Dealing with diet sabotagers at work?

Not so much at work, but when I go to bbqs or social get togethers, I bring my own food...which is healthy. One time I brought tacos but instead of shells, I had lettuce leafs for a wrap. It was a big hit. So if you provide an alternative that is healthy, you'll be amazed how folks take to it...especially once they see you torching fat. Good luck!

There is nothing wrong with the foods you listed in regards to weight loss or health. You do not know what this coworker's overall diet looks like. I eat brownies, won-tons, egg rolls, chips, etc., and I've had no trouble losing weight. Maybe your coworker is negative because she thought that the rest of you knew more about nutrition, and she's discouraged to find that you have misguided notions about food.

Most likely, the coworker joined but isn't quite ready to dive in yet. That's fine. Exclude her if you feel that strongly about it, but you WILL create a hostile work environment. What you need to do is learn self control and stop blaming another coworker for your own poor choices.

My coworkers bring in food all the time that doesn't line up with my goals for the day. I just don't eat those things.

I have brought in healthy foods and snacks for me and everybody at work. I keep a stash in the work fridge, freezer, and my desk. That way it is a win-win for everybody. We all will have to make choices, and cannot control other people.

The way that others eat at work has absolutely not effect on me. There is no need to be confrontational or hostile, just politely decline. My only exception is if someone brings in something to honor me, ie for a birthday or promotion, then I eat what they brought out of respect.

I've had similar things happen to me. I just have to remember that there is times to indulge and times to keep on track. Believe me I've bumped into coworkers at the store and been asked where all my 'good food' is instead of the vegetables and fruits. At times like that you just have to laugh it off, all you can do really.

I'm sorry, Havefaith, and hope my own response to your post wasn't sounding like an attack. I think we all were responding to limited info in original post but you have added more here.

I get what you're saying about a group being formed to get healthy and lose weight and those who joined, are in it to succeed themselves while supporting each other... then there's that one. Sounds like she wants to be "included" but honestly doesn't have the determination to do the work or make the sacrifices that you others have and it sounds like you are handling it in the most appropriate and kind way that there is. She's not making it any easier on the rest of you in your group, and I can truly relate... Also the frustration of someone "talking the talk" and not getting on board from day#1 is frustrating! Hang in there and just keep doing the good that you are! Best to you.

Doesn't sound like sabotage per se, but just folks not on board, not ready to do the work that's needed.

Good points from everyone, I agree that you have to try and not focus on her offerings as sabotage. There are people that do things that aren't in your best interest, I used to work with someone that did something very similar - but instead of letting me turn things down she would bring me something (cake/cookie/some kind of carby goodness) on a plate and just leave it on my desk. It's SO hard to make good choices, especially when it's all around you!

I've found it easier to bring in my own snacks that fit in my plan so I'm no AS tempted. Good luck - you can do this!

Havefaith163233 wrote: »

Sorry if I bothered anyone with my original post.

I think most people were trying to support you.. You are the one who owns what goes into your body. There's always going to be temptation to make "unwise" choices. Some will even be persistent in offering them. Don't take it personally, because it's not you. Sometimes, people see others making choices they know they should be making for themselves, and become insistent in driving others to make that same poor choice they're making. This isn't because they want to see others fail--It's because they don't want to fail alone.

Yeah, it sucks when your co-workers bring in donuts and they're all over the lunchroom, with enough for everyone to eat three and still have leftovers. Sorry, but I'll stick with my 11-13 grams of protein in 2/3 of the calories from a Clif Bar. I have enough flavor choices that I can choose to eat what I want and not feel like I have to eat it because it's there. It's no fun to tell your co-workers, "Sorry, I'm not able to join over at the casino buffet for lunch." I was two weeks in and nowhere near ready to go there and do anything but head straight for the macaroni and cheese, bacon, ice cream, and all sorts of other bad decisions. I'm sure I get a good bit of judging when I claim to be watching calories and then go and get a big burrito bowl for lunch. I'm okay with it, because I know what's there, I've measured the quantities, and I know where it fits in my overall caloric and nutritional budgets.

Have the confidence in yourself to be you and own your diet.

As an aside, biscuits and queso? Yikes. I thought everyone knew biscuits are to be topped with gravy, and queso is to adorn tortilla chips (or flour tortillas, but only with chorizo as well). Can you imagine chips and sausage gravy? ewwwwwwww!

I try to bring humor to the situation. When someone on my team went on a diet recently and had an upcoming birthday I told everyone I would bring in my uncle's carrot cake (he's a remarkable chef). I did bring in a carrot cake for everyone else, but found a recipe for a carrot/hummus and shaped it into a slice of cake for my dieting colleague. She's a hummus junkie and it was delicious!

I used to think people sabotaged my weight loss as well...then I realized..I am in control of me...and what I eat.. I am the ONLY one who can sabotage my weight loss...so she is negative and brings "bad" food to work....play her game...bring healthy food to work to share...a fruit tray or vegi tray...assorted meats . ..I bet more people would jump on the health wagon if the good food was available. Be an insperation and a leader to the others maybe they will jump on board...maybe not ..but the only one who can sabotage you...is you

I'm responsible for my nutrition and my fitness...people bring in stuff to work all of the time...if i feel like it, i'll have something...otherwise, i won't. i am in control...there is no such thing as a diet saboteur...own it, it's all you.