Disrespectful comments at work about my food choices - RANT!

[CaitlinWrycza]

Hey everyone!
I've been a lurker for a while but have been lifting heavy for about 8 months, clean eating for about 4. I've completely revamped my diet and eat clean, 6 small meals a day, etc. etc. etc you all know what i mean. My rant is about my coworkers!! I work in a mental health clinic as a social worker (in a hospital setting). I'm 25 and all of my coworkers are 35 or older - most are 45-60. Anyway, we have a work meeting every week for 1.5 hours (3-430, gym at 445), and it happens to fall during my 330 afternoon snack time (my last big meal before the gym!). Yesterday, i busted out my veggies and turkey burger and it LITERALLY stopped the meeting.
One woman remarked "I bring enough snacks to share - here eat these cookies guys". Another older woman was like "ew, ohmygod that stinks. What is that? Ohmygod why would you eat that?"
I basically said, "lets get back to the meeting" awkwardly since they interrupted our supervisor - who is also into lifting weights and eats clean. I honestly didn't know how to react. And now that I've been thinking about it - I really want to make black bean brownies or some sneaky healthy snack and pass it out during the meeting. Then say "HA! you ate healthy, not so bad, right??" - I wont actually do this but i like plotting fake revenge

I guess I want to ask how does everyone else handle criticism or awkward comments about eating at work? I want to just say "look, i don't say anything about you eating your 7th snickers of the day, so whats the problem?" Why is eating healthy seen as negative now? Is it really that rude of me to eat quietly during an informal staff meeting (no table, we sit and talk about clients, but most people just joke around the entire time)

[JeepCreeper]

Ex-Lax brownies would be a funnier idea.

[sonti]

Really, you break out a turkey burger in the middle of a work meeting and you don't understand why they are surprised? Lol. It's not rude for an informal meeting but you have to admit it is bizarre right? I hope Tosca Reno hasn't convinced you that this is the only way to eat healthy.

Since timed eating/6 meals a day is a myth (not sure if you were aware), then I just would avoid doing things like that, of course you're going to stand out when you do things like this.

[dreahere]

Honestly, busting out a turkey burger in the middle of a meeting that isn't a lunch meeting *is* a little odd and you can't really expect people not to notice or comment on it. If people generally have snacks during the meeting and you need something to eat before you leave work and lift, why not eat something more snack-like? I'm sure sitting there eating a Greek yogurt or a (homemade?) protein bar wouldn't draw any notice. As for people making fun of your food, eh. I eat proats in front of my boss at least once a week and at least once a week he makes gagging faces and calls it "gruel." I really don't take offense.

Edit: Sonti types faster than me

[NatK]

Ignore them. It diesn't matter what their opinion is. People that have issues with themselves, will try to bring you down. And those same people think that their opinion is valued; but they are wrong (at least according to me haha). You can let it bother you, or you can get used to it. Be happy you have self control and a back bone to not give into their nonsense.

[ShadowBrah]

Buy Liquid Ass (google it). Squirt a few drops on said coworker's clothing or belongings. Quietly enjoy the lulz.

[erinlee01]

Really, you break out a turkey burger in the middle of a work meeting and you don't understand why they are surprised? Lol. It's not rude for an informal meeting but you have to admit it is bizarre right? I hope Tosca Reno hasn't convinced you that this is the only way to eat healthy.

Since timed eating/6 meals a day is a myth (not sure if you were aware), then I just would avoid doing things like that, of course you're going to stand out when you do things like this.

Honestly, busting out a turkey burger in the middle of a meeting that isn't a lunch meeting *is* a little odd and you can't really expect people not to notice or comment on it. If people generally have snacks during the meeting and you need something to eat before you leave work and lift, why not eat something more snack-like? I'm sure sitting there eating a Greek yogurt or a (homemade?) protein bar wouldn't draw any notice. As for people making fun of your food, eh. I eat proats in front of my boss at least once a week and at least once a week he makes gagging faces and calls it "gruel." I really don't take offense.

Edit: Sonti types faster than me

Agreed. It's poor etiquette to eat during business meetings. I've only seen it done early mornings, or around lunch times. And it's an exception, not the norm. As was said, no need to eat according to a fixed schedule. Nothing will suffer if you eat at 2:45 instead of 3:30.

As for the comments, just ignore them. Who cares? I get teased a lot for eating chicken in lunch meetings instead of the pizza everyone else is. No one really means any harm by it. And I don't care - I eat according to my goals.

[sy2502]

Agree with everyone else, it's not very professional to be munching during a work meeting, but then I don't know your workplace. The most obvious thing is to change your eating schedule, so that you eat before, or after that meeting.

[Romina81]

No one has made any comments about my lunch bc I don't eat in meetings or bring smelly food that people will notice even if I eat in my cube.

The whole eating multiple times a day thing seems really inconvenient to me. I think when I first started reading about weight lifting I bought into that notion for a bit too.

[sy2502]

I can't stand it when I am in work meetings and you turn to this person with a question, and they have a sandwich hanging out of their mouth, or a fork in their mouth, and they go "uhhh... mmmgggggmmmm" Seriously?

[Kemo1990]

oh lawd the things you people ****ing cry about

[Al Shades]

Since timed eating/6 meals a day is a myth (not sure if you were aware)

It's not.

[oldskooler]

During lunch- they'd be wrong and rude.

During a business meeting- they still might be rude but you shouldn't be busting out a meal during a business meeting. Seriously, you couldn't eat little before or after?

So, ignore their comments in general but don't have a buffet during a business meeting.

[illiniStrive]

These type of threads always backfire.

Agreed with pretty much everyone. Get over it, OP.

[fit4aprincess]

Buy Liquid Ass (google it). Squirt a few drops on said coworker's clothing or belongings. Quietly enjoy the lulz.

lol a kid from my high school got suspended for doing this to people

[thepowerwithin]

OP, you're taking all this shiz waaaaay too seriously. You won't spontaneously combust and/or your muscles won't fall off if you don't get your 3:30 PM meal at exactly 3:30 PM. It doesn't have to be so damn precise. Geesh.

[Brad805]

I gave up re-heating brocolli or other veggies in the nuker at the office because of the smell. It was agreed that I would stop that so long as no KFC (and some other crap) entered the lunchroom. Eating during a business meeting does not sound all that great to me, unless clients are not involved. There are technical papers that dispute that eating every 2-4hrs is beneficial for your metabolism, so a little give and take might be okay if you are not a diehard competitor.

[danap3681]

Another older woman was like "ew, ohmygod that stinks. What is that? Ohmygod why would you eat that?"

One of my staff would come in every morning and have this huge plate of a fried pork chop biscuit smothered in sausage gravy. When I walked in every morning I thought I would vomit. I asked her to stop bringing them to the office to eat them before she got here. It smelled like raw meat and grease! What smells good to you may not smell good to others!

And I agree... breaking out a turkey burger during a meeting is not something I would think would be appropriate. We have meetings and we don't even have snacks at ours only drinks. So I get to sit around and listen to people crunch on and slurp on ice.

[wakechica]

oh lawd the things you people ****ing cry about

This. Who gives a toss about 'comments' ??

[danap3681]

I gave up re-heating brocolli or other veggies in the nuker at the office because of the smell. It was agreed that I would stop that so long as no KFC (and some other crap) entered the lunchroom. Eating during a business meeting does not sound all that great to me, unless clients are not involved. There are technical papers that dispute that eating every 2-4hrs is beneficial for your metabolism, so a little give and take might be okay if you are not a diehard competitor.

LOL! I have always been amazed that the foods that are good for you stink like sh*t when you cook them. I love brussel sprouts but oh my they are horrible to smell!

[TeacupSam]

Buy Liquid Ass (google it). Squirt a few drops on said coworker's clothing or belongings. Quietly enjoy the lulz.

Funny..I have a little bottle of that stuff and it's horrendous. I spray it occasionally and watch people's reactions hahaha


While it doesn't matter what they think about what you eat..and honestly it's rude to say something is gross when other people eat it...I don't think you should be eating during the meeting unless it's a common thing that you guys do. When I was eating clean people used to ask me all the time why I was doing it and blahblahblahblah..did not care one bit and didn't need to justify my food choices to anybody.

[CaitlinWrycza]

love the range of responses... i'm not looking for sympathy and no i don't need to really at at that specific time or that specific meal, but i thought that the reaction i received from coworkers was less than appropriate. I guess there's a wide range of what people think is socially appropriate to say out loud. My workplace is super casual: jeans, sneakers, flip flops, inappropriate jokes and eating during the meeting (at least the 7 months I've been there) is normal. Most of us are scheduled with clients back to back and only get a half hour for lunch so the meeting is kind of a place to relax and destress, rather than being super formal, business suits and agendas, etc.

and yes i plan on rethinking what i eat during those meetings.

[DarthInvadeHer]

There's absolutely no reason to eat 6 meals a day. I suggest you read the stickies.

[whatevergirl]

Hey everyone!
I've been a lurker for a while but have been lifting heavy for about 8 months, clean eating for about 4. I've completely revamped my diet and eat clean, 6 small meals a day, etc. etc. etc you all know what i mean. My rant is about my coworkers!! I work in a mental health clinic as a social worker (in a hospital setting). I'm 25 and all of my coworkers are 35 or older - most are 45-60. Anyway, we have a work meeting every week for 1.5 hours (3-430, gym at 445), and it happens to fall during my 330 afternoon snack time (my last big meal before the gym!). Yesterday, i busted out my veggies and turkey burger and it LITERALLY stopped the meeting.
One woman remarked "I bring enough snacks to share - here eat these cookies guys". Another older woman was like "ew, ohmygod that stinks. What is that? Ohmygod why would you eat that?"
I basically said, "lets get back to the meeting" awkwardly since they interrupted our supervisor - who is also into lifting weights and eats clean. I honestly didn't know how to react. And now that I've been thinking about it - I really want to make black bean brownies or some sneaky healthy snack and pass it out during the meeting. Then say "HA! you ate healthy, not so bad, right??" - I wont actually do this but i like plotting fake revenge

I guess I want to ask how does everyone else handle criticism or awkward comments about eating at work? I want to just say "look, i don't say anything about you eating your 7th snickers of the day, so whats the problem?" Why is eating healthy seen as negative now? Is it really that rude of me to eat quietly during an informal staff meeting (no table, we sit and talk about clients, but most people just joke around the entire time)

In general, people tend to question things or act negatively towards things they don't understand. I would look at this as a positive. It's an opportunity to share what you do, in a light hearted way. I wouldn't preach about it, but share it, if it comes up, and move on. Maybe bring in something healthy to eat, and leave it in the lunchroom. Send out an email to everyone letting them know you've baked a healthy goodie and want them to check it out.

Sometimes, these opportunities can sometimes open up positive dialogue. In the long run.

Good luck to you.

[Holly2710]

If it makes you feel any better when I go on a date to the movies I bring my meals with me. In the middle of the theater I will have my chicken and broccoli. If a guy can't accept that I need to eat my scheduled meals (not eating greek yogurt or protein bars to hide how I eat) then they aren;t worth my time. While in nursing school I would always whip out my tuna and green beans and def had people notice haha! Just go with the flow, I think people are more jealous because they lack the discipline you do.

[oldskooler]

If it makes you feel any better when I go on a date to the movies I bring my meals with me. In the middle of the theater I will have my chicken and broccoli. If a guy can't accept that I need to eat my scheduled meals (not eating greek yogurt or protein bars to hide how I eat) then they aren;t worth my time. While in nursing school I would always whip out my tuna and green beans and def had people notice haha! Just go with the flow, I think people are more jealous because they lack the discipline you do.

[acrawlingchaos]

love the range of responses... i'm not looking for sympathy and no i don't need to really at at that specific time or that specific meal, but i thought that the reaction i received from coworkers was less than appropriate. I guess there's a wide range of what people think is socially appropriate to say out loud. My workplace is super casual: jeans, sneakers, flip flops, inappropriate jokes and eating during the meeting (at least the 7 months I've been there) is normal. Most of us are scheduled with clients back to back and only get a half hour for lunch so the meeting is kind of a place to relax and destress, rather than being super formal, business suits and agendas, etc.

and yes i plan on rethinking what i eat during those meetings.

If it's casual, why are you so offended? If one of my guys comes into work with odd smelling food, I tell them it smells like sh*t. Nothing you said makes me think they were giving you grief because of your eating lifestyle. I always found it rude when people would eat pungent foods at the office.

If you don't want attention, don't draw attention to yourself.

If it makes you feel any better when I go on a date to the movies I bring my meals with me. In the middle of the theater I will have my chicken and broccoli. If a guy can't accept that I need to eat my scheduled meals (not eating greek yogurt or protein bars to hide how I eat) then they aren;t worth my time. While in nursing school I would always whip out my tuna and green beans and def had people notice haha! Just go with the flow, I think people are more jealous because they lack the discipline you do.

I don't think any man would have a problem "accepting" this, but it is bizarre. You seem to wear your philosophy on your sleeve, and come across a bit elitist.

Far fewer people are as jealous as you think. Most people don't care about the fitness lifestyle. I am certainly not jealous of your diet, and I don't lack discipline.

[kimm4]

If it's casual, why are you so offended? If one of my guys comes into work with odd smelling food, I tell them it smells like sh*t. Nothing you said makes me think they were giving you grief because of your eating lifestyle. I always found it rude when people would eat pungent foods at the office.

If you don't want attention, don't draw attention to yourself.

I don't think any man would have a problem "accepting" this, but it is bizarre. You seem to wear your philosophy on your sleeve, and come across a bit elitist.

Far fewer people are as jealous as you think. Most people don't care about the fitness lifestyle. I am certainly not jealous of your diet, and I don't lack discipline.

Well said.^^

I'm sitting here laughing my ass off. I'm trying to think back how many times I took chicken to the movies during all my contest preps...ummmm never.

Is it just me or the crazy things/actions people do that scream out for attention?!

Certain people need to seriously get the fuk over themselves...

[sonti]

If it makes you feel any better when I go on a date to the movies I bring my meals with me. In the middle of the theater I will have my chicken and broccoli. If a guy can't accept that I need to eat my scheduled meals (not eating greek yogurt or protein bars to hide how I eat) then they aren;t worth my time. While in nursing school I would always whip out my tuna and green beans and def had people notice haha! Just go with the flow, I think people are more jealous because they lack the discipline you do.

I don't think they are jealous. I would feel terrible pity for any girl breaking up chicken and broccoli at a movie theatre for a 'scheduled meal', even elite competitors and athletes don't do that.

I think you are confusing 'discipline' with a desperate need for control over eating.

I seriously wonder what you're going to do when you grow up and have children. Sorry baby, we got to take a break from your 1 hour nursing session because mama has to eat her chicken and broccoli. I try to jest but really, is this how you're going to live your life???

[MelnCrash]

Dont worry OP I like to stick to my eating times too.

I was teaching a new guy some of our systems and at 3.45 i grabbed my kangaroo steak, brown rice, veggies and a boiled egg. He thought i was a total weirdo.

I got all sorts of comments from co-workers at first but now they are starting to see how my body is changing despite seeing me eat huge plates of food 4 times a day. Now i get asked questions on how they can be more healthy and actually eat instead of starving themselves to lose weight.