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

[AliceSeal]

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.

Fgs it's literally once a month. It really isn't going to kill you to find an acceptable cold lunch or to time your lunch differently. You are coming across as eating disordered now

I'd take a proper healthy salad lunch if I was you. I don't have time for following the crowd and eating beige food. I always take my own food to work.

I'd also expect a 20 min break for some fresh air and a walk.

I think your eating is too restricted for someone who isn't a professional athlete. Would any bought in meal meet your macros?

It's a free lunch - something that most people can eat, that can be bought in cheaply and easily. It's a small gesture of appreciation from the company and you will appear ungrateful if you complain two months in. Maybe in a years time you could suggest a local place you haven't done, but not now.

Buy a thermos food flask. Bring your warmed up food it in.

What a pizza once a month ? I think most people are fine with that.

Just take a smoothie if it bothers you that much. You not liking “cold” lunches in entirely your problem and not theirs to solved.

Theyre not there to cater to your fussiness.

can’t you just have a pre prepared salad with you and get it out when they are eating?

Grew out of what?

Sausage rolls or pizzas?

They just different food types, what makes you think people grow out of any kind of foods?

I think you'd get quite a shock if you went to Italy, where people eat pizzas past the age of 19.

It's once a month. It's not theur fault you are incredibly fussy, and it would be very unreasonable for you to make everyone wait for you.

Take a flask of home made soup.

What are macros?

I also track macros and would hate the lunches you describe. But there are many ways around it -salad w grilled chicken; turkey sandwich; you can have a bigger snack before the meeting and eat right after; normal snack before, protein bar in the short break and proper lunch after. I’m sure there are lots of other variations if you wish to be a little flexible once a month.

You absolutely cannot ask to delay a once-a-month team meeting because you don't like either the free lunch provided AND you don't like cold lunches. Well you can, but honestly if I was chairing the meeting I would be rolling my eyes.

Macronutrients. Protein, carbohydrates and fats.

YABU.

Eating a cold lunch once a month is hardly some form of hardship. You can create that lunch yourself, so no need to eat junk.

While legally you are entitled to your break, I wouldn't rock the boat as youre new and its once a month. You'll, rightly or wrongly, likely get written off.

What has their size got to do with anything except help demonstrate how so very healthy you are?

Pre defined amount of carbs, fat protein to achieve a goal.

Just skip lunch that day then?

Honestly, nobody is going to give a shit about your macros or that you track calories…

What are you expecting?

If I was getting a free Domino’s once a month for lunch, and then some melt whinged about it I would be pissed right off.

If eating junk food ‘isn’t an option’ then what are you complaining about? One lunch a month eat something cold or eat at a different time. You wouldn’t be happy with whatever they provided anyway.

It's once a month - take a salad or a sandwich. Or eat at 10:30 and 3pm.

Do you have an eating disorder, OP?

It seems quite unhealthy to be so concerned about this when it is only a once a month occurrence. Even if you're not that keen on cold lunches, I'm sure you could manage once a month.

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

I voted your not being unreasonable. It’s nice they provide food but you’re not paid during lunch so it’s wrong for them to do this.

You can’t possibly dislike all forms of cold food?! Just don’t eat until 3 if that’s much of an issue

righty ho.

You're in to healthy eating but don't like a salad? And your comment about your colleagues sizes was bitchy.

It’s once a month, suck it up. I’m in the public sector and we don’t even get tea bags provided. I’d love to get lunch at a meeting! If you really can’t eat it then take your own lunch. Out of interest what do they do about allergies/religious requirements?