How do you deal with work?
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nakedraygun wrote: »Just like at home I shop.
Then I take over space in the fridge (not pictured) and I stock up my desk to have food always on hand.
My Food Ramp is always loaded, ready to go.
So you keep a bunch of stuff in the work fridge too? I should definitely buy some more food to stash in my desk.0 -
I'm in medical school and we are always presented with free (not healthy) lunches for different talks and seminars. Sometimes the food is brought back to where we study and we celebrate people's birthdays with lots of food and cake. I just bring my own lunch no matter what OR go get a salad in the food court (dressing on the side). I just don't let it be an option for me. And to be honest that was where I was getting myself into the most trouble before. So mentally I just don't allow it to be an option for me.
That needs to be more of my mindset. It needs to just not be an option anymore.0 -
whiteoutpen wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »I bring my food with me to work 95% of the time (time permitting, some mornings are harder than others), so I'm definitely never lacking in healthier choices. I just feel bad when I come to work and they walk in with smoothies or burritos for everyone and then I have to either eat it or throw it away. There's only four of us in the front office, so they buy one for each of us. And then the box of doughnuts just sits on the cabinet next to my desk calling my name
It's definitely more of a guilt thing than me really wanting the food for the most part. Aside from the orange "Super C" smoothies they bring sometimes. I could drink those every day..
Why can't you simply say, "no thanks...I already had breakfast/lunch." You say that you understand that you are in control of your eating decisions...your problem is simply that you're not exercising that control.
Do you maybe get some weird looks at first? Sure...but who the *kitten* cares. I'm going on 2.5 years of good livin' and people are for the most part are used to the way I live. I do participate in formal work functions and celebrations...but most of my fellow colleagues are pretty used to the fact that I brown bag it...that I ride pretty much every day at lunch, etc. It's not so weird to them anymore, and even if it is, it doesn't bother me being known as "the fit guy" at the office..which I am.
I understand that I'm responsible for my own eating decisions, but I feel bad when they buy me things and I say no. I hate being wasteful, but I understand I need to be more firm in saying no and try to decline preemptively. I've been primarily good at exercising control, I just wanted some tips on how everyone else says no. Sometimes sheer willpower just isn't cutting it, sadly. But thanks for the advice!
are they buying something specifically for you without asking or are they just going out and picking up some sandwiches or whatever and making sure they have enough if everyone wants to partake?
We have regular working lunch meetings and often lunch will be brought in...it's a nice courtesy...but there are always some slices of pizza or boxes of sandwiches left over because not everyone partakes...I've never seen them get in anyone's business for not partaking in a provided lunch.
I don't even think you need to be vocal about it...you just need to get over this feeling bad about not eating something that's laying around and "free".
It's definitely bought specifically for us and left on our desks or they come in and hand it directly to us. There's only four of us in the office, so it's not many people to buy for. Like the boxes of doughnuts are just left around, so they're easy enough to avoid. But it's when they give it directly to us where I struggle.
And in that case I'd go back to my first post - have a frank sit-down with whomever it is that is buying the items, and simply ask that they don't include you any more. Emphasize how much you appreciate it, how much you value their generosity, etc, but that you simply would rather make your own food choices.
If that still doesn't stop them, then I'd be inclined to think that person has no respect for boundaries or your personal wishes, and would have no problem taking said item and dropping it in the garbage in front of their face. (Or if you're less confrontational - put the item in the fridge, and take it home to throw out and/or have it for dinner).0 -
whiteoutpen wrote: »I bring my food with me to work 95% of the time (time permitting, some mornings are harder than others), so I'm definitely never lacking in healthier choices. I just feel bad when I come to work and they walk in with smoothies or burritos for everyone and then I have to either eat it or throw it away. There's only four of us in the front office, so they buy one for each of us. And then the box of doughnuts just sits on the cabinet next to my desk calling my name
It's definitely more of a guilt thing than me really wanting the food for the most part. Aside from the orange "Super C" smoothies they bring sometimes. I could drink those every day..
On days when they bring in the yummy stuff, can you just put the breakfast/lunch you brought in the fridge for the next day and enjoy the smoothie or burrito? That's what I'd do.
On days when the office food is less appetizing, just don't eat whatever was brought in unless you know you can fit it in your day. Sometimes that is hard, and when I worked in an office, sometimes I would break down and eat part of a cupcake or some candy, but usually only a very small quantity since I'm really sensitive to sweets (a convenient sensitivity that I've had all my life to some degree, but it has been dramatically increased by being more careful about food for the last year or so). I've also developed a habit of refusing to eat anything that's not really WORTH its calories-- that took a couple months of steady weight-loss eating and hard work to develop, but it is a very useful & helpful mindset. If there is food around that is sort of asking to be eaten, I'll have a second look at it and ask myself, "do I really want this, or would I rather use the calories on something I like better/will be more satisfying?" Then the half an old protein bar, old cookie, sugary mini cupcake, or other poor-choice item ceases to be so interesting!0 -
Yes, grab one of the open crispers, jam your food in it, and some space on the fridge door and make it yours.whiteoutpen wrote: »So you keep a bunch of stuff in the work fridge too? I should definitely buy some more food to stash in my desk.0 -
whiteoutpen wrote: »
It's a mix of both. They'll bring in boxes of doughnuts and things like that, but then they also bring in a breakfast burrito/smoothie/etc. for each of us and leave it on our desk. So then I don't know what to do with it, especially because it's usually out of no where and they don't ask beforehand. I've done well with ignoring the things that are left out for everyone (like massive containers of chocolate covered raisins and almonds.. heart breaking) but the personalized things are harder to ignore for me.
Remember: if your bosses mean well, they will be supportive of your health decisions. They like being generous, and being clear about your lifestyle means they have more opportunities to be thoughtful.
Forming healthy habits is always easier in a supportive environment, and that means being honest and open about wanting to eat healthy. There is no shame in it! And who knows, you may inspire others to get healthier too.
(you can also try to bring in tupperware containers and then stick half in tupperware and eat the rest)
They're definitely supportive, and my coworkers tell me they're envious of how healthy I eat (for the most part) and that my food always looks good. They don't chastise/make fun/belittle my eating healthy. They just undermine it a little with the unhealthy food haha. They mean nothing but the best though. It's more of my own issue where I need to man up and say no regardless of feeling impolite.0 -
ceoverturf wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »I bring my food with me to work 95% of the time (time permitting, some mornings are harder than others), so I'm definitely never lacking in healthier choices. I just feel bad when I come to work and they walk in with smoothies or burritos for everyone and then I have to either eat it or throw it away. There's only four of us in the front office, so they buy one for each of us. And then the box of doughnuts just sits on the cabinet next to my desk calling my name
It's definitely more of a guilt thing than me really wanting the food for the most part. Aside from the orange "Super C" smoothies they bring sometimes. I could drink those every day..
Why can't you simply say, "no thanks...I already had breakfast/lunch." You say that you understand that you are in control of your eating decisions...your problem is simply that you're not exercising that control.
Do you maybe get some weird looks at first? Sure...but who the *kitten* cares. I'm going on 2.5 years of good livin' and people are for the most part are used to the way I live. I do participate in formal work functions and celebrations...but most of my fellow colleagues are pretty used to the fact that I brown bag it...that I ride pretty much every day at lunch, etc. It's not so weird to them anymore, and even if it is, it doesn't bother me being known as "the fit guy" at the office..which I am.
I understand that I'm responsible for my own eating decisions, but I feel bad when they buy me things and I say no. I hate being wasteful, but I understand I need to be more firm in saying no and try to decline preemptively. I've been primarily good at exercising control, I just wanted some tips on how everyone else says no. Sometimes sheer willpower just isn't cutting it, sadly. But thanks for the advice!
are they buying something specifically for you without asking or are they just going out and picking up some sandwiches or whatever and making sure they have enough if everyone wants to partake?
We have regular working lunch meetings and often lunch will be brought in...it's a nice courtesy...but there are always some slices of pizza or boxes of sandwiches left over because not everyone partakes...I've never seen them get in anyone's business for not partaking in a provided lunch.
I don't even think you need to be vocal about it...you just need to get over this feeling bad about not eating something that's laying around and "free".
It's definitely bought specifically for us and left on our desks or they come in and hand it directly to us. There's only four of us in the office, so it's not many people to buy for. Like the boxes of doughnuts are just left around, so they're easy enough to avoid. But it's when they give it directly to us where I struggle.
And in that case I'd go back to my first post - have a frank sit-down with whomever it is that is buying the items, and simply ask that they don't include you any more. Emphasize how much you appreciate it, how much you value their generosity, etc, but that you simply would rather make your own food choices.
If that still doesn't stop them, then I'd be inclined to think that person has no respect for boundaries or your personal wishes, and would have no problem taking said item and dropping it in the garbage in front of their face. (Or if you're less confrontational - put the item in the fridge, and take it home to throw out and/or have it for dinner).
Yeah, it's looking like I just have to be a bit more vocal about not wanting any food/goodies that they might buy. Just be firm and say I appreciate the offer, but it's not really fitting my goals. It's just hard standing up like that because I'm definitely younger than everyone else and since it's a very close family business, they treat me like family and I just so happen to be the baby of the group.0 -
Ask your boss to only get you something on Fridays and then you can plan it into your weekly calorie totals. That way you're not turning down your boss and alienating yourself from everyone and you're also not scarfing down all kinds of unwanted calories on a daily basis.0
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How is that helpful. The OP is asking for motivation and advice on how to deal with the situation. She knows that she shouldn't eat it. You're advice is worthless to her situation and your tone is rude.herrspoons wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »herrspoons wrote: »Don't take this the wrong way, but you're responsible for your own eating decisions. Either eat it, log it, and make room for it or don't eat it. It really is as simple as that.
I agree, I'm completely in control of my own eating decisions. I just needed some tips when I'm getting served unhealthy food on a silver platter. Definitely not the worst problem in the world, but I figured y'all could give me the best advice of anyone
Don't eat it. This is the only tip you need.0 -
whiteoutpen wrote: »I bring my food with me to work 95% of the time (time permitting, some mornings are harder than others), so I'm definitely never lacking in healthier choices. I just feel bad when I come to work and they walk in with smoothies or burritos for everyone and then I have to either eat it or throw it away. There's only four of us in the front office, so they buy one for each of us. And then the box of doughnuts just sits on the cabinet next to my desk calling my name
It's definitely more of a guilt thing than me really wanting the food for the most part. Aside from the orange "Super C" smoothies they bring sometimes. I could drink those every day..
On days when they bring in the yummy stuff, can you just put the breakfast/lunch you brought in the fridge for the next day and enjoy the smoothie or burrito? That's what I'd do.
On days when the office food is less appetizing, just don't eat whatever was brought in unless you know you can fit it in your day. Sometimes that is hard, and when I worked in an office, sometimes I would break down and eat part of a cupcake or some candy, but usually only a very small quantity since I'm really sensitive to sweets (a convenient sensitivity that I've had all my life to some degree, but it has been dramatically increased by being more careful about food for the last year or so). I've also developed a habit of refusing to eat anything that's not really WORTH its calories-- that took a couple months of steady weight-loss eating and hard work to develop, but it is a very useful & helpful mindset. If there is food around that is sort of asking to be eaten, I'll have a second look at it and ask myself, "do I really want this, or would I rather use the calories on something I like better/will be more satisfying?" Then the half an old protein bar, old cookie, sugary mini cupcake, or other poor-choice item ceases to be so interesting!
Yeah, that's what I've been doing. I can fit in the smoothie or the burrito, I just have to maybe take something out later or rethink what I'm going to eat. It's just that when I use my calories on something higher like that, I end up hungrier but don't have the calories for more snacks/whatever.
I've been losing weight for a couple years now, and I had made some really good habits. But then I did an internship with Disney, and lived in their housing with 300 other young adults, and thus took on some bad habits (a lot of alcohol and fast food). I'm just starting to get back into it, this time losing weight alone (I did it last time with my ex), so it's hard when you're the only one keeping yourself accountable. I've also found that I tend to need more calories in the evening because I get hungry later in the evening. So it sucks when I use up a fair amount during my work day, because then I can't eat snacks that night.0 -
That does complicate it when they bring something in randomly specifically for you. Ugh.
Folks at my office randomly go on "health kicks" and eat only fruits/veggies etc. We usually do not bring food in for one another like that because we never know who is on or off a diet, lol. About the only food item we all have in common is WINE. LOL0 -
nakedraygun wrote: »
Yes, grab one of the open crispers, jam your food in it, and some space on the fridge door and make it yours.whiteoutpen wrote: »So you keep a bunch of stuff in the work fridge too? I should definitely buy some more food to stash in my desk.
That's a good idea. I usually just bring my food for the day, but I should stock up some stuff in there for when I need something else. Thanks for the tip!0 -
kenmiller75 wrote: »Ask your boss to only get you something on Fridays and then you can plan it into your weekly calorie totals. That way you're not turning down your boss and alienating yourself from everyone and you're also not scarfing down all kinds of unwanted calories on a daily basis.
That might be a good idea. Maybe make it like a weekly treat kind of thing. Thank you for the idea, I'll definitely have to try that out if I can't get by with none 0 -
That does complicate it when they bring something in randomly specifically for you. Ugh.
Folks at my office randomly go on "health kicks" and eat only fruits/veggies etc. We usually do not bring food in for one another like that because we never know who is on or off a diet, lol. About the only food item we all have in common is WINE. LOL
Yeah, haha. I'm glad you feel my pain. Some days, though, that box of doughnuts in the corner is extremely enticing. Talking on the board helps, though. I really thought I was gonna cave and have one this morning, but talking on here and getting some motivation is definitely helping me refrain.
Omg if they were bringing drinks in here, there would be no stopping me.. especially because I get the drunchies, HARD.0 -
* Stay out of the breakroom/kitchenette/wherever food gets left
* Bring your own lunch to work, with enough snacks to keep you from getting hungry and cracking when they bring in the doughnuts
* Learn to say "no thank you" to the food pushers. Don't offer any follow-up excuse, like "I'm eating healthier", or "I'm trying to lose weight". NO FOLLOW UP.
All that is needed is "No thank you" and politely turn away. If They ask why, just say you don't fee like having any. If you stay consistent, they'll stop.0 -
whiteoutpen wrote: »You don't really need to be vocal about it if you don't want to. I mean, fine, that works for some people. But if it's in your personality to be more reserved and not to want to draw attention to your weight loss efforts, that's fine too. In fact, it's probably more professional in most office environments.
Don't apologize, don't explain. Just smile and say no thank you. You don't owe them any explanation beyond that.
My only issue with this part is they're the type of people who ask "why not?" if you decline their offer for food. Definitely not to be rude or nosy, if that makes sense. They're feeders, I guess. I don't really know how to explain it. I think it's more they know that most people are just saying no to be polite, and they genuinely want you to have some. I don't know if that made sense.
Option 1
Bring in food for everyone one day. Make sure it's something bland, boring, and tasteless. Tell them when you pass out the food that you have to eat even more healthier sometimes to counter all of the unhealthy food they bring you and that you would like to do this at least once a week.
Option 2
Let them feed you, because it is obviously something that they want to do and would more than likely be upset and offended if you didn't let them. This family has a big heart and consider you part of the family. Tell them you're grateful for their hospitality and ask your work family if they can order you healthy options instead of unhealthy options. I'm sure that wherever they order from they can find a salad or something grilled instead of deep fried and breaded.0 -
SAME. Salespeople are always bringing in goodies for us ranging from cakes, to doughnnuts, to kolaches. Our owner buys groceris at costco which means fruit snack, and even twinkies! Everything in our kitchen is a disaster waiting to happen.
My calorie goal was created by my nutritionist. We just recently went from 1500-1800 because turns out I wasn't eat ENOUGH crazy i know.
I keep a stack of fruit at my desk and I make really good snacks so that they satisfy the cravings in the kitchen.
Make homemade egg mcmuffins so when they bring in something you'll have a healthy equivalent that makes the choice easier.
Or hell, just eat half of something for starters.
It's the worst! This time around, my boss said he was going to buy us a bunch of snacks and told us to make a list, so I was at least able to convince my coworkers to put healthier items on the list (nuts, beef jerky, diet soda instead of regular, etc), although more chocolate covered things made it in too.
I actually really like healthy food, and eating fast food gives me stomach issues and just makes me feel lethargic all the time, so I'm a lot more satisfied when I eat some fruit and maybe a grain with some peanut butter for breakfast. But I definitely struggle turning down the breakfast burritos.
I'm better if they ask beforehand, because I normally can decline and say no thank you to the things like bagels, sandwiches, etc. But a lot of the time they buy for us without asking.0 -
whiteoutpen wrote: »I bring my food with me to work 95% of the time (time permitting, some mornings are harder than others), so I'm definitely never lacking in healthier choices. I just feel bad when I come to work and they walk in with smoothies or burritos for everyone and then I have to either eat it or throw it away. There's only four of us in the front office, so they buy one for each of us.
There is your problem. Understand that you are under no obligation to take what is offered to you, if you did not ask for it. It's not on you if someone takes it upon themselves to buy you something. It's not your responsibility to keep others happy. If they get butthurt, ok. Let them. Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? If it really bothers the buyer they'll eventually stop buying you stuff, and isn't that the end goal, anyway? Still a win.
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I'll also add this: I used to feel like I had to eat the food that was offered to me at work because it was "free food".
I stopped thinking of it as free. It may not cost money, but it costs calories, which are rarer and more precious to me.
Once I stopped thinking of it as free, it became easier to pass it up.
So much this!0 -
kenmiller75 wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »You don't really need to be vocal about it if you don't want to. I mean, fine, that works for some people. But if it's in your personality to be more reserved and not to want to draw attention to your weight loss efforts, that's fine too. In fact, it's probably more professional in most office environments.
Don't apologize, don't explain. Just smile and say no thank you. You don't owe them any explanation beyond that.
My only issue with this part is they're the type of people who ask "why not?" if you decline their offer for food. Definitely not to be rude or nosy, if that makes sense. They're feeders, I guess. I don't really know how to explain it. I think it's more they know that most people are just saying no to be polite, and they genuinely want you to have some. I don't know if that made sense.
Option 1
Bring in food for everyone one day. Make sure it's something bland, boring, and tasteless. Tell them when you pass out the food that you have to eat even more healthier sometimes to counter all of the unhealthy food they bring you and that you would like to do this at least once a week.
Option 2
Let them feed you, because it is obviously something that they want to do and would more than likely be upset and offended if you didn't let them. This family has a big heart and consider you part of the family. Tell them you're grateful for their hospitality and ask your work family if they can order you healthy options instead of unhealthy options. I'm sure that wherever they order from they can find a salad or something grilled instead of deep fried and breaded.
That's definitely the kind of advice I need, option 2. I feel bad because they're so kind and warm and friendly, and that's why I struggle with saying no to them. They're like a whole other family to me. I don't want to hurt their feelings or have them think that I don't appreciate the offer, because I absolutely love it here. Thank you for helping me 0 -
I know that can be hard as I work in a place like that. I bring my lunch and snacks to work with me. When they break out the cookies or cake I just say "no thank you" and eat my apple or nuts or cheese. Good luck!0
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AllOutof_Bubblegum wrote: »whiteoutpen wrote: »I bring my food with me to work 95% of the time (time permitting, some mornings are harder than others), so I'm definitely never lacking in healthier choices. I just feel bad when I come to work and they walk in with smoothies or burritos for everyone and then I have to either eat it or throw it away. There's only four of us in the front office, so they buy one for each of us.
There is your problem. Understand that you are under no obligation to take what is offered to you, if you did not ask for it. It's not on you if someone takes it upon themselves to buy you something. It's not your responsibility to keep others happy. If they get butthurt, ok. Let them. Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? If it really bothers the buyer they'll eventually stop buying you stuff, and isn't that the end goal, anyway? Still a win.
I understand it's not my responsibility to keep others happy, but I'm definitely a people pleaser. They treat me extremely well here, it's by far the best work environment I've ever had, and I don't want to jeopardize that or make them unhappy/hurt their feelings. I know it's definitely not a big problem or anything, I just wanted some advice. I'm not too good at standing up to people or possibly hurting their feelings.0 -
Or when they order things in, part of the order can be healthy (like, yes, fruit).Fittykitty11 wrote:Maybe they can buy you an expensive fruit basket every morning then
Respond very positively when they get you things that are appropriate. Praise, praise, praise. Overdo it showing how happy you are that they remembered you.
You're not being wasteful. They're the ones buying things they know you won't eat.I feel bad when they buy me things and I say no. I hate being wasteful
When it's left on your desk, put it in the breakroom for someone else to take. Put a sign on it saying "free to a good home".
Then explain it, again. And again. And again.they're the type of people who ask "why not?" if you decline their offer for food
"I'm trying to improve my health."
"I'm trying to eat lighter."
"I'd be happy to give you some suggestions of things I can eat." (Go for that fruit bowl!)
"I don't care for any right now, thank you."
"I appreciate the offer, but it's not really fitting my goals."
I love this response.Coffee cups are great social props. You're performing the socialization behavior of consuming. No-one ever looks to see what is in the cup, but you're participating, so you're part of the group.
That's good too.Ask your boss to only get you something on Fridays0 -
My office is across the hall from the breakroom where someone is constantly putting leftover food and treats from meetings. they usually stop by my office to offer me something before putting it in the breakroom and it usually goes like this:
"want a cookie?"
"no thanks"
"are you sure?"
"yes I'm sure"
"they're really good"
"they look good but no thank you"
"really?"
"yep"
"just one?"
"no thanks"
"take it home for later?"
"no, I appreciate it though"
"bring one home for your son?"
"nope"
Sometimes this conversation lasts longer than others before the person offering gets it. I don't need to explain my diet or eating habits to anyone, but just politely decline. they might think I'm weird or rude by not accepting, but I don't care. I pre-track my days and stick to the plan 90% of time. If it's really delicious or a rare treat, I may have some and fit it into my day. Occasionally someone gives me chocolate as a thank you and I graciously accept and bring it home and either work it into my calories or have my husband bring it to work. But I'm not eating food just to be polite or to avoid hurting someone's feelings.0 -
Maybe if you reciprocate by bringing a crudité tray with carrots, celery, etc. for all, they will expand their offering to include things you would actually enjoy. Without guilt.0
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I'm lucky. When the office buys food (pizza, cake, etc), they do it twice. Once for the 7am-330pm shift, and once again for the 330pm-11pm shift. I work a completely random shift in between (11am-730pm) so I get to tell the day shift that I'm not eating it til later, and then I tell the evening shift that I already got it on the first shift.0
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See if you can get them "enable" a specific goal. "Eating healthier" is kinda vague. Sounds like it is for you as well. Perhaps if you were training to ride a specific distance or work up to a 5K or half marathon, they would be first in line to assist in your food regimen. It releases them from feeling guilty about their bad choices when you are making good choices.0
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HA! My landlord always brings over a box of chinese bakery sweets when I pay rent, and it sits on my counter tempting me. Last night as I stared at the box trying to resist, I had the brilliant idea to just bring it to work to share with my coworkers. Maybe your coworkers are like me, just paying their temptations forward! Sorry about that!!0
Sadly, most 20 year old's don't really have the opportunity to work from home haha. 
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