This is a pretty rambly post. I’m tired. Oh and apparently rambly is not a word.
It’s been food central at my office lately. Our art department has been doing some sales/employee appreciation events for everyone. Yesterday was ice cream. I had a little bit. Maybe half a cup. This morning, an email came out saying that art was throwing a pizza luau for lunch. On the calendar for the afternoon, monthly birthday cake.
I had already brought my lunch to work, so I decided beforehand that pizza wasn’t worth it. I often get into the habit of eating stuff around the office because either it’s just there or because everyone else is and I’m trying to be somewhat social (which is something that I struggle with sometimes).
So, instead of eating the pizza, I just stood around and chatted, which was a little awkward, and then when people seemed to be finished eating, I popped the lunch that I brought into the microwave. Did I wish I had eaten pizza? No. Once I got past the awkward feeling of standing there while most everyone else was eating and I wasn’t, I didn’t miss anything. I decided that I didn’t really need the cookie cake either for that matter.
That’s not to say that I think I should never eat the treats that are in the office. I did have a mini-cupcake that someone’s wife made. I just feel like there’s a major difference between a homemade baked good, and a small one at that and a Domino’s Pizza and a Publix cookie cake. I’ve had both of those things a million times (they do the cookie cake every month), I don’t need to always have them because they’re there.
After work, I went to a 6:45 spinning class which meant that I didn’t get home until 8. Murphy needed to be walked so by the time I did that, it was 8:15. I was hungry and had a few Triscuts while debating what to make. It was getting late and my first instinct was to make…wait for it…a frozen pizza!
But then I thought about how I was pleased that I didn’t eat the work pizza just because it was there so why am I going to now eat a frozen pizza just because it was getting late?
Look at that, it’s not frozen pizza!
And who knows, maybe the nutritional information is similar. But I know that I feel better mentally when I make myself a real dinner. I feel better about myself when I eat with intention. When my intention is to eat a healthy meal, than I should do it and not let other factors get in the way!
(Recipe for Peanutty Vegetable Soba Noodles is here!)
I totally agree – if I’m going to have “junk” food, I want it to be worth it. Like a homemade treat or Antico Pizza. Good for you resisting! I best that paste is better than a frozen pizza, even just the sodium alone.
Speaking of… we need to go to the Lawrence!
When should we go? Next week or weekend?
Weekend?
This actually one of the unexpected things I enjoy about not eating meat or dairy – those office treats are rarely “heather-friendly” and I don’t feel obligated to eat it “just because”. Great job on the will power!!
SO SO SO agree with you!! I totally feel better when I eat with intention AND when I’m eating what I WANT to eat, not something that’s just “there” and I cave to social pressures like in-office socializing around the cookie cake. It’s just not worth it – especially when its not even a GOOD treat. Like you said, the homemade mini cupcake was worth it to you because it was made with real ingredients, was totally homemade and was a nice little treat that you ENJOYED. PS I hate when I’m the only one *not* indulging in the office and I get the weirdest stares. It’s so rude.
I’ve never really talked about this, I don’t think, but my boss eats like I do. It’s very nice to have an “eating ally” in the office!
Good for you!! Although props to you for passing up cookie cake…that is the bane of my existence!!! Love that stuff. Keith always for my birthday buys me a slice of cookie cake which is so awesome because if he bought me an entire cookie cake I would totally eat the entire thing within a week…easily.
They do the cookie cake every month for birthdays. This is the first month (I’ve been there since January) that I haven’t had a piece!
I completely agree with you! Obviously
I love the idea of eating with intention, and doing everything we do with intent. Rather than through the motions, or because everyone else is. I hate when it is awkward if you don’t indulge in the office treat of the day, everyone gets so rude, like, why aren’t you eating the cake? oh come on, just have some! So rude 
Anyway, good for you!!
I have a hard time not eating free food just because it’s there. When I was more dedicated, I would refuse a lot back at my old job, but for some reason in the last year I’ve lost all of my resolve. Good for you for doing what you knew would make you feel good!
I don’t know how you resist cookie cake. That is probably my biggest vice whenever it is around. Good thing they don’t make personal sized ones or else I’d be in trouble!
They have it every month for birthdays, so I figured I’d just have it next month if I wanted!
That’s one thing I don’t miss about my old office, all of the treats! My office was next door to the kitchen and it was torture at times!!
I’m actually not near the kitchen but sometimes I find myself making excuses to go in there. Haha.
Haha we have the same thing at work. I actually think there was pizza today too. LOL.
I get that sort of awkward feeling in those situations as well, but I usually feel better about my decision once it’s totally over.