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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:
Zone2NorthLondon · 13/05/2025 21:13

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 13/05/2025 21:12

It would appear that you’re having your arse handed to you on a plate. Maybe try eating that instead?

In fairness it’s a size 4 teeny weeny arse so a few mere nibbles
Not like a gargantuan MN or corporate porky arse

PenelopeSkye · 13/05/2025 21:13

Yes you’d be unreasonable to ask for a longer break to go and make some hot food specifically for yourself. I don’t get why for that once a month you couldn’t take in a cold lunch- tonnes of healthy options where you could still be super healthy if you wanted. Or just snack on some fruit/nuts/cheese and have a decent breakfast and dinner.

ClaredeBear · 13/05/2025 21:13

Happens at my place and I take some lunch with me.

Spinachpastapicker · 13/05/2025 21:13

This reply has been deleted

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

Over playing it now OP.

MooseBeTimeForSnow · 13/05/2025 21:12

It would appear that you’re having your arse handed to you on a plate. Maybe try eating that instead?

Upinthetreetops · 13/05/2025 21:11

Sorry this feels like a non issue. Don't eat it if you don't like it, you dont need to kick up a fuss and dictate what others eat. I'm sure you can put up with a nice salad, fruit, yoghurt etc. once a month if hot packed lunch not possible. Lesser of two evils in your eyes I'd say?

Someone2025 · 13/05/2025 21:10

Hulabalu · 13/05/2025 21:06

It’s not a quandry you’re right , but it does raise the question of whether companies should be required to support healthy eating . NHS has enough problems with obesity crisis and we are being told UCPs are really bad for us.

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I think companies with canteens / restaurants do provide healthy alternatives but this is a once a month meeting, the employees won’t be eating it every day, if someone cannot eat some ‘unhealthy’ food once in a while they are showing that they have an unhealthy attitude towards food…..it’s food for gods sake, it won’t bloody kill you?!?

freshpyjamas · 13/05/2025 21:09

AliceSeal · 13/05/2025 19:31

Blimey, I knew MN’ers disliked successful women, but I underestimated the pure vitriol being slim and successful would result in!

Whatever happened to women supporting women? Xx

Women aren’t supporting you because you sound absolutely awful - not because of your success

Maybethisallthereis · 13/05/2025 21:08

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.

Hmm you’re making this an issue!

WitchesCauldron · 13/05/2025 21:08

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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Heaven forfend someone dares to be a size 14/16

Spinachpastapicker · 13/05/2025 21:07

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 you can’t work out that you can use a hot food flask.

Sure Hmm

Hulabalu · 13/05/2025 21:06

Someone2025 · 13/05/2025 21:02

Jesus, it’s once a month, just eat the food it won’t kill you or else take in a packed lunch…. This really isn’t a difficult quandary

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It’s not a quandry you’re right , but it does raise the question of whether companies should be required to support healthy eating . NHS has enough problems with obesity crisis and we are being told UCPs are really bad for us.

Bobnobob · 13/05/2025 21:04

Ifyounevergiveup · 13/05/2025 19:06

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

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Size 14-16 is not a healthy weight. Sorry if it makes you feel bad but we have to start being honest with ourselves.

OP take an insulated flask or container if you really can’t stomach a cold lunch. Or just have a slice of pizza. You are being a little precious and rigid about this.

Catwoman8 · 13/05/2025 21:03

There is nothing wrong with you wanting the pass on the unhealthy options, however it is unreasonable to expect the company to cater to your specific dietary requirements.

I imagine the dominoes etc is a bit of a treat for most of the colleagues and they are happy with this. Its once a month, a cold lunch is not difficult to prepare and there are plenty of healthy options you can take it, so for that reason YABU.

CoastalCalm · 13/05/2025 21:03

Take something in a thermos along to the meetings

WitchesCauldron · 13/05/2025 21:03

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.

So you've been in post 3 months and had probably maximum of 3 of these lunches- go ahead and mention it if you want to be unpopular. Either that or just bring your own. If a bit of free brown food is the worst thing you have to complain about that you are doing ok.

Someone2025 · 13/05/2025 21:02

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.

Jesus, it’s once a month, just eat the food it won’t kill you or else take in a packed lunch…. This really isn’t a difficult quandary

Hulabalu · 13/05/2025 21:02

AthWat · 13/05/2025 20:55

They provide pizza; they dont force people to eat it.

But you carry on; if your company suggest getting pizza, you stand up in front of everyone and start yelling that you'll report them to somebody if they do. You'll be popular with everyone!

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Athwat - Why don’t you carry on creating your own weird arguments and have them with yourself on your own thread ? 😄

Ilikeadrink14 · 13/05/2025 21:01

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.

Give me strength!

AthWat · 13/05/2025 21:00

MissHarlott · 13/05/2025 20:53

I know people who won't entertain this sort of food for various reasons. A couple for religious reasons, others because they have food intolerances, and then there are those that would like to eat it but can't because of issues with digestion. They have to avoid it on medical grounds due to gallbladder problems, high cholesterol, or IBS.

All you need to do is to decide what you want to do, then let the others know your decision and do your own catering.

As many others have mentioned, a small box of what you'd like to eat is far better for you.

If your colleagues know this is what you prefer, and you don't want them to try and cater for you, they should respect your decision.

If they don't and start complaining about your 'attitude' and start trying to force you to join in with the stodgefest, then point out it could be seen as harassment or workplace bullying!

She wouldn't need to let anyone know. Have you never had a work lunch? They bring it in and put it on the table. If anyone gets their own packed lunch out instead, nobody would bat an eyelid. It almost always happens that people do.
I mean it's probably not even real, but even it were there's not even a suggestion there's any pressure on anyone to eat it.
"Colleagues should respect your decision", ffs. Of course they would. Why the hell would they give a shit? Even the now banned OP didn't claim they would.

Hulabalu · 13/05/2025 20:59

MonGrainDeSel · 13/05/2025 20:54

No idea what this has got to do with it! I am a size 8 and would happily eat pizza or sausage rolls. Maybe both in the same meal, if offered.

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Yes but some people don’t want to eat sh*t! Doesn’t matter what your size is if you just don’t like processed crap and prefer real food

Holidayscoming · 13/05/2025 20:59

You are going to come across as a very difficult person. You don’t like the food provided but don’t want to carry anything cold either, When you work with people or do things in groups you need to be a bit flexible.

Verbena17 · 13/05/2025 20:59

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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Sneaking in an exclamation mark after you write 14/16+ defo isn’t ‘respectfully’ 😉

ouch321 · 13/05/2025 20:56

How attention seeking.. but very Mumsnet...

Helloworlditsmeagain · 13/05/2025 20:55

MonGrainDeSel · 13/05/2025 20:54

No idea what this has got to do with it! I am a size 8 and would happily eat pizza or sausage rolls. Maybe both in the same meal, if offered.

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Lucky you