Watching Your Diet at Work

In a workplace, where women make up large portion of the staff, staying on a healthy diet may promote a problem with your co-workers.

If your workplace has a lounge, or just a coffee pot, there will usually be plenty of sweet treats and other snacks. Some women love to cook and to treat others with their favorite recipes.

It is sometimes difficult to gracefully turn down, homemade goodies, without appearing rude or being impolite. One way, is to take one or two of the items offered, have a small a bite in the presence of the giver, then busy yourself until that person has focused on something else.

There is no need to make an issue, concerning your diet. The popular prompt from the unintended diet saboteur is, "just have one little taste." You can go ahead and take some of what is offered and save it for later. There is no rule that you have to taste it at all.

However, if you are a diabetic, to be polite, ask if it's okay to take some home to a family member, that would enjoy a good "homemade" treat. In this way you will still complement the cook, and keep your good reputation.

Potluck dinners and office parties can also be a challenge. You can take a covered dish, or dessert that fits your personal needs. A nice salad is always welcome, and you can control the amount and style of salad dressing you desire. When filling your plate, focus on the foods and portions that will keep you on your diet. Vegetables, salads, and fruits are good choices, that will take up room on your plate.

Don't be concerned that everyone is watching what you are eating. Most people will be making conversation, or busy concentrating on what they are eating, to notice anyway.

If someone should ask you to try a particular delicacy, just reply that you are going to try it, "in a minute." You could also pleasantly comment, that "it looks delicious" and then change the subject.

Holidays and Birthdays at work also create a challenge. Saying "no" is a little harder to do. Since everyone will be in a party mood, you can offer to serve the dessert. Serving will keep you busy, and you can serve yourself a smaller portion. Having a few bites of dessert will please the guest of honor, and allow you to join in the fun.

Avoid the snack machines, they are expensive snack traps, that seldom contain anything healthy. Make your own per-portioned snacks, to keep in your work area, for little snack attacks. This will keep you from being tempted by the candies, on a co-workers desk.

If you do have a weak moment and just can't resist a particular food, that's okay. Take a small portion and enjoy it. Be careful the rest of the day, and don't over-do it at home.