Food temptations are everywhere.
Between co-worker birthdays (hello, cake!), staff meeting leftovers, and colleagues who always want to share their 菠蘿包, it’s easy to lose sight of what you put in your mouth. Before you know it, you’re mindlessly eating your way through the work day and wondering why you’ve gained 5kgs.
Unfortunately, it’s easy to put on weight when you work in a job sat behind a desk. The best thing you can do is understand ways you can prepare for the inevitable.
If you know you’ve had one too many egg tarts or bau, here’s how you can turn down food pushers and better manage your meals at work.
Be frank
Are you on a strict diet? Trying to cut back on sugar or carbs? If so, say it. Thank your co-workers for their food offering and be honest about why you’re turning them down.
It is not the easiest thing to convey, especially if it’s a work friend, and some may even be taken aback by your declining, but because you were firm about your choice, they will eventually learn to respect that.
Show appreciation
Always thank the offerer, whether or not you’ve accepted their offer. Thank them for the delicious food, their time and effort in bringing the food over, and for having you in mind. The key here is to be sincere, to dispel any idea that this is personal.
Out of sight, out of mind
Walk away from the situation if you must; leave the office if that’s an option. By the time you return, no one will even notice you walked out.
Take this as a short break from your work. Ideas can be triggered while you’re away, and when you get back you’ll be even more ready to focus.
Take a pinch
Can’t seem to turn down an offer? Just take it!
You don’t have to finish the food – just accept it and move away, or take a small bite and save the rest for later. The act of simply accepting the food is enough to make the offerer move on.
Chuck the grub
If you’re dealing with snacks you don’t want, just discard it or offer it to another colleague. We don’t want to encourage food wastage, so it’s probably better to see if someone else will bite what you can’t eat. After all, sharing is caring!
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