My company likes to reward with food

Underachieve

Yes!!! We get catered events and goodies brought in all the time. On top of that, they promote a Wellness Program and running a Biggest Loser Contest. Talk about a mixed message!

If I know in advance, I plan my calories accordingly. If it's a surprise, and not a single healthy option is offered, I politely decline.

Underachieve

This is also an option :laugh:

I work for a company that does the same thing.

What I do is participate, but bring my own "treat" if what is being offered is no way considered healthy.
But like cook outs and catering, depending what is being cooked, you can still eat what is being served you just have to be smarter about what your select.

For example: hamburgers - i only eat the patty with veggies. no bread, no cheese.

I like to have everything in moderation. I know if i'm really good the rest of the day/week then once (small) piece of cake or cookie won't derail my goals for the week. Also, if I know I have eaten things that aren't the healthiest I just work extra hard/a few extra minutes in the gym.

Remember just because it's there doesn't mean you have to eat it. If someone ever say anything about me not eating I just make a joke out of it. Like "I only get 1200 calories a day...that dounut is more than 1/2 my daily calorie goal".

I know it's hard sometimes but good luck and you can do it!

I get this every so often too. Last week we got sent a huge box full of tins of M&S chocolatey biscuits and chocs to share for all our good work, and that can happen every so often. I've decided that if it happens then I'll treat myself to one thing..that way I'm still enjoying what everyone else is, but not going crazy. Just make what you've eaten work into your calories for that day, and if you go over a little..well..so what? Life's too short to completely cut out little pleasures in life!

It's an issue at my work, but the administration doesn't push it necessarily, it just seems that everything centers around food.

I'd go talk to someone in HR. If you're not looking to change things, tell them that upfront, but let them know it makes you feel uncomfortable and see if they can articulate your concerns to your bosses so that the understand that you're just trying to take care of yourself, not ruin everyone's fun.

Personally, I wouldn't try to change the system... just figure out a way that you fit into it more comfortably.

I eat a low GI diet during the week most of the time. I'm not insulin resistant or pre-diabetic, but it's just my way of maintaining control while I'm at work. I just tell people, sorry, I'm on a low GI diet right now. Most people's eyes glaze over and they leave it at that. The only issue with that approach is that you can't waiver. My friends from work know that I eat like that during the week but I'll still have a beer at Friday happy hour and they're fine with it, but your bosses might take that behaviour as a slap in the face.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do!
Jen

I don't have that issue but i work as a cook and its mostly all not so healthy stuff so i try hard to find stuff that is and a lot of times I'm sol but i do have a suggestion maybe it will help tell them you would be more eager to go if they had more healthy selections for you to choose from at the cook outs. hope that will help

In 10 minutes my company is "rewarding" us with pizza party. When I mentioned that Im trying to eat healthy, I was told "There will be pasta salad too" ...like thats any better?!

In 10 minutes my company is "rewarding" us with pizza party. When I mentioned that Im trying to eat healthy, I was told "There will be pasta salad too" ...like thats any better?!

LMAO.... Oh yeah... pasta salad !!! NOT

This might sound awful, but if I am 'required' to attend, I take tiny portions, and share, or not finish. I don't like to be pushed around by opportunivoristic circumstances. Just because it's there doesn't mean I need a stale doughnut. Sometimes I arrive late, and have water with lemon, and no one says anything anymore. I've been bringing my own food for years though. Or I exercise at the lunch hour. They'll get used to it and after a while they'll stop offering.

That's a tough one.. Could you talk to someone in administration or HR about maybe changing this policy to at least include some healthy/lighter stuff like fruit with the donuts, veggie burgers and salads at cookouts, salads with the catered food?

With all the obesity issues on the news and high insurance costs, I'm sure you could spin it in such a way to make it a cost saving idea.

PS: If you feel awkward "confronting" someone with this, maybe a well-penned anonymous letter placed in the suggestion box, expressing gratitude for the kindness of their offer but politely requesting some healthier options for the more health-conscious employees?

I know most employers, health costs being what they are, would jump at the chance to try and improve the lifestyles of their employees. Mine has strict regulations surrounding cafeteria prices (healthier options are subsidized by the company, less-healthy options are inflated in price), availability of options, labeling, and employee incentives (buy three "green dot" items a week and eat free on Friday, etc).

We also have a program where we are offered a significant discount if we participate - which involves submitting to a blood test once every few years and filling out a health questionnaire annually and talking to a health coach regularly. It's all handled through a third-party that is not our insurance provider so the information remains anonymous and not associated with our insurance pool.

I imagine they could jump at the chance to provide a salads, some fresh fruit, or some lighter fare that you could enjoy while still being part of the "team".