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.

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?

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

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’ .

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.

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.

🙄

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

"Resident porkers," eh? Classy.

You’re not better than anyone else. Being this rigid and judgmental is really boring. ‘Pile into’? Do they also ‘gorge’? Are they greedy piggies who have lost sight of what a healthy body/diet should look like? Are those the sort of responses you’re after? It’s once a month. Have a slice of pizza and have a word with yourself.

What do you do every other day, OP?

I'm thinking you must go out and buy hot food? Hot healthy food?

You played a fairly longish game here OP.

But yeah, reported.

Could be rocket salad though

I'm just lucky and don't have to put effort into not being porky, like you clearly do. Must be so hard for you!

Surely these are present in cold food? 🙄

Oof so try hard. Over egged, sorry

Usually microwave meal prepped lunches - healthy and cost effective

And to think you joined Mumsnet today just to post this.

Shucks.

Even if you meal prep you there must be options that can be eaten cold? Cold lean protein and cooked veg (assuming you don’t want salad. Even new potatoes and rice are edible cold, of course nicer if microwaved but agree you can’t ask for longer lunch.

I’m in a six figure management role for a very recognisable company, thanks for your concern though hun x