Work Lunch Meetings

[kdmfinn]

My boss works off site and she comes into the office once a month for a week. This week she started this 'team building' lunch meeting. We were told that they would either bring in food or we would go out to eat. As usual, I brought my own food. Everyone in the office knows I always bring my own lunch and in the past if we had a meeting and lunch was provided I didn't eat or if there were veggies or fruit I would have some of that. In fact my boss mentioned to someone yesterday that I probably wouldn't eat during the meeting.

So today, they brought in a menu and we were told we could order off the menu. Since I had my own food and ate 15 minutes before the meeting, I didn't order anything. So then why during the meeting does she have to ask, "Why didn't you order off the menu?" I told here I was on a special diet. Her reply was, "Oh do you have health problems or what?" I just responded with a negative. A friend of mine said I should just got a note from my doctor stating that I am on a special diet and have it put into my personnel file, so that if it comes up again, I can bring it to her attention.

I know it's good to have cheat meals/cheat days, but I am working with my trainer again and am following the diet we have outlined together. I'm pretty much over it, but just needed to vent a little.

 

[scrapper13]

its really none of her business as long as u are present for the meeting...a simple im not hungry should be enough

 

[pesty4077]

You actually took that well. I would have ask her "Is it effecting my job performace? If she asks me I am unhealthy, I would replied" Most of America is unhealthy, I merely am trying to eat better and lead a healthy lifestyle. That way I won't be as sick as much, meaning less time off and a better work performace". "I hope you don't mind me trying to be better at my job". That should do it.

PS: There is a reason why i went to work for myself, so I don't have to contend with idiots like her.

 

[kscowboy]

Yeah its none of here business as to what you choose to eat. Plus if you said you were on a special diet they would have probably put that in your file and counted you as a high health risk. I would just say that i choose to eat healthy and nothing on that menu falls into that category.

 

[kdmfinn]

Thanks for the support

.... Plus if you said you were on a special diet they would have probably put that in your file and counted you as a high health risk. I would just say that i choose to eat healthy and nothing on that menu falls into that category.

Thanks for the feedback. I thought maybe I was over reacting. Great point kscowboy! All I would need is for the insurance company to start thinking I'm a high health risk!!

 

[Ehren]

For example, tell her you have an upcoming cross-fit team competition and you gotta be skinny for it then smile, or some other such yuppie bullshit. Cross-fit, bodybuilding, they dont know the difference. It's team-buildy, non-violent, healthy (sounding) and slightly metrosexual and you are being a bit self-deprecating. You'll get promoted after that lunch.

Yeah, Ive been in that exact situation. Just roll with it as you did. I always used this as an opportunity to make myself look better, but NOT at the expense of her or the group. They already see us as elitists. Telling them all they are all fat, cud-chewing slobs none of whom you'd care to shag even after armageddon, isn't gonna make you any friends.

Weak bosses (leaders, NCO's, etc) dont like it when you dont go with their flow, they're often not smart enough to understand any but their own point of view and take any diversion from their plan as a personal insult. So it's just damage control.

It never ceases to amaze me how these "team-building" things become an adult version of the schoolyard. Everyone but the few closest to the bully feels worse for it.

Use it to your advantage.

 

[robot]

or alternately she was legitimately concerned or was interested so that she could ensure that you could order and take part in a meal with your coworkers.

I have arranged many a team lunch, and we have non pork, vegetarians, kosher, halal, peanut and pepper allergies to manage. Guess what? Every one gets to eat and no one makes a big fuss.

In your case I'm sure a chicken breast or a salmon filet and a green salad with some olive oil on the side can be arranged if they order from an appropriate venue. I have found that most times people prefer good food to pizza or fried chicken when given an alternative.

 

[Tom]

Do this

just show up at your next lunch meeting shirtless!!!

 

[Big_Ed]

just show up at your next lunch meeting shirtless!!!

Haha, yeah and hitting poses for every word you say!

 

[thebrick]

"Oh do you have health problems or what?"

Answer: "No, do you have mental problems or what?"

 

[hugga39]

Tell the bitch its none of her business!

 

[Nikopapp]

I used to have this problem when I worked for Countrywide Home Loans.
They would make us work through our lunch breaks, and would bring in lunch to "help".
It would be cold cuts and pizza, which I didn't want to eat, sao I would always tell my boss I was on a special diet and couldn't eat that food.
It was always a hassle, but there was noithing they could do about it, as I knew they couldn't force me to eat it.
They ended up getting sued for $30 million for making us do that, and I got a nice chunk so it bit them in the ass in the end.

That'll teach you to try to make a wannabe bb'er not get his protein! lol.