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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:
TinyTempest · 13/05/2025 18:30

It's once a month.

Bring a sandwich 🤷‍♂️

OMGitsnotgood · 13/05/2025 18:29

Take a salad in a cool bag. It’s not really that difficult

OchonAgusOchonOh · 13/05/2025 18:29

Bring a salad/wrap/sandwich in a cool bag and eat it while the others are eating. If you don't want to appear like the provided food isn't good enough say it's gluten free as you feel gluten may not be agreeing with you.

RareGoalsVerge · 13/05/2025 18:29

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

DancefloorAcrobatics · 13/05/2025 18:29

I repeat what others have said: bring your own cold lunch. Salad... couscous Salad with plenty of veg is a current favourite.

sweeneytoddsrazor · 13/05/2025 18:28

1 lunch a month isn't going to hurt. You can have 1 sausage roll or 1 slice of pizza or just take a snack to eat before or after at your desk.

SkyOfficer · 13/05/2025 18:28

For events like this in the past I've taken in my own it's been for religious reasons, and whilst the team have been considerate I don't want their food order to be dictated by my needs. So just make up an excuse of allergies or dietary requirements and take ur own in, or even say " I had some leftovers from yesterday so brought them in" people will be glad it's more pizza for them.

catgirl1976 · 13/05/2025 18:28

Take a picked lunch or once a month eat some shite. It’s not hard to pick either of those options.

CaptainFuture · 13/05/2025 18:27

Can you not just bring a packed lunch that doesn't need refrigerated?

FloraBotticelli · 13/05/2025 18:27

Just bring your own packed lunch. I wouldn’t ask for more time. You don’t have to bring something that needs heating.

Jennifershuffles · 13/05/2025 18:27

Could you say you'll bring your own packed lunch to the meeting?

77Fee · 13/05/2025 18:27

Can't you just bring in a cold packed lunch on those days?

Brefugee · 13/05/2025 18:27

it is one lunch once a month. Take a salad and a green smoothie.