24 replies to this topic

[hbftris]

I started Jenny yesterday, and today is my first day on the program at work. I work in very close quarters with six other people (side-by-side desks in a single-wide trailer) and we do not have a breakroom. The refrigerator is about three feet behind me, and the microwave is just a few more feet away. We all usually eat at our desks, although sometimes I go to my car to get a little peace and quiet. I have no idea if it's even possible, but I would like to attempt to be successful on this program without everyone I work with in my business. I'm certainly not against having a little extra support, BUT I already field a million questions a day about whatever I'm eating or drinking (and I'm referring to non-diet foods), and I really don't want to answer questions about every JC meal or snack I eat. If any of my coworkers needed or wanted to lose weight, I would feel obligated to share, but they're just skinny and nosy Today I removed all of my food from the outer packaging, and brought it in a lunch box.... But I'm wondering if anyone else has dealt with a similar situation, where maybe you just didn't want to confide in a certain person or group of people when it came to your weight loss goals? I'm hoping that maybe there's a better way to handle this, or at least a better perspective! Any tips would be much appreciated!

[robrob]

We have actually discussed this many times, co-workers are not always supportive. I'm with you. I like to keep my business private, and not listen to comments and opinions. You are doing the right thing, remove the contents from the JC wrapper and put them in baggies or tupperware, or bring the frozen meals in just the inside container.
That said, I hope you have someone to talk to about it when you need to, maybe a spouse, family member or close friend. And of course, there are always people here who have been there too, so come on anytime.

[kimbob69]

OMG! that is me totally! I told me daughter and husband only because (obviously) we live together. I started JC the day after my son went back to college after xmas break so even he doesn't know! It makes me so emotional, weepy actually, to talk about it that I don't want to expose myself to that yet. I think when I actually loose some weight I may feel differently. I went for my first week weigh in yesterday and had lost almost 3lbs, but it didn't make me want to jump up and down and tell everyone yet. I guess I just lack the confidence.
If it was me in your situation, I think I would have to tell these women ONLY because of your proximity to them all day long, but also tell them that it is a very personal emotional journey for you that you are not ready to share/discuss with anyone yet-can they please respect that? I would think it would be very hard for you to "hide" it from them, because the beginning weeks are difficult for many reasons. Best of luck.

[robrob]

Tris, be prepared, if they get an inkling of you are on a diet, the candy and donuts start coming in! Be prepared, have an extra snack ready, and pull it out to eat while they are having the 1000 calorie snack. They will not take no for an answer, but you will be suprised how empowered you will feel, after you have resisted, and are still on plan.

[RiKirky]

I totally understand not wanting to tell everyone. People are funny they will give you every negative remark they can. I am in week 7 and not to many people know. A couple have started to notice, my reply is I am just watching what I eat and exercising. If they really give me a hard time, I am just gonna say I am counting calories, I sort of am. I find myself not wanting to do anything with people so I can stay on the program but if I have a function I am just going to do the best I can.
Baby steps. I didn't put this weight on over night so it is going to take some time getting rid of it. We just have to stay positive and not beat ourselves up. Good luck you are worth it.

[robrob]

When you go for your weigh-in, and have lost a little, it will inspire you, and give you even more will-power. The JC program is really an easy weight-loss program, if you can stick with the program. Maybe you should get an ipod and listen to music while you prepare you food and eat it, and maybe work the crossword in the daily paper.

[mamajimmy]

that doesn't sound silly at all.
Just be sure to keep that positive attitude!!

[I Called Jenny]

I think you've come up with a brilliant solution to what you feel is a sensitive issue. (Personally I was a walking billboard for JC but that's just me. Different strokes for different folks. LOL)

But since this your wish to "hide" the fact that you're on Jenny, then removing the outer wrapping is the ideal solution.

I am curious though about something (and anyone else can answer this). If you weren't on JC and decided to switch to Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice or another type of low-cal meal, would you still feel it necessary to hide the box? (No judgment; just curious.)

[I Called Jenny]

Well, when she starts her interrogation, you can be funny and say, "Wow! That's great! I didn't realize that they added "food police" to your job description." Or, you can be sarcastic/funny and say, "What's with the questions? Are you writing a book? If so, what's my cut?" or you can simply say, "I really appreciate your interest but I have work to do and I really don't want to discuss my nutrition plan with you. Thanks for caring. Discussion over."

I mean, some people can take a hint and other people you have to completely stop them in their tracks - politely but firmly.

I'm just sorry you have to deal with this person on a daily basis.

You're going to have to start

[I Called Jenny]

hbftris, on 17 January 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

Thanks for the great suggestions, Phyllis. Even if I don't ask her about the book, I will definitely think of it and smile the next time she starts rattling off questions! : )

[CMECRZN]

hbftris, on 17 January 2012 - 03:41 PM, said:

Thanks for the great suggestions, Phyllis. Even if I don't ask her about the book, I will definitely think of it and smile the next time she starts rattling off questions! : )

I'd ask her about the book she is writing and then tell her to leave your chapter out.......

[hbftris]

Seriously! Lucky for me, the interrogations have gotten so ridiculous they've become comical.... But it's easy to lose perpespective when we are really busy or it's just been a long day. Sometimes I just pretend I don't hear her... But she's relentless! Today I had the french toast for breakfast, and she asked me where I got it and what kind of syrup I used. I'm getting a little worn out on they lying, so I just said, "Yeah, it's from the freezer section." Which is technically true.

"Oh, what brand is it?"

"Mmmm..."*stuffs another bite in mouth* LOL

[I Called Jenny]

hbftris, on 18 January 2012 - 07:14 AM, said:

Seriously! Lucky for me, the interrogations have gotten so ridiculous they've become comical.... But it's easy to lose perpespective when we are really busy or it's just been a long day. Sometimes I just pretend I don't hear her... But she's relentless! Today I had the french toast for breakfast, and she asked me where I got it and what kind of syrup I used. I'm getting a little worn out on they lying, so I just said, "Yeah, it's from the freezer section." Which is technically true.

"Oh, what brand is it?"

"Mmmm..."*stuffs another bite in mouth* LOL

LOL - good girl!!!!

[nycgirlkat]

I'm just as nosy as the next girl, but when it comes to people's food I know its just not any of my business.

I work in a big, open-concept office and we've got the microwave going all the time and sharing a fridge and never once have I asked some one what they were eating and why. I'll actually get a, "what are you making today, it smells good" once and a while and when they ask I tell them what the meal is, not where it comes from.

I use one of two lines in these situations, "why do you want to know?" or I just say, "don't worry about it".

[robrob]

Been there, done that. I just try to look annoyed and say- I'm not in the mood to discuss food today, neither yours nor mine. PLEASE, lets talk about something else.
The funny thing about my biggest critic, was she was larger than me, on a diet one day, and eating lunch at the Pizza Hut buffet the next. Then she had to explain to me why she ate the pizza, how much, how good it was (or wasn't).
Also, what I was eating, was not healthy for me to be eating all the time, even though I was eating more fruits and vegs than I had eaten in my whole life.
When I finally lost it, and almost screamed: DON'T ASK ME ABOUT FOOD AGAIN! It was over, because she told everyone else I was very sensitive about my weight, and got emotional when she tried to help me.
Then she retired, and after about 6 or 8 months, she emailed me, and the last line of the email was: Have you gained the weight back yet? Now her email goes straight to my junk folder.

[RStoc814]

Reading all of your posts, I simply had to reply. I have been on JC for just over three weeks now. I have the same issue. I work at one of the major hospitals here in town and the unit I am in has one break room that everyone shares. I am not interested in telling anyone yet that I am doing this program. At least until I am further along. I just simply have been passing over the questions when asked what I am eating. It isn't as easy because I work nights and everyone seems to eat at about the same time (or at least it feels that way when I am heating up my food). I always just focus on my salad that I bring and keep the answers generic.

[I Called Jenny]

Welcome, RStoc814! We're glad you're here and here is a "safe" place to talk about your JC journey, your goals and what challenges you may have because we're all here together. Some of us, like me, have completed the journey and are on maintenance. Others are starting like you and others are further up the road. Still we're all happy to give you tips and tricks and support (and often a lot of laughs), so hope when your schedule is open, you'll be able to join us.

Believe it or not, but coming to the forums has been for so many of us the support we all need to get through this and to continue to maintain and/or lose.

You can and you will do it and we're all here to help!

[I Called Jenny]

Wow, Rob, she is a beeatch (and obviously VERY JEALOUS)! The junk folder sounds like the PERFECT place to file her. Go for it!!!!

[robrob]

You know Phyllis, after a while it does seem funny, but at the time, if your stress level is high, you can go off the deep end.

[I Called Jenny]

robrob, on 23 January 2012 - 10:27 AM, said:

You know Phyllis, after a while it does seem funny, but at the time, if your stress level is high, you can go off the deep end.

No, I get it. There are people who "hit a nerve" with you on a variety of thing for whatever reason and sometimes, even decades later, the mere mention of their name makes you burn. Believe me, I've been there.

But you know I used to have this sticker that read - SUCCESS IS THE BEST REVENGE - and it's words I try to live by.