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Anonymous
Anonymous asked in Society & CultureEtiquette · 1 decade ago

How to politely turn down food at work?

I'm trying really hard to lose weight. I pay very close attention to what I eat, plan out all my meals and go to the gym regularly. I'm proud of myself but my one weakness lies with my job. Every single day, someone will have brought in a bag of doritos that they pass around. To make it worse, they order a pizza or chinese for lunch at least two or three times a week. Everyone is always really offended when I turn the food down and they make fun of me for eating my carrots while they're chowing down on a large pepperoni extra cheese. It's just getting really annoying! Should I say something (what??) or should I just put up with it and smile?

9 Answers

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  • BBG
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Just smile and say, "I appreciate the thought but no thank you." Ignore any of their other comments.

    I wouldn't bother trying to explain about your diet, etc. etc. etc.

    You could always bring something to work to share like a nice fruit tray or something. That way you would be able to pass something around and be part of the "gang" but not eat a bunch of crap.

  • 1 decade ago

    Maybe when they make fun of you, you could do a bit of light-hearted teasing about how you'll be the only one who is able to fit through the lunch room door anymore hahaha. Nobody should ever feel ashamed about eating healthy! Kudos to you for getting involved in maintaining a healthier a lifestyle!

    If they get offended when you turn down their food, just politely say "It looks delicious, and I'm very tempted, but I'm trying to lose some weight and I don't want to give up all my hardwork now! :) "

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    You just have to stick to your guns and stand up for what you are doing for yourself. Pizza and chinese food are ok once in awhile as long as you work them into your calorie allotment for the day. I would not be offended by their offense of refusal- they are probably just really showing you guilt on their part because they know they should be eating better but just can't or won't.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Be graceful- smile and firmly (but politely) repeat that you will not be swayed. Also, you can say "I'll pass on the heart disease you're offering, but thanks!" if they get particularly offensive about your dieting.

    I went through the same thing at work and I had to turn down cake on my own birthday. Imagine how hard that was. But I did it with charm. I went in and cut the cake for everyone and talked the whole time with them.

    When you get the figure you want, rub it in THEIR faces. You'll have reached your goal and they'll still be pigs.

  • 1 decade ago

    what are you going to do, yell at them? tell the boss? you made a commitment to yourself to lose weight. they feel guilty for not caring about their weight and must mock you to feel better about themselves. sticks and stones...

    be secure in yourself. you're doing the right thing for you.

    i would like to mention that pizza is not as horrible as people think. it has grains, fruit and protein. one slice a week won't hurt.

    basically, lighten up. keep up the diet, but once in a while (they say once a week is good) have a free day where you can eat anything. and above all, don't let the children bother you with their teasing. they're just jealous that you care about yourself.

  • 1 decade ago

    Just say you brought your own lunch or that you're following a diet your doctor recommended to you. You could also try leaving the office early for lunch so you're not tempted since you're not exposed to the situation.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Why do you care what they say? ignore them. Just tell them for your own health you are on a restricted diet that does not allow junk food.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Say, "No, thanks. I'm watching my weight." If they keep pushing food, they are probably overweight themselves and jealous of your discipline.

    Ignore them and stay on your diet. Good for you and good luck!

  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Im in the same situation. I say no thanks and concentrate on something else.

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