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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:
user1473878824 · 13/05/2025 19:10

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.

Oh well then, the entire team should change what they do for you. The most obvious answer.

craigth162 · 13/05/2025 19:10

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 18:57

Not at all, I like my colleagues, regardless of whether some are a bit on the podgier side!

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Wow that's kind of you. Bet they are delighted you are willing to overlook their size........

TheHerboriste · 13/05/2025 19:10

Once a month you can't bring a salad? Or some soup?

I'd peg you as a troublemaker if you started agitating about what is catered in. It's a courtesy, they aren't force-feeding you.

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:10

This reply has been deleted

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Crinkle77 · 13/05/2025 19:09

TheDandyLion · 13/05/2025 18:39

I'd be more annoyed at the 5 mins break rather than the food options, the latter can be declined.

Me too. Outrageous you're expected to work through lunch.

loveawineloveacrisp · 13/05/2025 19:09

Can't you pretend you're celeac or something?

DollopOfFun · 13/05/2025 19:09

It's once a month where you either eat the junk, skip the meal or bring your own.

Come on Princess, dig deep, you can do it.

MayaPinion · 13/05/2025 19:09

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 18:57

Not at all, I like my colleagues, regardless of whether some are a bit on the podgier side!

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🙄

Grapewrath · 13/05/2025 19:08

This happens at my work- lots of ready made sandwiches, crisps and chocolate bars
i cba getting into my dietary needs so just say I have allergies and bring my own lunch. Usually a hurl shake or similar It’s not an issue.

Elisabeth3468 · 13/05/2025 19:08

Have a high protein breakfast at 10ish and then just take a protein shake to have in the meeting? Not really an issue if it's once a month. Nobody is forcing you to eat.

Oystersandchampagne · 13/05/2025 19:07

Cannot believe this ! I work in an environment where the staff would be fucking thrilled to be treated to ANY food by the owners ! Be thankful that you have a considerate boss and stop whinging.Take in a flask of green soup if you are so traumatised by a once a month’treat’ .

Ifyounevergiveup · 13/05/2025 19:06

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 18:33

No, mostly middle aged and a mixed of genders believe it or not. Respectfully, the average size is probably 14/16+!

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Smaller than the average then. If you’re going to be this cruel and disrespectful at least have the balls to own it.

treesocks23 · 13/05/2025 19:05

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:01

I have a cheat meal weekly, but would rather that was one of my choice and usually on a weekend, rather than whatever junk someone has decided on bringing in to the office.

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I understand that. And I don’t think anyone has said you should just eat the food provided. The issue is the complete lack of flexibility. If it was a team lunch out at a restaurant it sounds like it would still be an issue to you as it’s not prepped to your macros. How would you deal with this situation? Or going to a friends house for dinner?

People have given plenty of options:

  • eat at different times
  • hot food in a flask so no heating
  • eat meal prep food cold
But none hit the mark so it sounds like you just want people to agree you should ask for a longer break?
MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 13/05/2025 19:05

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:01

I have a cheat meal weekly, but would rather that was one of my choice and usually on a weekend, rather than whatever junk someone has decided on bringing in to the office.

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So just take a packed lunch and stop making such a fuss.

Or get help with your disordered eating if you need it.

brunettemic · 13/05/2025 19:04

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.

Put it in a thermos that keeps it warm. This is a problem that is easily solvable. It’s once a month and not a big deal…signed someone who is heavily into health and fitness but also knows that one day a month will make zero difference to you.

Megifer · 13/05/2025 19:04

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:01

I have a cheat meal weekly, but would rather that was one of my choice and usually on a weekend, rather than whatever junk someone has decided on bringing in to the office.

Show quote history

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

craigth162 · 13/05/2025 19:04

Either have a big breakfast or bring a cold lunch. No one is forcing you to eat the takeaway. You sound very hard work and making problems where there aren't any.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 13/05/2025 19:04

Could you get one of those portable, mini rotisseries? You could buy a small chicken on the way into the office and cook it whilst the monthly meeting rumbles on, you may have to baste it occasionally, but no matter.

Actually if you put some of those mini/baby/genetically modified potatoes at the bottom, they will cook at the same time and be drenched in lovely, tasty chicken fat.

Then, you can just decline those pale, flaccid sausage rolls that you are offered, and be the envy of the meeting...

BrightLightTonight · 13/05/2025 19:04

Have a healthy snack before and after the meeting. You don’t have to eat what is provided

Willyourselfforward · 13/05/2025 19:03

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 18:33

No, mostly middle aged and a mixed of genders believe it or not. Respectfully, the average size is probably 14/16+!

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Just tell them that you are scared of ending up as a massive porkster like them if you eat that crap. How to win friends and influence people!

freshpyjamas · 13/05/2025 19:03

It’s once a month - take a packed lunch! I count macros too but goodness once a month isn’t going to be a problem. And your comments about size 14/16 are very telling….it sounds as though you are very judgemental of those you don’t see as healthy even though size 14 is completely normal.

beastieboysontour · 13/05/2025 19:03

Never heard of a hot food flask ?

On standby to hear what the issue is with that !
Probably disturbs the chakras 😶

HiRen · 13/05/2025 19:02

I am astonished by your lack of problem solving skills.

Even a 5yo could work this one out.

And no, your employer isn't required to give you reasonable accommodations for your "macros".

InfoSecInTheCity · 13/05/2025 19:02

It’s one day a month, if you absolutely cannot abide the idea of eating the unhealthy meal then you should compromise by taking in a cold lunch that while not your favourite is something that you can still eat. A salad, overnight oats, a wrap. Any of those would do for 1 lunch in a 30 or 31 day period.

HuffleMyPuffle · 13/05/2025 19:02

northernballer · 13/05/2025 18:42

Offer to take over the ordering yourself and get a Nandos so you can get something healthier.

I suspect this post was actually just an excuse to slag off your colleagues for being fatties though, which is strange behaviour.

Nailed it

OP is just stealth bragging about how oh so healthy she is and how awful and terribly unhealthy these middle aged size 14/16s are who like pizza and Greggs!

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