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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:
Cheesesteakyum · 13/05/2025 19:16

I do meal prep as I’m on a weight loss journey but hate our microwave at work (disgusting) so if I’m taking something warm I use one of the little mini flasks that keeps meals warm, they’re excellent. You could do that.

But I’d also not judge others on what their meal choices are, that could be their weekly cheat meal etc…..

Bellyblueboy · 13/05/2025 19:16

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

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Oh my - I also assumed you must be fairly junior (although your use of the awful, sexist hun - even if ironically would bring into question your communication skills!).

I am sure you have been to hundreds of corporate events then in your career and can figure this one out!

just don’t call anyone hun!

ToKittyornottoKitty · 13/05/2025 19:16

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

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Not high enough to have a say in lunch though?

Megifer · 13/05/2025 19:15

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

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I really really doubt that, you can't even work out how to resolve this issue that my dogs turd she's just shat out could overcome 😂

viques · 13/05/2025 19:15

OchonAgusOchonOh · 13/05/2025 18:36

What are macros?

They are the thing that people who like to think that what they eat is of interest to other people go on about.

Used to be all about calories, carbs, fat, fibre, additives,sugar etc but macros is what you track in 2025.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 13/05/2025 19:15

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What a horrible person you are.

TinyTempest · 13/05/2025 19:14

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

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And yet you can't solve a simple problem without turning to the 'porkers' on Mumsnet for help?

🤥🤥🤥

oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends · 13/05/2025 19:14

" fits my macros"

WTF does that mean ?

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 13/05/2025 19:14

Of course you are, OP. Of course you are.

ExitPursuedByABare · 13/05/2025 19:14

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CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 13/05/2025 19:14

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:12

Usually microwave meal prepped lunches - healthy and cost effective

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So is the microwave too far from the meeting room?

Bellyblueboy · 13/05/2025 19:13

i go to a lot of corporate events - breakfasts and lunches. The food is rarely healthy very healthy. You might get some salad occasionally but it’s usually buffet style beige food.

I am surprised you can’t solve this on yourself - as everyone has suggested bring a packed lunch. You can bever keep everyone happy at things and the budget usually doesn’t stretch to multiple options (healthy food can be harder to order in - and more expensive)

Original poster
AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:13

Megifer · 13/05/2025 19:04

So if this is real, take your own lunch in.

I was going to ask if you're fairly senior where working lunches are kind of expected but it's very apparent you can't be in a high level role

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

OP posts:
LimeOrca · 13/05/2025 19:13

This is… once a month?

MagneticSquirrel · 13/05/2025 19:13

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.

Even if you meal prep you there must be options that can be eaten cold? Cold lean protein and cooked veg (assuming you don’t want salad. Even new potatoes and rice are edible cold, of course nicer if microwaved but agree you can’t ask for longer lunch.

Butchyrestingface · 13/05/2025 19:13

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And to think you joined Mumsnet today just to post this.

Shucks.

Original poster
AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:12

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 13/05/2025 19:11

What do you do every other day, OP?

I'm thinking you must go out and buy hot food? Hot healthy food?

Usually microwave meal prepped lunches - healthy and cost effective

OP posts:
DollopOfFun · 13/05/2025 19:12

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Oof so try hard. Over egged, sorry

SauvignonBlanche · 13/05/2025 19:12

Utterlyincandescently · 13/05/2025 18:37

Macronutrients. Protein, carbohydrates and fats.

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Surely these are present in cold food? 🙄

Utterlyincandescently · 13/05/2025 19:11

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I'm just lucky and don't have to put effort into not being porky, like you clearly do. Must be so hard for you!

Snapncrackle · 13/05/2025 19:11

RareGoalsVerge · 13/05/2025 18:29

I'd be taking in a box of salad. This isn't rocket science.

Could be rocket salad though

TinyTempest · 13/05/2025 19:11

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You played a fairly longish game here OP.

But yeah, reported.

TheOnlyWayisGerard · 13/05/2025 19:11

You’re not better than anyone else. Being this rigid and judgmental is really boring. ‘Pile into’? Do they also ‘gorge’? Are they greedy piggies who have lost sight of what a healthy body/diet should look like? Are those the sort of responses you’re after? It’s once a month. Have a slice of pizza and have a word with yourself.

CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 13/05/2025 19:11

What do you do every other day, OP?

I'm thinking you must go out and buy hot food? Hot healthy food?

TheHerboriste · 13/05/2025 19:11

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"Resident porkers," eh? Classy.

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