Workplace saboteurs...

fromthewild
fromthewild Posts: 3
in Getting Started
Is anyone else frustrated with workplace treats, provided lunches, etc. that are extremely high-cal?? We have had a week of "thank-you" treats from admin to employees, and all/most of it has been something I really shouldn't eat. Today's treat? Ice cream floats. I can't even go there to socialize because of the temptation!
Frustrating...
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Replies

  • annemariemk4
    annemariemk4 Posts: 72 Member
    In the same boat, such a challenge! :(
  • _sirenofthesea_
    _sirenofthesea_ Posts: 117 Member
    Yes - they have stuff ALL THE TIME at our office that I have to resist....I bought some hard candy and put in my drawer - low calorie - and then when they are indulging - I can satisfy that 'want something sweet' craving...
  • daybehavior
    daybehavior Posts: 1,319 Member
    These thing are going to be a part of everyday life. There's no use in avoiding every social occasion for fear of what food might be there. Eat in moderation and try to make it fit within your daily goals.
  • Velum_cado
    Velum_cado Posts: 1,608 Member
    I don't really like the term "sabotage" for this type of thing because no one is trying to derail your progress. You are responsible for the choices you make at work.
  • whovian67
    whovian67 Posts: 608 Member
    Yep... such is the world of marketing...... Cakes, cookies, doughnuts, sandwiches, italian food, BBQ....." No thanks, I brought my cabbage and green beans "... kinda sucks sometimes... One of those lovely Costco Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting is 890 calories... holy Toledo !!
  • PJPrimrose
    PJPrimrose Posts: 916 Member
    I cannot eat stuff that isn't gluten free (unless I want to get sick and die). I do not eat what I am not sure is gluten free. If I go somewhere food will be served I either 1. eat before hand 2. if possible, bring my own food to enjoy with them. You can do the same at work with a small cooler! Good luck!
  • chezza189
    chezza189 Posts: 25 Member
    I have worked In my current place of work for nearly a year and half and not once have I eaten out of the canteen. This is partly because I do shift work and its never open, but also because I don't want to pay good money to eat bad food.
  • JustSomeEm
    JustSomeEm Posts: 20,288 MFP Moderator
    I don't really like the term "sabotage" for this type of thing because no one is trying to derail your progress. You are responsible for the choices you make at work.

    ^ This. You do not HAVE TO accept the food. :)
  • RivenV
    RivenV Posts: 1,667 Member
    Considering I'm out of ice cream at home--because I had a pint every night for the last three nights--it would suit me right down to the ground if my workplace was serving rootbeer floats. Save me a trip to the grocery store to buy more ice cream, at least.
  • k_nicole87
    k_nicole87 Posts: 407 Member
    No. No one is trying to force these things down your throat. You can choose to avoid people like the plague or learn to eat in moderation.
  • fromthewild
    fromthewild Posts: 3
    Well...I guess it's more than just the choices people make when bringing food to share. There are also those who really DO seem to want to derail my goals. The ones who try to convince me to eat what I would rather not, and give me the "party pooper" feeling when I opt out of a shared food experience.
    I like the idea of keeping my own, more acceptable treats in the drawer to assuage my suffering and growling tummy!
  • wibutterflymagic
    wibutterflymagic Posts: 788 Member
    I don't really like the term "sabotage" for this type of thing because no one is trying to derail your progress. You are responsible for the choices you make at work.

    I agree.

    I also understand the temptation because at my work they continually do fundraisers for things like March of Dimes etc and continually bring in cookies, cupcakes, bagels etc. So irritating because our company wants us to be healthy......we get wellness time to workout and they do lunch & learn talks that many times focus on health and fitness or wellness.
  • SlightlyMadman
    SlightlyMadman Posts: 35 Member
    This is probably one of the biggest weight loss advantages of being vegan. Treats like that are almost never vegan, so I can easily just say "no" without having to even consider it.
  • 2boysmamma
    2boysmamma Posts: 6 Member
    I am struggling with the same issues. Every week there is some new event or birthday to celebrate. This week is nurses week so they had a large party for me today in the office. I felt obligated to eat since it was my party, now I feel bloated and miserable. I have eliminated temptation from my home but find it harder to get away from at work. I do have another coworker who is starting to eat better with me, so hopefully having a "buddy" will make it easier in the future to say no.
  • DoctorMcCoy10
    DoctorMcCoy10 Posts: 101 Member
    I look at is a little quest. Must pass on lunch, do not say yes to the goodies. :laugh: But if I really want something they have I figure it into my calories and enjoy the heck out of it.

    Really when they bring things or have lunch or refill the candy dish with peanut butter cups I feel pretty freaking awesome when I stay strong and don't give in and I really like that feeling. So the more and more it happens the easier it becomes.
  • greentart
    greentart Posts: 411 Member
    This used to bother me, until I realized that they're doing it TO BE NICE. It's how our society shows affection and appreciation: food, and usually sweets. It's universal, it's easy, and its relatively inexpensive.

    I'm not sure why'd you blame or get angry at other people for your inability to say no to baked goods. While I understand the temptation, you've got to get used to being around food that you don't eat. That's just life.
  • Timelordlady85
    Timelordlady85 Posts: 797 Member
    The school I attended was the same way! Constant pizza parties and after every class we had a huge party after our exams with more junk foods and sodas. I just brought my own healthy snacks and left early when brought on by temptation. Can't complain though for some it was their lunch and it was nice to be appreciated, just wish it would have been something healthier.
  • fallingtrees
    fallingtrees Posts: 220 Member
    My co-worker and I have gotten into the habit of bringing fruit and cheese to share. We both search for interesting new cheeses to try, and having apple or pear slices limits the number of crackers we eat. We call it our Stinky Cheese Club meeting.

    Yes, cheese is a fat and calorie bomb, but the stinkier the cheese, the smaller the hit.

    (Too bad the boss won't let us open a bottle of wine.)
  • centexhusker
    centexhusker Posts: 115 Member
    Someone at my office just brought a big tray of chicken alfredo from Olive Garden. I'm going to pass on that one. I did get some salad :)
  • smc0170
    smc0170 Posts: 56 Member
    This used to bother me, until I realized that they're doing it TO BE NICE. It's how our society shows affection and appreciation: food, and usually sweets. It's universal, it's easy, and its relatively inexpensive.

    I'm not sure why'd you blame or get angry at other people for your inability to say no to baked goods. While I understand the temptation, you've got to get used to being around food that you don't eat. That's just life.

    Word!! If someone brings in donuts or a treat to work, if I want it, I'll fit in into my day. Depriving yourself only leads to binging and falling off the wagon later on, at least in my experience.
  • leggup
    leggup Posts: 2,942 Member
    Can you create a little extra space in your calories so that you can have a little treat? Cut back your cheese on dinner so you can have a half scoop of ice cream, no root beer.
  • sheepysaccount
    sheepysaccount Posts: 608 Member
    Temptation or not, if you want a treat, you make it work. Skip breakfast or dinner. Heck, I had a piece of pie this morning for my coworkers birthday. And I am having another one now because CHOCLATE PIE!!!! It's all a matter of training yourself to be responsible for your choices.
  • mannysue
    mannysue Posts: 2 Member
    My work has all types of junk food readily availavle in the cupboards. it's very hard not to be tempted by this. I suggested having a fruit basket and we do have one of those now. I'm trying to eat fruit for snacks instead.
  • JazzAllen
    JazzAllen Posts: 11 Member
    Well...I guess it's more than just the choices people make when bringing food to share. There are also those who really DO seem to want to derail my goals. The ones who try to convince me to eat what I would rather not, and give me the "party pooper" feeling when I opt out of a shared food experience.
    I like the idea of keeping my own, more acceptable treats in the drawer to assuage my suffering and growling tummy!

    What about an easy catch-phrase to reply to those who try to "convince" you to eat certain things ... "Oh, I wish I could enjoy___ with you, but I'm working really hard to stick to certain foods/ improve my health/ feel better" (obviously, use your own words that pertain to your situation).
  • WaynesGurl
    WaynesGurl Posts: 44 Member
    Are you a nurse? Its nurse week and omg the snacks are a flying. I avoid at all cost going near any break areas. Tho today a supervisor sent us a piece of sugar free pie. Yay. Good luck!!!
  • k_nicole87
    k_nicole87 Posts: 407 Member
    Well...I guess it's more than just the choices people make when bringing food to share. There are also those who really DO seem to want to derail my goals. The ones who try to convince me to eat what I would rather not, and give me the "party pooper" feeling when I opt out of a shared food experience.
    I like the idea of keeping my own, more acceptable treats in the drawer to assuage my suffering and growling tummy!

    There is only one person who can derail your progress.
  • Timelordlady85
    Timelordlady85 Posts: 797 Member
    Yep... such is the world of marketing...... Cakes, cookies, doughnuts, sandwiches, italian food, BBQ....." No thanks, I brought my cabbage and green beans "... kinda sucks sometimes... One of those lovely Costco Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting is 890 calories... holy Toledo !!


    holy cow! I'd have to spend almost 2 hours on the elliptical machine to burn off one dang cupcake, screw that,lmao
  • emmooney235
    emmooney235 Posts: 85 Member
    One of my favorite vendor reps brought bite sized pastry this morning. We regularly have goodies (one VP also has a restaurant). My strategy is that I will enjoy what is brought in, but I will have a smaller portion. With birthday cake, I'll cut my piece in half or even a quarter depending on who cut it initially. With lunches, if I can order my own I try to pick a healthier option, if it's brought in I'll try to portion it out to last two lunches or more. For me it's all about enjoying the event and I'll work harder at the gym latter.
  • abs0830
    abs0830 Posts: 319 Member
    At my work we used to have a ton of junk food around. Then I complained quite a bit (others were commenting to me about how there wasn't anything healthy) and it changed. The person who purchased didn't realize that people were only eating it because it was there and didn't want to have to leave or feel rude for not eating something someone brought in. We now also have fruit and veggies, water slices for lemon. We do still have some cookies, crackers, chips, etc. But, now there are more options. When we get company lunch we now get it from a local sandwich shop that also has salads.
  • kwantlen2051
    kwantlen2051 Posts: 455 Member
    I hear you. And not just work place but at other events/functions too! Friends' "get together's", church functions - all good events to go to but too many temptations! Maybe we can talk more and eat less. :wink:

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