Social Functions At Work

[deesmith]

Just want to know what you do when there are social gatherings at work that focus on food.

Tomorrow we are having a potluck lunch and I don't even want to bring anything or attend.

Cross contamination is such an issue. Someone suggested that I could probably eat things like a green salad or potato salad that people will be bringing. And I thought, not only would I want to know the ingredients of the potato salad, but did they slice the potatoes on a cutting board where they slice bread, or stupid stuff like that.

I think I might feel funny in the break room sitting there looking at all the food I can't eat. Usually it's not a problem. Shopping has become easier. I just the muffins and think, "there's food I don't want to eat". (Unless I'm having a really bad day.) But there will be a lot of food there I can't eat and we'll be in there for a while socializing. And I'd feel funny bringing my little lunch box of gluten-free food and eating it all by myself.

Maybe I'm just being stupid. I could bring my own and try to just go and socialize with coworkers for a while.

What do some of you do?

Thanks.

Dee

[mysecretcurse]

Just make a couple dishes for you to eat, and share.

I don't think you have to eat what everyone else brought.

You can explain your situation, so they wont think you are rude or picky or anything.

[Ursa Major]

You could make a big bowl of your own gluten-free potato salad, that you know will be safe, as well as a nice dessert, like an apple crisp, or gluten-free chocolate cake or gluten-free muffins. Make sure you arrange to serve yourself first from your own dishes, to avoid getting them cross contaminated before you get to them. A nice veggie tray is always appreciated by everybody, too.

And then let others eat from the food you brought as well. Potato salad is normally gluten-free anyway, and nobody will even taste that the dessert is gluten-free.

That way you can be just one of the group without looking different, while still getting to eat and having fun.

[Guest hightop girl]

this happens at my school (I am a teacher) all of the time. To be honest, my coworkers are easier and more understanding than my family or other friends. They have seen how sick I have been, and are happy to see my healthy again. Sometimes I just go in a little late and socialize for a while. I grab a drink, and if I get food, I do it just to be polite and then just kind of move it around on the plate. I haven't done that in quite awhile. They are all ok with just socializing. To be honest, after the first event, no one even questioned it again. They are too busy eating and talking to worry about me. Church gatherings are my hang up because they don't understand at all, and the "do gooder" is always trying to get me to eat something.

[blueeyedmanda]

I always bring my own gluten free dishes to share. Most times they do not even know the difference. I used to just bring desserts in the begining but now I have been doing main dishes. They loved my chicken scampi. Now next week is our nurses week luncheon so I will see what I can bring from there.

[kbtoyssni]

I usually bring my own food and still socialize. People ask questions, but it more of a genuine interest rather than a "why aren't you eating, try this" accusatory thing. I sometimes bring food to share, but I always serve myself a large portion before putting it out for everyone.

[dlp252]

I'd like to say I do all of the above suggestions, but the truth is that lately I've just not been going. We just had staff appreciation week, and the whole week centered around food, lol. I just ended up not going to any of it. For me it's not just gluten, but I have sensitivities to so many other foods, that it's just not that simple, and I DO feel a bit awkward just sitting there while everyone else is eating.

Celiac is not unfamiliar in my office as there are other who have it here, but again, they don't quite get that I have other sensitivities. So rather than go through my whole list of what I can't eat, I just don't go, lol. It's okay, I can socialize at other times, and I don't feel left out or anything. Fortunately for me, a lot of the events are scheduled after I leave for the day so that decides it for me, lol.

[jerseyangel]

I'm not working now, but in social situations I always just bring my own food. Just because you bring your own food doesn't mean you have to eat all by yourself--put it on a plate and enjoy the party.

I assure you that no one will give it much (if any, really) thought. I do this whether it's a casual get-together or a big holiday dinner type thing. I don't make a big thing of it, and if anyone asks, I simply say I have several severe food intolerances.