Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

New job - already fed up with unhealthy ‘working lunches‘

613 replies

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 18:25

I’ve been in my new job since February and in the main really enjoy it. However, we have monthly ‘planning meetings’ which so far are always scheduled to run through lunch (usually 11-3) and the bosses arrange for a lunch to be provided. Last month, it was a job lot of Greggs ‘beige’ - sausage rolls etc, and today it was stacks of dominoes which everyone could pile in to.

I haven’t said anything so far as I don’t want to appear ungrateful, and the majority of my colleagues seemed ecstatic with these choices, but as someone who is quite big on health and fitness, this is really irritating. We get a 5-10
minute break from this at most which isn’t enough time for me to do much more than go to the loo (big office with microwave facilities downstairs and always a queue over lunch).

Would you ask to get a longer break so I can have my own lunch? I’m just conscious this will delay the meeting for everyone else so very wary of asking.

OP posts:
Original poster
AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:25

viques · 13/05/2025 19:21

Yet sadly not so far up the corporate ladder that you have the respect of your company to make a suggestion about including a healthier option in the monthly get together nor indeed bright enough to work out for yourself a way around your conundrum.

Show quote history

As I said, I’m barely in the role having been head hunted late last year and no one likes someone who has just come in and starts dictating things, regardless of their salary.

OP posts:
OopsyDaisie · 13/05/2025 19:25

Oh WOW! your colleagues are all size 14/16+??
How can you BEAR the work environment? You should look for another job!
No, seriously you should! They would be well rid! You seem entitled, condescending and apparently can't problem solve or adapt to a minor change on "regular" circumstances/routine!

IberianBlackout · 13/05/2025 19:24

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Oh boy, someone’s out of the dungeon.

Season 8 Nbc GIF by The Office
ButNotReally · 13/05/2025 19:24

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

I doubt it.

Zone2NorthLondon · 13/05/2025 19:24

Six figure salary consultant and you can’t problem solve what to eat during working lunch
Do they let you see the excel spreadsheets?

ClarasSisters · 13/05/2025 19:24

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

Aye, right.

RedPandaClaws · 13/05/2025 19:24

Boom, I've just solved your problem for you OP.

heatsbox.com/

This is surely the answer?!

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:23

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 13/05/2025 19:23

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Have you seriously just written ‘resident porkers?’ Goodness you sound absolutely ridiculous. Just have a cold healthy lunch and get over yourself.

MissAmbrosia · 13/05/2025 19:21

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

And yet you have to ask on MN about how to manage lunch though?

sweetsandsour · 13/05/2025 19:21

Wowzers!
A six figure salary. Good for you hun. So you must be clever enough to know that you don’t have to eat the food on the table? I’m sure no one will force feed you something that might upset your macros.
Hilarious 😆 this thread has made my day 🐷

viques · 13/05/2025 19:21

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

Yet sadly not so far up the corporate ladder that you have the respect of your company to make a suggestion about including a healthier option in the monthly get together nor indeed bright enough to work out for yourself a way around your conundrum.

cramptramp · 13/05/2025 19:20

Lighten up for one lunchtime a month. It won’t make you into a porker or a size 14-16.

loveawineloveacrisp · 13/05/2025 19:20

Oh I see the op is a fat basher. Wish I hadn't commented now.

Blueskiesandrainbows · 13/05/2025 19:20

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

And you use the word hun 🙄
Plus it’s very insulting to use the word porkers, best to walk a mile in someone’s shoes before dishing out insults!

DelusionalBrilliance · 13/05/2025 19:19

How did someone who has zero problem solving skills, along with terribly poor communication skills land a 6 figure job? 😂

Ah that’s right, they didn’t, it’s a dose of mumsnet delusional poster syndrome.

TorroFerney · 13/05/2025 19:19

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 18:32

I don’t really like cold lunches, I meal prep and have something which fits my macros for tracking too so eating junk isn’t really an option.

I would (and have) just missed lunch for once, doesn't kill you well or do you any damage unless you are diabetic. Don't draw attention, assuming you are female it plays right into the faddy woman trope. Shouldn't matter of course but it does.

SmallSnooze · 13/05/2025 19:19

ToKittyornottoKitty · 13/05/2025 19:16

Not high enough to have a say in lunch though?

Show quote history

😂

BigHeadBertha · 13/05/2025 19:19

I think requesting any kind of special treatment isn't worth it over a monthly lunch because it could mark you as a potential problem employee, even if they did accommodate you. I agree with just bringing a simple lunch and quietly eating it. If anyone comments, have a ready, non-committal phrase to wave it off without getting into a discussion about it. "It's all good," "Oh, I'm fine," etc., then change the subject.

Also, unfortunately, there are always a few who go apeshit at any mention of someone taking care with their health, especially if it's weight-related in any way. This is exactly the kind of person you could run into if you bring it up to the higher ups. :/

Butchyrestingface · 13/05/2025 19:19

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

Bet it's Weightwatchers (RIP).

SmallSnooze · 13/05/2025 19:18

'resident porkers'

What a delight you are. Take a sandwich and get over yourself.

HereForTheFreeLunch · 13/05/2025 19:18

I'm sure you can find a cold salad that you can prep and will fit your macros.
Smoked salmon, or boiled eggs, edamame beans, salad leaves, avocado and whatever else.

Edited to add avocados 🥑

WellThatsSad · 13/05/2025 19:18

I was actually going to agree with you op. But it turns out, you’re not very nice. So eat your pizza and shut up.

Megifer · 13/05/2025 19:17

ToKittyornottoKitty · 13/05/2025 19:16

Not high enough to have a say in lunch though?

Show quote history

Ooof. Burn! 😂😂

FOJN · 13/05/2025 19:17

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x

Show quote history

Not senior enough to change the catering arrangements or good enough at management to problem solve this. The bar for "six figure management jobs" seems pretty low.

Good luck hun