Pizza Party tomorrow - oh no!

Don't blame the pizza.

ColoradoDan wrote: »

So at my office for each persons birthday we have a pizza party.

There is one tomorrow - one next Tuesday - and one April 22nd (my party) - three this month. Pizza is like crack for me - I can tell myself no a million times or try to have one slice but then up eating half a pizza and feeling horrible the next day. To make it worse I am the person in charge of ordering all this pizza and picking it up - oh those wonderful pizza photos on the website.

I was thinking about excusing myself from the party so I am not around it at all and can not fail. But that might be rude. Plus as my wife says I at sometime have to learn to avoid it myself.

I was also thinking about trying to maybe order Pizza Huts thin crust pizza for myself or something? No one else will eat it. Or maybe get myself a pan pizza for myself but that would be akward.

My wife suggested just eating salad or something while everyone else chows down but I don't like feeling out of place....that might make me feel weird and then I will have to get questions about why and what I am doing.

Stupid pizza parties. I know it sounds silly to even be worried about it at all. Just have one slice right - easier said that done!!!!

It can be stressful but it sounds like you have some good thoughts already. I definitely wouldn't excuse yourself from the parties unless you really just feel you can't control yourself. These type of events are going to continue to happen...

How big is your office? How many pizzas do you normally order, and what types? Pizza has a lot of different levels of calorie density - like you said, the thin crust ones are definitely going to save you some calories, as would those with veggie toppings instead of meat.

Are you sure that others wouldn't also be interested in salads? Not sure where you are ordering from (is it definitely Pizza Hut or were you thinking of just doing that for yourself?) but if there are family sized salads you could maybe order a few of those and tell people that you're watching your weight and you thought others might like to have some options besides pizza too. I don't think anyone would look at you strangely if you had a salad and one or two pieces of pizza, that seems pretty normal for me for our food days at work.

Pizza can fit into a calorie deficit, but it does take work and if you are used to eating half a pizza, or have difficulty stopping at a slice or two it may be more challenging.

If you do end up overindulging, try to make some cuts later in the day or later in the week and make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid water weight gain.

Good luck!

Figure out exactly where you're ordering from, use their online nutrition calculator, make a plan, log it and stick to it.

I just had a large veggie pizza (don't like meat on pizza) in my Papa John's cart. 50% off Mondays on large pizza. Two slices would be 540 calories. Acceptable. BUT I live alone and two slices four days in a row may be too much temptation. I can see myself going back for a third or even a fourth later in the day. I emptied my cart and left the site, lol. Maybe some Monday but not this Monday.

We have quarterly lunches where I work. I strategize a bit for every one.

Pizza lunches: I bring a salad and then choose a slice of cheese or vegetarian pizza. If you feel awkward eating salad in front of others, eat that before the lunch starts.

I'm known for eating veggies (now). Even when I cook my cauliflower in a steam bag, people don't say anything.

Two slices isn't that hard to fit in. Just order it plain or with veggies.

I would either get a personal pan or just avoid the party. I think that work cultures that require (even if only by social contract) you to eat what everybody else is eating are silly so I just don't do it. My office orders out every so often and if I want what they're having, I have it, if I don't, I don't. Once in a great while somebody will say something or will laugh at what I do order (they once ordered from a pasta place and I ordered meatballs and a salad, which was funny to them) but there's never really any rude intent on their part and I have a good sense of humor and tend to laugh too.

Who is in charge of the menu? That is a LOT of pizza. And that is a lot of pizza to expect people to eat. I agree with the poster who suggested salad. And a vegetable tray. I would bet that MANY people would appreciate a little healthy fare -- either as an option to the pizza, or as an addition to the pizza.

I cannot imagine that people would truly be hurt if you dipped out of these every other time - or most of the time. Were I in your shoes, I would stop by Jane Doe's desk or office, and simply say "Hey, I won't be at the pizza party today, but I wanted to say Happy Birthday!" End of story. One of my favorite quotes or sayings is something along the lines of "Freedom is saying no without excuses." You do not owe anybody explanations for not eating pizza or for not attending a pizza party. In my opinion.

Order a thin crust vegetarian pizza with light cheese. You can enjoy a couple of slices and add the calories into your day and not feel left out.

Francl27 wrote: »

Also, if one of those is your party, why can't you just pick something else? A lot of deli/sandwiches places cater too.

I agree with the above. I am sure there are a lot of other people in your office that would like something lighter for lunch too. Especially with having so many parties so close together. But with anything you order, you have to practice moderation and fit it in your daily goal. I love pizza and we have it often. However, I like to save my pizza parties for a Friday night with my family (and a few cold beers to go with it).

Can you eat freely and make adjustment the days after? Are there big meals every single days for you?

That's what I would do. I don't like to think much about dieting in such situations, besides it's free calories!!! It kills all the joys. I don't wanna develop other problems!