6 replies to this topic

[Kimbalou]

I am really trying not to be upset about work potlucks but it's so hard. I am tired of people asking me what I can or cannot eat. One person told me they made a lasagna, but I can't eat it. Thanks, but I knew that already! Potluck is tomorrow. Yes everyone, I know I probably won't be able to eat the majority of what you bring so I will bring something I can eat! Tired of weekends with bagels and donuts too!
I feel I can't even eat in peace because people are always asking me what I'm eating. The subject of conversation a lways ends up being about me and my food.
I wish I could just stop eating all together. I can't lose weight. My stomach is sensitive and I'm tired of it.

Thanks for listening to me whine. Some days are worse than others!

[defeatwheat]

   I hear you. After an ackward attempt or two, I don't go to potlucks and food events at work. Luckily I have boss who is understanding and fights my cause for me. Food is my enemy as well and if I could live without it I think I would.  No wonder there are some issues health issues in our country, all social events revolve around food. I didn't even realize it before I had Celiac. Being on this site helps me realize my reactions and fears are normal. Good luck to you!

[1desperateladysaved]

I feel like I have a great excuse to avoid most social events with food.  I have been told by a doctor that I eat at home.  I know many of us can eat by bringing their own and such, but I can't.  I won't say I never struggle with this. 

 

D

[moose07]

I understand, my old work use to have potlucks all the time. My boss even wanted to have a potluck on my last day even though I couldn't eat anything that was brought. She then said "you could bring stuff for the rest of us!" Yeah like I have time for that! My coworkers also used to tell me they were going to sneak gluten into my food. That is until I told one of them I would sue him for trying to kill me. I know it's pretty much a worthless threat but they didn't say it again. Needless to say I'm glad I'm not at that job anymore!

 

My best advice would be to make something that smells amazing for yourself. People will want to share but alas you only have enough for you!

[JosieToo]

This may seem a flippant suggestion, but why not try focusing on something other than the food? Certainly, bring your own gluten-free dish (and maybe a few snacks as well) and then focus on the fun of being around other people. Better yet, host your own entirely gluten-free party at home - and everyone can test out some of your dishes!

[cap6]

Pot lucks were never an issue at work for me as I just plain never went right from my first day there.  I went, but didn't eat.  I have always had this strange adversion to tables crammed with food that comes from unknown kitchens.  ugh.  But that is just my weird side.  That said, I agree with Josie..... just go to the pot luck, take something for you and enjoy the compant which is what it is all about anyway.  Most people don't even notice what you are eating anyway.

[ItchyAbby]

Yep, yep. My first potluck after finding out I had Celiac/DH was really stressful...and illuminating. There was nothing - NOT A THING - on the table that I could eat, because everything was either cozied up to sliced bread, or had pita sticking out of it, or was on the same board as some crackers (and their relentless crumbs). And the multiple pasta salads! Luckily I had my own food, but it made me realize just how much we rely on wheat products in this country. Three meals a day can all be based around wheat, and still think we are eating a balanced diet.

 

Anyway, it's become apparent that if I go to a potluck, I will either need to eat beforehand or bring my own. Same for going to friends' houses for dinner. I travel with food now anyway. I still love food - I just hate what everyone else is mindlessly eating, dribbling toxic crumbs everywhere. /rant

 

I bet most of the people at work do not mean to be insensitive to your needs - they are just ignorant about what it means to live with this thing.  It's probably similar for people with nut allergies.