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.

@Missj25 how bizarre

I hadn’t read them all PP , I’ve posted since though when I did go & read them all …
OPS remarks were not nice …

@Missj25 how bizarre

How bizarre of you @Missj25 to waffle on without even bothering to read all of OPs comments... Bizarre indeed

And the one post that got deleted for calling us Porkers 🐖 🐷 🤪

What I don't get is that MN usually ban the troll and remove the thread, why is this one still up? To serve as a deterrent to other trolls - don't mess with us, we have the heft to throw you outta here 🧌😤

I didn’t realise (at the risk of sounding incredibly stupid 🙈 ) I had so many missed , being honest ..
I’ll be more careful in future before posting 🙂

Wow ain't you a delight 🤨

Why did you need to come to a forum with this as a problem when the answer is massively obvious?

Lol At your sketchy explanation as you try reverse yourself out that hole you’ve dug
No one was catty, you did not read the op posts and piled on in. Ended up looking daft

And you haven’t read the rest of my posts & piled on in as you like to call it …
When You do , you will see what else I have to say for myself, it’s ok to be wrong & make mistakes you know PP 🤷🏻‍♀️

In situations like this I usually say that I have really sensitive digestion, and if I were to eat all that lovely food (rubbish) I'd pay for it later (which is somewhat true) - don't get into details or say you have a condition. Then ask if its possible for fruits/salads/soup to be provided, or ask if you can bring your own lunch.

The key is not to be to critical of the food others are choosing, you don't want to come across as stuck up or snarky. It is absolutely reasonable to ask for alternatives, but without putting down other's food choices.

I think it's a bit late for OP not to come across as stuck up or snarky 🤪

I think she just has a bit of a thin skin actually.

That's quite often the way with people who are overly critical of others and always want to be seen in the best light themselves. It usually backfires.

My advice stands tho.

I haven't read the whole thread, but it looks like I'm going to go against the grain.

Work shouldn't be scheduling meetings you are expected to attend in your lunch break. You don't get paid for your lunch break and you are entitled to do what you want it in. The more people put up with this behaviour the more entitled employers become.

I should say, I'm irritated with my employer at the moment and my goodwill is drying up so this may be clouding my view slightly.

Tell them you are taking your lunch break and you'll rejoin the meeting once you've obtained some lunch you want and you've had a break.

I essentially agree with you for most jobs. But if this is a high-flying 6-figure job, a monthly lunchtime meeting might not be unreasonable, you are expected to do unpaid overtime and attend out of hours board meetings. It comes with the enhanced holiday and bonuses.

I agree @Tessiebear2023, a 6 figure salary high flying role comes at a price. Although whether someone with such limited problem solving skills they can’t work out how to avoid an unhealthy lunch once a month really is a high flyer on a huge salary is another question.

Yes, we get it. I think that point has been made! 😅

Even if the OP derailed her own thread, I still think it's quite a common issue in offices that we should talk about. Unhealthy food, cakes and biscuits, etc, it does make it really difficult if you are trying to stick to a healthy diet.. and the issues around how to approach it sensitively are valid, clearly.

I have read your posts.

Well, you will have seen then that I said I will take more care next time before I post !
So there really was no need of your post calling me daft !
It’s ok though , I forgive you , everyone is entitled to make mistakes 😂

Go you. You're not allowed to be successful or slim. You have to tug your forelock and forget about feminism where pizza and Greggs are concerned.

I'm with you. I am careful with what I eat because of the effort it took me to lose the fat I didn't want on me. Greggs is shit food. Takeaway pizza is NOT healthy - just delicious. Personally I'd stuff myself with it in front of me as I have no control at that point. Three days later I'll feel okay again and will have digested it.
Two things I hate - "go on, treat yourself, it's only one..." No. I'll choose when and where and with what, thanks
"You don't need to diet, you're slim" Yes. Because I diet. Doesn't take the brains of an archbishop to put those two together surely?

You have the right to eat what you want and avoid what you don't. Others don't have the right to force you to eat what you don't.

sure thing, you crack on in your inimitable way

All that, in response to a troll who’s now banned and made it all up to be provocative. Kudos for pizza,feminism and Greggs in one sentence

Thank you, I do try 🤣

Genuinely made me laugh.😂
Bet you’re great at the conferences and soft market testing, linking the ideas and Plugging the gaps
pizza.Greggs. Feminism that’s untapped for sure

Unhealthy food is a very real issue in offices. We don't want to see it in schools anymore, so why the places where we work?