Coworkers are sabatoging me

Anyone who knows you are on a diet react in different ways...now you know who they are. Don't let it get you down or it will and you will be unsuccessful. So, hang in there. Don't call it a diet. It is a change in eating habits really, not a diet. Stress keeps the weight on so let it go and all your worries. Do this for you; you are in control. Don't expect people you work with to be understanding; Coworkers have their own perspectives. Friends will keep you going, but most importantly you will keep yourself committed if you are ready for a change. I know you can do it.

its the same with smokers, a person may have made the choice to give up but as people constantly offer cigarettes its inevitable that one day that person will succumb. I think that when someone is making good lifestyle choices and seeing results others are envious and find comfort in other people having the same habits - be it chocolate, tobacco or alcohol. Politely refuse, or take it and say thanks I'll give it to my kids, grandkids, nephew, niece whatever. They will soon get fed up of supplying your relatives with chocolate and its a little more polite than throwing it in the bin.

They are not physically forcing you to eat anything, only you can sabotage your diet.

Nothing to be gained by being nasty to co-workers, simply don't eat anything that you wouldn't have chosen to eat. If they put something on your desk, say "Thanks, but as you know I'm dieting" and just move it to one side and ignore it.

To lose weight and keep it off, you are going to have to use willpower for the rest of your life. You may as well start getting some practice in now.

I have told my fellow coworkers that I'm trying to lose weight, but they keep trying to get me to eat cookies, cake, chocolate, ect. I realize it's the Christmas season, but I'm trying to be healthy an NOT gain a ton of weight during the holidays. I'm getting really frustrated! For instance, last night I told one girl thanks but no thanks to m&ms, but she put it on my desk anyway. Then another girl brought cakes and got mad when I told her I didn't want any but thanks anyway. Now I'm not a souless zombie, and I do budget for treats every day (can't live without Dove Dark Chocolate!) however, I'm tired of them pressuring me to eat junk. The kicker? Not a single one of them are as overweight as I am.


I could really use some encouragement.

It's hard sometimes when there are temptations, but you can't control what other people do, only how you respond to what they do. It doesn't even really matter what their motivation is. What matters is what yours is. Hang in there. I've found I'm most successful not only when I decide what I'm not going to have but also when I plan for what I AM going to have. It's not enough for me to tell myself I won't eat junk. I have to make sure I have good stuff to eat in its place. Good luck, and happy holidays!

As a 'skinny' person around someone trying to lose weight, the dynamics are quite strange. The non-dieter feels a little guilty about eating in front of the dieter and feel that they might be insulting them by not offering. They also 'subconsciously' want them to know that they accept them just as they are and 'hardly see them' as being overweight. For most 'skinny' people, eating sweets and cakes have very little effect on their 'bottomline' and they don't have the same 'addiction reaction' to sugary foods as most people do who suffer with weight problems and food addictions... So, they simply don't realise that they are sabotaging your efforts. They feel that a little chocolate or a piece of cake will not upset the apple cart and that you shouldn't be so 'uptight' about it... But little do they know that one bite could unleash an avalanche of negative feelings and railroad weeks of hard work.

So, how to handle it. Be upfront with people and tell them that you are trying to break a habit and need all their support. Even small temptations during the first few weeks (while you're still 'struggling to say no') are enough to push you back weeks and then you'll have to start all over again.

And then set celebration goals where YOU will bring the cake when you've reached a certain goal, or set a date where they will take you out to enjoy this or that when you've reached that specific goalpost.

That puts everyone at ease giving them 'permission' to not offer, makes it a team effort and puts YOU in control.

People who deliberately sabotage your efforts because they don't have the willpower to say no while you do ... Well, there you will just have to stay strong and firmly say "NO THANKS! I would rather be slim and healthy than have a 5 minute cake-fest, as yummy as it does look, thank you very much! Bless you for offering!"

I also like the 'I don't like sugary foods' deal. That has been a favourite of mine for many years. As well as the ... 'If I'm going to take in extra calories, they'd better be GOOD!' (Not just ANY old chocolate/ice cream/ whatever...)

Or just lie! Hahaha! If they offer, just say 'Oh my goodness no, I've just been to lunch and had the most delicious choc pudding... But thanks, I'll give it to the tea lady' -- and then do it!

Stay strong, it's your body and life.

I completely understand where you are coming from. The past week at work as been sure hell. Everyone in my group knows I am trying to lose weight and yet they keep offering me junk food. They even choice a greasy bbq joint over my healthy options as the teams lunch spot. I feel your frustration:explode: :mad:

I've had a person sit muffins, chocolate, cookies, cakes, etc next to my desk. And yes I was pissed off. I'm sorry but it is insensitive to keep offering people food when they said no. Especially someone who has verbalize that they are trying to watch their weight.

Being overweight or fat is not just about visual appearance but it is actually a health issue. Would you offer diabetic cookies or an alcoholic a drink. Why is losing weight any different. If I were you I would not care about hurting anyone's feelings anymore. Just let them know that at this point you are trying to lose weight to actually save your life. Maybe than they will understand.

Good luck!

artemisacorn! Love your responses!

I have told my fellow coworkers that I'm trying to lose weight, but they keep trying to get me to eat cookies, cake, chocolate, ect. I realize it's the Christmas season, but I'm trying to be healthy an NOT gain a ton of weight during the holidays. I'm getting really frustrated! For instance, last night I told one girl thanks but no thanks to m&ms, but she put it on my desk anyway. Then another girl brought cakes and got mad when I told her I didn't want any but thanks anyway. Now I'm not a souless zombie, and I do budget for treats every day (can't live without Dove Dark Chocolate!) however, I'm tired of them pressuring me to eat junk. The kicker? Not a single one of them are as overweight as I am.


I could really use some encouragement.

Be encouraged then, jmikes2010. I love this "problem"!!! Why? Because you will get lots and lots of practice repetitions of destroying what was once (hopefully) to you perfectly good food. Destroy it girl. Don't just toss it in your trash. Open it, pour tons of catsup on it, salt it or otherwise make it totally unappetizing - immediately - then just as quickly throw it out. CAUTION THOUGH: Don't do this in front of the people giving it to you. Remember, the goal is not to make enemies but to be a better friend to yourself.

Healthy life is handing you a perfect opportunity to be stronger in the willpower department. Be true to yourself and take the challenge and beat it!!! I'm rooting for you.

-Debra "Last Sixty"

I honestly think that they are just trying to be nice to you. I agree on accepting the treat and then throwing it away when they walk away. I've done this a few times myself. I got a package of cookies a week ago and guess what, it's still on my desk. It's called willpower and everyone has it somewhere.

If they sit and talk after giving you the treat say or make a comment as to why you're not eating it say, "I think I'll take this home and have it after dinner, my stomach is giving me trouble".