most things :love: :love: :love:
  • mommabenefield
    mommabenefield Posts: 1,329 Member
    Oy i know exactly how you feel about this one. My office is the WORST when it comes to keeping junk food around. Donuts Cakes candy cookies "pot luck days" team lunches etc etc and they are persistent about offering too sometimes even the next day.... Yesterday was an NSV for me cause as usual boss brought donuts and walked around letting everybody know... .there were even breakfast tacos at the coffee bar (my absolute favorite!)

    it really is just a matter of SAY NO! period! no excuses and dont put them in your line of sight that has really helped lately If i cant see it Im not so tempted to get it. Pre log your food and keep your snacks for the packed and ready so you know what you have for the day and can make up for any oopsies. Eventually your office mates should get the picture and will all but stop offering junk to you and it will get much easier!
  • mommabenefield
    mommabenefield Posts: 1,329 Member
    sorry dbl post
  • dragon1ady
    dragon1ady Posts: 335 Member
    I can see maybe a little regret if it is obviously a planned gift specifically for you that was made with a lot of thought...

    ... in which case I would advise to accept the offered snack graciously (they went through a lot of trouble just for you, there's no need for you to be rude), and then hit your favorite cardio machine for a half hour longer than normal that evening.
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    My office always has treats. Cake every Friday, breakfast treats, pizza. You name it. If someone offers me some, I just say thanks, but I am good. Maybe later. And that ends it.
  • jwdieter
    jwdieter Posts: 2,582 Member
    Be honest. If they think you're weird, so be it. Billions of people in the world have dietary restrictions.
  • mommabenefield
    mommabenefield Posts: 1,329 Member
    OHHH and you can always imagine (when its 'homemade' stuff) that they didn't wash their hands or spit on it or something then it will be easier to say no....

    I think sometimes people aren't as offended when we refuse an offer as we think they are. There's always so many people willing to say yes, one person that says no isn't a criminal offense and if you feel you absolutely feel you must accept literally JUST taste like the size of a Hershey's Kiss taste.

    anyway thats enough of my two cents for today
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    If I want to look like you- I'd eat like you.

    I would be incredibly hurt if anyone I worked with said that to me. In some places I can imagine that being interpreted as a low-level form of bullying.

    First- that's not the first thing I say- first thing I say is no thank you.

    Secondly
    meh- not my problem. Toughen up.
    it's totally a true statement.

    You were the one pushing (and I say that if someone is truly PUSHING- not just if someone offered it to me). It's one thing to offer a treat- but it's a complete seperate issue to KNOW someone is trying to adjust their diet and continue to be rude and pushy about treats- even if they are home made. It's just rude. So if someone wants to treat me like that- guess what.... you aren't going to get the polite no thank you. I'll be polite the first few times- but after that no way. I look amazing- and no one else in my office does and they know it. And they know why. It's no secret.

    Someone told me once "oh that's right- you're trying to be a size zero"


    get the F out. I don't tolerate "reverse" pushiness. I speak up for myself.
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    I have worked in several large and small offices.
    One consistent rule is that the fattest people run towards available food.

    Just say no thanks. Say you don't like to snack. Its that simple.
  • Heavybetty
    Heavybetty Posts: 38 Member
    Thanks everyone for the advice!!!! I had already logged my meals for the day and didn't have much to spare for snacking calories.....I looked up the treat before I headed to the conference room it was going to be 460 calories!!!! OUCH so I knew I absolutely had to pass if I wanted to eat supper tonight hehehe!!!! I did plan ahead of time what to say but when the second person asked me I hadn't planned for that!! I figured refusing once would be enough.....I'll be ready next time! Thanks again!:smile:
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    .the first one I just said I wasn't having any today....the second I just said Im not in the mood for that snack today

    it sounds like those phrases are working. just keep using them.

    over and over with different people. it's okay.

    You're feeling like it's the borg coming at you and you need to change up your answer. you don't.

    if you didn't "feel like" a snack 10 minutes ago when bob asked no reason why your feelings had to change now that d!ck is asking.
  • Mouse_Potato
    Mouse_Potato Posts: 1,513 Member
    Like most posters here, I just say "no, thanks." If they get pushy, I turn it around on them and start acting like their behavior is kind of bizarre. "Why is this so important to you? Why do you care if I eat it or not? You're acting kind of strange - is something wrong?"

    But then, I have absolutely no problem with returning rudeness with rudeness. <shrug>
  • Lyerin
    Lyerin Posts: 818 Member
    Just say no thank you. If they ask why, tell them you had a big breakfast/lunch and are full.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    They know I am losing weight at work because they can see it. I just say I'm watching what I'm eating and that's that.
  • kayemmgee5
    kayemmgee5 Posts: 86 Member
    I started to say the same thing "oh, that's nice of you, but I'm gonna pass this time" or "thanks for the offer, if I need a snack I will remember to grab a piece this afternoon". Sometimes I say "oh dang, I brought all my foods with me today, I don't need the extra but thanks anyhow."

    Also, if there is going to be an office pot-luck day, I try and bring something I know I'll like/eat like a small veggie plate with hummus and put it with the other foods so not only I can eat off it, but others can as well.

    I work with less than 5 people sharing a coffee break area so this works well for me!
  • missbis
    missbis Posts: 116 Member
    I've been on both sides of this issue--(1) not wanting to eat the snacks and (2) eating them while wondering why others aren't partaking (then judging them in my head).

    It's hard to say no, especially when it's for social reasons. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and you don't want to be isolated from the group. I also feel like an *kitten* because like I said above, I've judged people for not eating. Honestly, sometimes it seems rude, especially when someone's gone out of their way to provide treats.

    BUT really...who cares what people think. I feel that the best thing to do is be honest and say you're watching what you eat. It's none of their damn business, sure, but it beats making up excuses that make you look ungrateful.

    I'm still wrestling with this issue myself, so I by no means have any hard and fast answers.

    Edit: I live in the South. I teach at a rural school. People don't take too kindly to your refusal. It sucks. =(
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    I just simply say "No thank you." If they ask why I say, "I'm cutting back on sweets." If they ask why again I say, "Just a lifestyle change I'm working on." Any additional pressure or questions I just laugh off. Don't give into the pressure!

    This.

    Also, I sometimes go ahead and say things like, "I used to be a lot heavier than I am now" and that usually shuts them up since I am still overweight!

    More often I am the one who indulges in a cookie or piece of cake with the rest, and then eats a veggie-laden sandwich or salad with chopped boiled egg at lunch when everyone else is grabbing their giant burrito or double bacon cheeseburger w/ curly fries. I have a sweet tooth. hehe
  • Cheechos
    Cheechos Posts: 293
    Like most posters here, I just say "no, thanks." If they get pushy, I turn it around on them and start acting like their behavior is kind of bizarre. "Why is this so important to you? Why do you care if I eat it or not? You're acting kind of strange - is something wrong?"

    But then, I have absolutely no problem with returning rudeness with rudeness. <shrug>

    I like taking the "Are you okay?" route whenever someone is pushing me to do anything. I have perfected this defensive move and execute it complete with innocent, wide-eyed concern on my face. "Is something wrong? You seem kind of tense today." Usually they're completely thrown off and confused and their attitude changes in a snap (especially if they were at the height of their pushiness moments ago). I almost always get an apology because I've suddenly made them uncertain of whether or not they're acting like a jerk and nobody wants to be the bad guy. It's kind of awesome.
  • Bry_Fitness70
    Bry_Fitness70 Posts: 2,480 Member
    If the food was brought in for my birthday, of course I'll eat (a token amount of) it - I'm sure your fitness regime can survive this sort of indulgence once a a year! Otherwise, I politely decline without making an excuse. If I continue to get pushed, I'll bring the plate back to my desk and discretely throw it away. People that try to impose these things on others have issues, and I don't have the time or inclination to try and counsel them back to normalcy.
  • janicelo1971
    janicelo1971 Posts: 823 Member
    Depending on what the snack is, if the person won't accept a simple, "thanks but no thanks" I can usually get away with referencing my lactose intolerance. If I don't know if there's milk in the snack in question, I'm not going to risk it.

    My lactose intolerance isn't that severe, but the way I see it, my pushy co-workers don't need to know that. :wink:


    ditto
  • LilMissDB
    LilMissDB Posts: 133
    Just say no thank you. If they ask why, tell them you had a big breakfast/lunch and are full.

    Yeah, similarly, I just say no thanks, I just had breakfast/lunch (or I'm going to have lunch soon)
  • josyk7
    josyk7 Posts: 34 Member
    I just say no thanks and if they ask me I just tell them I cut back on eating sweets but if its something I know my husband will eat I will take it home to him lol

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