Being the only one not eating with co-workers...

meg65 · February 2012

...is awkward. I know we've talked about this before, but everyone in my office decided to get McDonald's for lunch today after a meeting, and I went to be social and didn't get anything, and everyone thought is was SO WEIRD. I think at least a handful inquired as to whether/why I wasn't eating, some told me I could just get a salad, or fries, or a drink, even though I said I wasn't hungry (which was true until I smelled the fries. Yum). Then we all sat at a big table and I was the only one with no food. I am proud of myself for not giving in to the peer pressure or just hiding alone in the office but MAN! What an ordeal. How does everyone else deal with these situations? I try not to mention the diet or even healthy eating since I don't want MORE attention or to make them feel bad about eating that, but there has to be some way!

rlavach · February 2012

I just bring my own food. Since I'm vegan, this happens to me a lot. I'll go, but I'll just bring my own food. That way I'm not just staring at everyone eat. That's the awkward part. If you bring your own food, then you're good. Plus, it may spark someone else to reconsider their unhealthy diet...

Maggie0829 · February 2012

I know that when I go out with co-workers and only order a salad or decide to skip dessert they all look at me like I am crazy and ask why I'm eating like a bird, etc. I find it very rude of them, even if they are joking, to comment about my eating habits. I just try to remember that what I am eating and how I am eating is making me a healthier and happier person and that a few comments made by people are just that comments that can easily be pushed right out of my mind each time I zip my jeans and not have to suck in like crazy, or worse, lay down on the bed!

anna.oskar · February 2012

I usually order something sensible if available. They have some pretty decent salads at McD's but they also have Apple Dippers (apple slices with caramel sauce) that are fabulous! Not really bad for you, tastes like a real treat, and will allow you to order something. As long as it's not a frewuent event, there really isn't a huge problem with treating yourself though. I like to order a kid's meal. Cheeseburger, apple dippers and milk. Really not a calorie bomb at all.

Lobsters25 · February 2012

Mm, the apple dippers sound good right now.

Yep, order something small, or keep something small, like nuts or granola in your desk for such situations. It'll make you feel less awkward without throwing off your day or diet.

lbarr088 · February 2012

Ditto what people have said. Also, did you eat anything for lunch? Not getting enough calories can be just about as bad as going over one time with something from McDs.

mbody · February 2012

Kudos for staying strong. I cave in those situations a lot. I guess when you think about it- Would you rather feel awkward for a half hour or feel guilty because you chowed down? Although, if it happens again, you could always bring a healthy snack and eat that with them instead.

Jaridds68 · February 2012

Did you eat a lunch at least? In the future I would just bring your lunch with you, or opt out of the group lunches that go to places like McD's. You really shouldn't worry that your cw's thought it was 'so weird', are they in 6th grade? At my work ppl tend to bring their own lunches, sometimes ppl go out, but it's very rarely a big group thing. I also have not participated in group lunches, unless it was like a meeting w/ lunch provided. I'm sorry your cw's gave you a hard time, I think it's kind of rude to point out somebody is doing something different from the group, it's not cool.

sara814 · February 2012

I know what you mean. I don't understand why people feel like they can make remarks like that. Usually if I'm in a similar situation, especially at a fast food place, I'll just order a drink or a coffee, and I'll say that I had a big breakfast or something like that. Good for you for sticking to what you know is best for you!

SunriseAmber · February 2012

I think you should've eatten something. Atleast some apple dippers (yummy) or a salad. Places are starting to lean more towards healthier options. I think your coworkers probably assumed you didn't eat for a diet anyway. And since they do have options that are diet friendly they might have been put off thinking you just didn't want to socialize with them. It isn't only awkward for you to watch other people it, it's also awkward for people to eat while someone not eatting is just sitting around watching.

Next time just eat something, even if it's small.

rbwashington2012 · February 2012

I think I have the opposite going on in my office. Working at the Health Department (does help I guess lol) Pretty much all my colleagues are about being healthy. Yeah we bring treats in from time to time but hardly ever anything unhealthy. There is someone who brings in Krispy Kreme donuts (2 dozen at that) once every three months and we go nuts lol My colleagues have been really helpful with my weight loss for my health and the wedding. Two of my colleagues actually are on Weight Watchers with me so its awesome! You shouldnt feel out of place when you go out and be social with your colleagues, they would be more than understanding about it and maybe in up suggesting a new place other than McDonalds.

cupcakeamber · February 2012

Where I work, the girls order food a lot and since pretty much all of the people on my shift are friends with me on facebook...they know to not even ask me if I want food from wherever they are getting food from. They are all very supportive of me and always ask me how things are going. While McDonald's does offer healthy options, it's still McDonald's. That's how I see it anway. Good job not giving into the peer pressure

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mels823 · February 2012

YUP my coworkers eat Mcdonalds and other fatty foods constantly at work. Drives me crazy because it smells so good but it kind of makes me feel awesome to eat an apple and grapes for my afternoon snack while my coworker eats an ENTIRE bag of chexmix. More WW points than I could eat in a whole day! It feels good to make healthy decisions! Good for you for not caving to the bad food!!

mejai1 · February 2012

Yay for you for not giving in.

souptin · March 2012

I know this is an older post so possibly no one will see this, but I wanted to chime in regardless.
I have this happen to me ALL the time-not only am I watching what I eat but I also have food allergies (gluten and dairy) so often times I have to pass on the goodies or office lunches. I HATE being singled out for it-I can't tell you how many times I have heard " oh just try it a few bites wont make you sick right?"- WRONG! I also pay for and attend social committe events which never have anything I can eat- I usually get a coffee and the new "trend" is everytime I walk in someone pipes up and says " Oh Souptin-sorry nothing here is gluten free-you can't eat anything" loud enough for everyone to hear- Thanks for that guys uuugh.

felt good to let that out-not sure how the text went into italics either..

Being the only one not eating with co-workers...

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