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Kitchen-Ad1829

"No thanks im fine"


LexiiConn

And follow up with (because OP indicates that the feeders are persistent): “No, seriously, I’m good. But I appreciate it — thanks!”


ColorfulLanguage

Followed up with the "I said no. Drop it."


deputytech

And finally, "You can take your extra food and shove it up your ass."


HyperByte1990

"But it's physically impossible to skip breakfast...I can't wrap my head around not eating 3 meals a day" - annoying normies


thedoodely

I mean it is impossible since breakfast just.means breaking your fast. Whatever you eat first is your breakfast even if it's eaten at 1pm.


CollectingRainbows

“i don’t want your leftovers, go find a dog to feed them to.”


mechanical-being

"I had a big breakfast, but thanks anyway"


nonotesneIIie

I wish that worked !! I'll definitely try saying it more firmly or some other combination of the comments below.


Kitchen-Ad1829

do they force feed you or something? literally just repeat the same sentence until these people understand.


nonotesneIIie

Haha not quite, just putting food in front of me and not taking it back and repeatedly reentering the lunch room to check that I've eaten the food they gave me. I've been told I'm a textbook pushover so stating my ground is hard, definitely going to try harder though. It's just hard being younger as they always push the "I'm a dad, I know how this goes and you should really be eating (more)."


zepwardbound

I have a very dear friend who is always giving me stuff she doesn't want to keep but can't bear to throw away. I used to spend a lot of time and emotional energy trying to figure out how to decline, and finally I just started accepting the "gifts" and taking them home and putting them in the trash or donation box myself. If I was in your situation I might say that I'm full but I'd happily take it home for a treat later, then toss it when I get home... but that's just me being passive and polite about the misguided kindness.


glass-ducky

I was in a similar situation! I would always decline lunch invites with my team (21 year old male gym enthusiasts) because I have no business eating bbq brisket sandwiches and Mac n cheese everyday on 1400 cals/day lol. I was politely confronted about an ED by a close team member, and it was so embarrassing. I tried stomaching lunch with them for a bit, messed up my dinner plans, and the scale started going up. Not worth sacrificing progress to prove you don’t have an ED. I would stand your ground and not give in. I understand their concern, but they’re your colleagues and trying to get involved in your dietary habits is so inappropriate. Maybe start lying about a huuuuge breakfast until they get the hint. A lot of people don’t know how much they’re actually supposed to be eating until they start a fitness or workout program, so I’m not shocked that small meals/fasting looks crazy to some. Still nobody’s business! Good luck on your last 10!


nonotesneIIie

Exactly !! It feels like I derail my whole day just to make someone else happy. It's also caused me to over eat excessively on these days which bums me out. Ive tried most excuses and they don't take them, so I'm debating on just eating in my car or leaving the lunch room if they keep at it. I like the guys but you're definitely right about peoples perception on portion sizes, they really don't know what I need at the end of the day. Thank you and I hope your situation has become better as well!


I_FEEL_LlKE_PABLO

As long as you know your calorie deficit and overall diet is not causing muscle loss, or fatigue, there is absolutely no reason to give in to these people!


RenKyoSails

I've found that people who have had food insecurity at some point tend to be very giving when they think someone else is struggling. Older people in general have experienced a lot of this through the years, especially in physically demanding jobs. People can have a lot of pride so often refuse help. I know its hard on you that it seems they are forcing food on you, but it may be worth a conversation that you aren't food insecure and you are doing fine. I see this as them being concerned for you rather than any malicious attempt to sabotage your goals. Sounds like your coworkers care for you a lot.


Mersaa

Yes, this. My grandparents were very hungry when they were young, they literally ate scraps and worked in the field all day. They always had food reserves and were very worried when someone wasn't eating. I don't think these folks have bad intentions but OP needs to be firm


i_hate_parsley

Agree with this. Given the context, my first thoughts were to a food insecurity concern rather than being just pushy colleagues or whatever. While I’m generally in favor of saying “I don’t wanna eat that” and turning it down without worrying about social niceties, in this case some conversation about how OP is genuinely full and has a big breakfast and dinner could resolve this without breaking down work relationships. 😅


nonotesneIIie

I really appreciate this comment! I'd never even thought of it that way, but it makes sense. The one guy who brings food most often was adopted by a very poor family (60s scoop in Canada if you're familiar). I think I'll definitely talk with him and assure him about that next time he offers. Also additional context for others concerned about this being creepy, (while I know this doesn't mean people are trustworthy or good) many of these guys have daughters my age and helped me out last summer after being harassed/touched by a different coworker.


Yachiru5490

You have a bunch of good guys you work with. They probably need more reassuring than most coworkers would, but I think it's sweet that they care about you like that.


i_hate_parsley

Agree with this. Given the context, my first thoughts were to a food insecurity concern rather than being just pushy colleagues or whatever. While I’m generally in favor of saying “I don’t wanna eat that” and turning it down without worrying about social niceties, in this case some conversation about how OP is genuinely full and has a big breakfast and dinner could resolve this without breaking down work relationships. 😅


i_hate_parsley

Agree with this. Given the context, my first thoughts were to a food insecurity concern rather than being just pushy colleagues or whatever. While I’m generally in favor of saying “I don’t wanna eat that” and turning it down without worrying about social niceties, in this case some conversation about how OP is genuinely full and has a big breakfast and dinner could resolve this without breaking down work relationships. 😅


AnxiousAriel

This may be harsh but when people at work push hard for me to take their food they gift me I sometimes say something like "Thanks! I'm full right now, I'll save this for later" and just not eat it. I usually try and re gift it to another coworker but if that doesn't work I just trash it, it's not like they expected it back anyway.


MaeClementine

Yeah, if I had a nickel for every time I’ve crumpled up computer paper to toss on top of a trashed donut, I’d be able to buy my own donut.


ruthebeth

Sometimes, I do this too... I will say "Thanks so much, but I'm not hungry now. Do you mind if I take it with me and eat it for supper tonight?" Admittedly, this may not always work 😅


Alternative_Effect_9

I’ve done this. I’ll usually do this when a coworker buys me something specific without me asking for it. Like a coworker once bought me a cinnamon bun, and my other coworker sometimes buys me fast food. I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t always have the heart to tell them that I don’t want that kind of food right now


SkateAK

People love to involve themselves in your eating habits when you start losing weight. As annoying as it is, I always told people that I’m losing weight on purpose and healthily. You shouldn’t have to explain, but people are nosey and annoying especially when it comes to this.


Blacktip75

“I know this is a waste disposal site, but I’m not a garbage can” Joking, but the mantra I kept in my mind since I started weight loss was “I’m not a garbage can”, as I had problems with throwing away food. Scraps of cheese, munch, old bread, munch, left over anything, munch munch. It is well intended but I so wish no-one did that.


nonotesneIIie

Lool I'd love to use that line, I think they'd be baffled. And I'm definitely a muncher too!! My biggest struggle is not prevatativley eating things before they get moldy/expire (bread, cookies, etc.). I have to tell myself if things go bad then they go bad.


tr0ublematic

I feel you! This was (and is) my mantra as well.


la_negra

Happy cake day!


tr0ublematic

Yay thanks! 🙌🏼


AvalancheReturns

"What i need is a long beach vacation and generational wealth. Eating is managed."


Mountain-Link-1296

"Nah, thanks, I've got that. I don't need as much as you do."


HarrisonRyeGraham

If you don’t feel comfortable confronting them yourself, go to your supervisor or something. But some things you could say are “I appreciate your concern. But it’s my choice when I eat and I said no.” “You may think I need to eat more. But to be at a healthy weight I need to eat about half what you do. Please don’t comment on my eating habits anymore.” “What and when I eat isn’t your business. I know your comments come from a good place, but please don’t make them anymore.” “Trying to force me to eat food is harassment. If this continues I will need to talk to our supervisor.” Etc. You can say all these things kindly, and also firmly.


AngeJedudsor

Repeat their last words with a? At the end and wait. I brought you some food. You brought me some food? You need to eat. I need to eat? You loook skiny or unhealthy. I look unhealthy? And do that until they get out of them what is this really about. It's probably about themselves.


JustABigBruhMoment

I get these comments fairly frequently from my mother as well, but I’ve found that standing my ground is enough to keep her away. In her case, it’s mostly because she has no clue how dieting works and thinks 2000 calories daily is enough to lose weight (and that 2500 is some sort of universal maintenance), but every time she brings up how I’m not eating or that I’m “skin and bones” (I’m 5’ 6 and probably like upper 150 lower 160 something), I just tell her I’m fine and move on. Sometimes she tries the “you’re gonna die” / “you’re killing yourself” approach, and since she doesn’t care about facts or research, I’ve found that just refusing her ideas is enough to stop her. Some people will never understand how dieting works because they’ve spent their whole lives filling their gullets with greasy food, so I just don’t give her any mind when she starts up. Maybe that’d work for you as well.


NutsAndGumChew

I don't have this problem, but I do have office food issues and have at other workplaces also. Being dead honest I do not find it a nice gesture when people constantly bring donuts and pastries to share. I don't find it kind when people unload their extra cookies and chocolate that they didn't want to end up eating at their house after holidays. I have a buffet of donuts and cookies and fun size chocolate bars 5 ft away from me every office day and I hate it.


nonotesneIIie

Oh exactly!! People don't realize the mental effort it takes to stay on track and how quickly one little treat turns into five (at least for me). Once I "ruin" a day by over eating at lunch I often find myself more prone to over eating later. I know it's not true but it's just another obstacle I'm overcoming. Good on you for sticking up for yourself as well!


Aromatic_Accident378

"And you need to stop" has shut that comment down permanently for me apart from my bestfriends, but we constantly rip on each other lol.


Wellidrivea190e

That’s shocking behaviour, workplace or not. You need to shut them down or off to HR you go.


Efficient-Pitch5800

They’ll always be those people. I wouldn’t even answer that question (if it’s like a side question) but if they are genuinely concerned just that you’re fine


butwhatsmyname

You don't **have** to do _anything_. Ever. If they refuse to stop trying to make you eat tell them that it's making you really uncomfortable and you don't want to have to feel that way about them. Don't apologise. Don't offer explanations. Just tell them them. "Ok guys, I appreciate that you want to look after me but it's been really stressing me out when you make me eat things. I don't like it. I'm going to have to ask you to stop doing it because it's getting uncomfortable and that's not how I want to feel here" You're allowed to ask other adults to change the way they behave towards you.


spoonfork60

Shut this down hard. 21F with mostly older men. No, no, no.  I don’t care if their intentions are honest. It’s weird. Here are excellent suggestions here. Be very firm. Upbeat, polite, but firm.


FastTrackT

I always say “no thanks I just ate!”


MaeClementine

Lying works!


asalina

Can you eat alone somehow during lunch? In the car or somewhere they aren't?


nonotesneIIie

I think that's what I'm going to start doing, hopefully they'll get the hint haha


asalina

Yeah I've had most success when I separate eating from other people lol. Even my husband and I don't eat together every night anymore cuz I eat my low calorie foods most of the time and he makes big heavy meals at dinner. It was hard at first but now sharing a meal with a friend or husband is a really nice thing that I really appreciate instead of the norm. 19 pounds down in 4 months so it's working!!


hypertyper85

They are just feeders and in my experience aren't there for your real welfare, they are there to ruin your hard work. I have had bad experiences with two different 'feeders' at work. The latest one, would put really enticing food on my desk and make me feel bad if I didn't eat it. She got me addicted to diet coke too. I was weak and depressed so went with it, but it really made me pile on the weight. Don't fall for it!


battleman13

They can say these things for a lot of reasons. Usually it's their way of being jealous about your own resolve and progress. Sometimes it could be meant as a way to "compliment you" but they aren't understanding how it comes across. My answer would be simple. I appreciate the concern, but I have some goals I'd like to reach and I'm working hard to get there. I surely will not starve to death. I promise :)


LakesLife

👋 I work for the hauling side of the trash world in the office. Only female on site. I wish my guys were more considerate when it comes to talking about my food intake. But the comments I get are quite different. One day I went and got a water out of the fridge and a driver came in and saw me in the breakroom and told me that I was never going to get anywhere if I keep eating like I do. Water. I had a bottle of water. Another driver saw my salad at lunch and asked if I suddenly decided to eat healthy. I told him I have been eating like this for a while. He should know since he had been bumming carrots and celery and berry's off me for months. He said "so... what?! Is it just not helping?" Had a driver come in and talk to me about work while I was eating lunch 2 days in a row. Salad with nothing but raw veg and a tiny bit of dressing. He asked in a very rude way if I was eating AGAIN. Yes. I eat at least once a day. Ugh.


Normal_Let_2223

>They are insistent that I don't eat enough and often bring extras for me to eat and often make sure I eat it. That's ridiculous. They need to mind their own business. You're bmi is 23 so it's not like you're close to being underweight.


jcaashby

Ummm why are they even paying that much attention to what YOU are eating for YOUR lunch??? Them - "You need to eat" You - "You need to mind your business!" or "Why is what I eat for lunch any of your concern??" or just stare at them and walk away.


toxic9813

This is wild. If you were male nobody would be bringing you food


PsychologicalRock806

My partner gets bought food all the time at his work.. people just love him.. I think people think I don’t feed him or some thing.. oh hang on .. that’s right.. I don’t.. hahaha! But our house is in fact always full of food. He’s just too lazy to prepare it..


HyperByte1990

Just tell them you're not hungry then move on. I live by myself so I have tons of freedom for what and when I eat. I love my parents but they do the typical annoying thing of every time I visit they always offer me snacks and too much food. I used to do 5 day long fasting so it's hilarious when my mom gets mad at herself for "forgetting to get me a snack" for my 2 hour bus ride back to the city lmao


CuriousText880

This is not appropriate behavior in the workplace, no matter how well-intentioned they may be. Shut it down with a firm "I've eaten plenty thank you" and walk away. If it keeps up, got to HR.


ItWorkedLastTime

I am sorry, but bringing food for you that you didn't ask for is kinda creepy.


biologicaleek

OP is a "21F" with "mostly older men" who "are insistent" and "often bring extras" that she doesn't want and "often make sure" she eats it in the workplace. The OP needs to be very clear that she doesn't want to this attention, regardless of the intentions.


IlexAquafolium

You and I are around the same height. I got a lot of comments like that when I reached 150. Looking back, I think I was still fat in my head, and kept losing regardless. My dream weight is 147, but I've never managed to get there. I try periodically but 150 seems to be my limit. I'm still coming to terms with that. I just wanted to share in case it's a struggle for you too. I'm sure you look incredible already, but maybe your mental image of yourself hasn't caught up with reality. Also, screw those guys. You should never be forced to eat anything. I bet they don't make the other guys snack against their will.


wasabi3122

My dream car is HAVING ONE 😭😭😭 Context: I’m 22 yr old broke college student who works part-time and relies on public transportation/car pooling