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.

This is… once a month?

i go to a lot of corporate events - breakfasts and lunches. The food is rarely healthy very healthy. You might get some salad occasionally but it’s usually buffet style beige food.

I am surprised you can’t solve this on yourself - as everyone has suggested bring a packed lunch. You can bever keep everyone happy at things and the budget usually doesn’t stretch to multiple options (healthy food can be harder to order in - and more expensive)

So is the microwave too far from the meeting room?

Of course you are, OP. Of course you are.

" fits my macros"

WTF does that mean ?

And yet you can't solve a simple problem without turning to the 'porkers' on Mumsnet for help?

🤥🤥🤥

What a horrible person you are.

They are the thing that people who like to think that what they eat is of interest to other people go on about.

Used to be all about calories, carbs, fat, fibre, additives,sugar etc but macros is what you track in 2025.

I really really doubt that, you can't even work out how to resolve this issue that my dogs turd she's just shat out could overcome 😂

Not high enough to have a say in lunch though?

Oh my - I also assumed you must be fairly junior (although your use of the awful, sexist hun - even if ironically would bring into question your communication skills!).

I am sure you have been to hundreds of corporate events then in your career and can figure this one out!

just don’t call anyone hun!

I do meal prep as I’m on a weight loss journey but hate our microwave at work (disgusting) so if I’m taking something warm I use one of the little mini flasks that keeps meals warm, they’re excellent. You could do that.

But I’d also not judge others on what their meal choices are, that could be their weekly cheat meal etc…..

Not senior enough to change the catering arrangements or good enough at management to problem solve this. The bar for "six figure management jobs" seems pretty low.

Good luck hun

Ooof. Burn! 😂😂

I was actually going to agree with you op. But it turns out, you’re not very nice. So eat your pizza and shut up.

I'm sure you can find a cold salad that you can prep and will fit your macros.
Smoked salmon, or boiled eggs, edamame beans, salad leaves, avocado and whatever else.

Edited to add avocados 🥑

'resident porkers'

What a delight you are. Take a sandwich and get over yourself.

Bet it's Weightwatchers (RIP).

I think requesting any kind of special treatment isn't worth it over a monthly lunch because it could mark you as a potential problem employee, even if they did accommodate you. I agree with just bringing a simple lunch and quietly eating it. If anyone comments, have a ready, non-committal phrase to wave it off without getting into a discussion about it. "It's all good," "Oh, I'm fine," etc., then change the subject.

Also, unfortunately, there are always a few who go apeshit at any mention of someone taking care with their health, especially if it's weight-related in any way. This is exactly the kind of person you could run into if you bring it up to the higher ups. :/

😂

I would (and have) just missed lunch for once, doesn't kill you well or do you any damage unless you are diabetic. Don't draw attention, assuming you are female it plays right into the faddy woman trope. Shouldn't matter of course but it does.

How did someone who has zero problem solving skills, along with terribly poor communication skills land a 6 figure job? 😂

Ah that’s right, they didn’t, it’s a dose of mumsnet delusional poster syndrome.

And you use the word hun 🙄
Plus it’s very insulting to use the word porkers, best to walk a mile in someone’s shoes before dishing out insults!

Oh I see the op is a fat basher. Wish I hadn't commented now.