People where I work are constantly looking at what I’m eating because they think it’s “weird” (since when is kale and a sweet potato strange, I don’t know). Basically, if I see them gawking, I usually make some kind of comment about what I’m eating. It may be a good idea just to address it head-on. Maybe she’s just interested in your eats. I think confronting her gently is a good idea. Maybe she’s trying to eat more healthfully? Or whatever. It’s tough with co-workers!!!

I have the exact same co-workers. ALL of my co-workers pay close attention to what I eat. They’ve seen me lose 115 lbs and so they notice every little thing I put in my mouth, good or bad. They also think the things I eat are strange. They all live off of basically chicken nuggets and tacos though. Most of them don’t know how to do anything more than boil water.

I usually bring a little extra to share a bite with the nosy ones when they say “whaaaaaats that?” But then again these people are my friends. If this woman isn’t particularly your friend I would try to avoid eating around her if possible, if not I’d try to talk to someone else or do something to keep your mind off the fact that she’s watching you.

Hey, maybe she’ll learn something 🙂

could it be that she is trying to adapt a healthy lifestyle of her own and is looking at your stuff to see what it’s all about. Maybe she is too afraid to ask for advice? I think I would confront her and just bring it up in conversation and see where it leads.

If you see her looking and she doesn’t say anything, then OFFER HER SOME!
It will let her know that you’re aware that she’s eyeing your food. It will break the ice and you can get into a whole conversation about your eating habits.
…Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about her eating habits and you can provide her some gentle advice.

I also have this problem. My boss will come by my desk and say “oh eating rabbit food again?” Or he’ll come around sharing some food with the team and come into my cube and say “Oh Nevermind..thats right you don’t eat this” The comments get annoying and I don’t understand why its such a big deal. I just try to shrug it off and chuckle and keep in mind that I know so much more about nutrition and healthy eating and feel good knowing I’m eating the right things.

I would say something to the co-worker. Maybe she is genuinely interested in how you eat. Maybe she wants to adapt a healthier lifestyle. Maybe she has an unhealthy relationship with food. Regardless of the reason it’s just RUDE to do that to someone whenever they are eating. If it’s bothering you Jul I would just come out and say something the next time your co-worker does this to you.

I have dealt with this and I usually just say I enjoy my food and do not make negative comments about yours. That has usually stopped it!

It is usually the people who have a bad relationship with food or exercise that criticize those who eat well/

One of my coworkers used to do this to me all the time and it drove me INSANE!!! It is such an awkward situation and unfortunately I did not deal with it in a proactive manner, so I don’t really have any suggestions. I remember it making me hyper focused on my eating (which was something I was struggling to get away from and beat). If I had been more assertive I would have spoken with the coworker about it…but man that is really hard!

I understand completely how you feel. I’ve lost 115 lbs in the last years (but not all since I’ve worked where I am now). One of my work friend is very very overweight, but also very in denial. She’s always the first one to comment on my food, and on how I’m “missing” on things.

And if we go out and I splurge on something she will always have a nasty comment to say on this. But it’s ok. I know it’s only because she’d probably like to change her own healthy habbits and I’d like to think that she’s “modeling” my food and maybe trying it at home?

Or she’s just noisy and nasty … some people are 🙂

I love the comment that said to offer her a bite. I take pride in my food now instead of feeling annoyed like before. I try all sorts of things and when I look at my lunch box filled with new veggies, awesome recipes leftovers etc.. and compare it to granola bar, ham sandwiches and cold pizza … let me say: I know that I’m the happiest girl around 🙂

To Jul who wrote in: I’m sure others have suggested this, but why not start a conversation with the coworker about food? Say, “Mary, I notice you seem to be interested in what I’m eating everyday. My food choices are really important to me. What kinds of things do you bring for your lunch?” That might be a way to open her up to talking about why she looks at your food. Either that or she’ll feel “called out” and maybe leave you alone.

I would draw attention to her fascination by responding with what I’m eating. “Oh–it’s only a turkey sandwich” is enough to get to her realize that she’s staring down your food.

When I first started eating healthy people were really interested in my food and what I ordered because it was so different from what I had been eating. I just told them what I was eating. If they looked at me funny I told them why I was eating it. Having information seemed to stop the stares and it just became normal.

Perhaps her co-worker wants a healthy relationship with food and doesn’t know how to ask about your eating habits. Sharing up front instead of waiting for her to ask might ease the situation for both of you. And you might make a friend that way.

I know how you feel, Jul! I can see both sides though if she is just trying to replicate what you’re doing…it only bothers me when co-workers MOCK my eating habits. Like when someone brings in donuts and politely ask me if I’d like one…we have a lady in my office that will ABRUBTLY make a scene and be like “YEAH right, Sami doesn’t eat that”. Before I even get a chance to kindly reply with a “no thank you”. She’s very rude about it and makes me feel very uncomfortable, yet she stares down my food all the time…

My co-workers make fun of what I eat all the time, saying it is too healthy. I just go with the flow and say “my body doesn’t work as well if I eat the junk your guys throw down. I guess you are just lucky” But I think we all know I would rather eat my salad then their frozen meals! Also when I do “splurge” I totally get comments. Oh well. I am happy with my choices.

I think she does have some issues with food and that maybe she looks at your food all the time to see what healthy eating is.

I would try an experiment: One day, pack a little extra of a snack or part of your lunch and when she stops by and you can tell she is looking at you, ask her if she wants to try some. Maybe that will prompt her to stop staring so much since by offering her a taste lets her know that you know she’s watching you.

Maybe she wants to eat more like you! Perhaps it’s flattery? I know that can be super annoying. I have co-workers that can be like that … “You don’t like that? How can you not like that?” “You don’t eat beef? You don’t eat fish?” Heaven forbid. Anyway, I do have one co-worker who is super supportive and we eat similarly which is really nice. We’re both trying to lose weight and we support each other–we go food shopping together and share recipes and new food finds! It’s great fun. But those co-workers who don’t understand … not good. I had a couple co-workers I eat lunch w/ often, go out for sushi and not invite me, assuming I don’t eat it. I like veggie rolls! Oh well. Good luck! Co-worker relationships are difficult enough as is, w/o having someone stare your food down. Maybe tell her what you are eating, that it is good, etc. start a convo and maybe she’ll tell you why she stares it down “I admire your food, eating habits …” “I’m trying to lose weight and am not sure how …” something like that! Luckily you have offices! We have cubicals!

I work with a lot of girls my own age and I have noticed that there can be a lot of comparing and evaluating other co-workers eating habits. The main thing is I feel good about my choices, so I really don’t mind how I look to everyone else!

My peers sometimes make comments as well and I always answer politely – I probably wouldn’t outright say anything, because it may embarrass the coworker for looking, etc. But if he/she asked for help, advice, etc, I’d love to answer!

I’m in my early 20s. I was once eating an Activia yogurt in my office when a co-worker walked by and said, “you’re eating poop yogurt?! You’re too young for that!”

I was so shocked/ bewildered I nearly spat out my yogurt! Since I’m a journalist, I told him, “I like to make all my deadlines.” Ha.

I think we have all been there! This is really a sticky situation because who knows what the coworker’s reaction will be if she says something. I guess she would have a better idea. Her annoyance with the situation will unfortunately not go away until she says something because it’s not easy to just ignore something that happens so often. Her best bet is to sit down and talk to her but do it in a casual way and without a confrontational tone. It’s a toughy and I hope she can work it out!

I know what you mean! Some people are WAY to involved in other people’s food. I dance, bike, and run a lot, so after, I’m usually hungry, and eat healthy food, but eat a moderate amount, and am still pretty thin. I’m still in school, but some other girls I sit with at lunch ALWAYS eye my food. Finally, I just offered them some, and they stopped! I think they were more intrested in my delecious homemade lunches then my eating habits! Why don’t you try offering your co-worker some of your food if you feel like sharing, or just come out and ask her why she’s checking out your food . . . Does she want to try some?

People are always interesting in what I am eating at work, but it doesn’t bother me at all 🙂 I think they ask, or look because they want to know more, and a lot of the time they will ask questions, and learn about something they may not have known about (chia seeds for example).

I’m always talking to people about what they eat,watching them etc..I guess I’m nosy…but really reading people’s blogs is being nosy also..it’s a peak into other’s lives..
I apologize to people for looking at their, or asking questions,I’m never doing it to be rude..I find people interesting,and it’s a way for me to learn about food and people’s idea’s!

Maybe your reader should just get to know this person better, and talk with her..maybe she’s just curious or trying to learn better habit’s..either way~people watching,we all do it..

Love your New Place..You’re amazing!

Good question! I work in a very friendly, open office where we are almost all foodies. People are understanding and non-judgmental, whether I am eating a salad or pizza. I think that you are right, this coworker is probably suffering from her own issues with a food and is looking to you because she wants some guidelines. I bet she really respects your choices and you ability to balance your diet well (which it sounds like you do). That said, she has obviously taken things a little too far. Maybe keep your door closed when you are eating, or when you go out and she seems to be staring at your food, make eye contact and say “would you like to try some of this great salad?” Offer only kindness and I bet she’ll stop being nosy and open up. I know it can be hard! Good luck!

I get weird looks in my work cafeteria all the time. I’ll sometimes position my lunch bag near my food to block the view of the nosiest person around me! When we have treats in the office one of my coworkers will always say really loud so the whole office can hear, “Meredith, are we having a donut/cupcake/cookie today?” When I (usually) say no, she says “then I’m not having a donut today!” The past few times I’ve responded with something like “Yes, in fact I’ve already had 5!” to make it into a joke.

Once a coworker actually asked me, “what would you do if I shoved chocolate in your mouth?” Which has to be the weirdest thing I’ve ever been asked. Just because I don’t indulge at work doesn’t mean I don’t love to go out to eat and have dessert with my husband on the weekend.

If someone stares I would say just ignore it. If they ask pointed questions try to make it into a joke. I also like how Caitlin responds by saying she doesn’t like the way junk food makes her feel. No one can argue with that.

There is no reason Jul should be made uncomfortable. Perhaps its the New Yorker in me (where staring ain’t cool), but I would advise that if the coworker in fact stares (without saying anything), Jul could ask “what?” as one commenter recommended, Jul could look down the front of her shirt and ask if she’s spilled something, Jul could ask her if she’s hungry because she has an extra yogurt in her lunch bag to which the coworker is welcome etc. and in group settings, Jul can just stare back.

It is possible that the coworker is not aware that she is staring or that her staring is apparent. Jul’s making her conscious of it will break the habit.

My co-workers know that I eat pretty healthy, so they are always curious about what I have packed for lunch. They aren’t rude about it (thankfully) – they just ask questions and like to hear about the different stuff I’m trying out.

My suggestion to Jul would be to ignore her co-worker unless she is making her that uncomfortable – then maybe she could just say something casually to her and ask “did you need some ideas for your own lunch?” or something like that.

**On the Nosy Coworker**This may seem like an odd take on the situation but after thinking it over, asked myself, what would I do if in the similar situation? For me, I would approach that person with kindness and friendly tone and ask if she would ever be interested in “xyz” fitness that you like to do and invite her to go with you. Who knows maybe that person is “nosy” because she is genuinely interested in being healthier but does not know how to talk to you about it. Then when you do whatever “xyz” activity you will have the opportunity to get her know her better and that just may be the catylist to get her moving towards a healthier lifestyle. And if she is not interested in doing fitness/activity with you, it may cause her to realize that she is overly interested in your food/lifestyle that she will knock it off.

I find life is much better if you just plain don’t worry about stuff that doesn’t matter. Maybe she is looking at your eating habits – who cares? Hopefully she’ll learn something or ask you about it at some point – until then I wouldn’t say anything. Really I think you need to not worry about it because it doesn’t have to impact your life or how you feel unless you want it to and let it.

I waitress at a restaurant, and they provide us with lunch and dinner; however, we can only order one of 6 things, all of which are unhealthy, not to mention things I don’t particularly enjoy–fried perch, grilled cheese, caesar salad, etc. Also, we are served lunch at 10:30 am (too early!) and if I work at night, dinner isn’t served until 9:30 pm (too late!). As a result, I eat before or after my shifts, because I prefer to make my own food. I’ll just order some fruit instead. My coworkers ALWAYS say, “Is that ALL you’re eating for dinner???!” or “Why don’t you eat anything???!”, even though I’ve explained umpteen times that I would rather eat my own dinner at home at 4:30 than at 9:30. If we have a lot of leftover bread, one guy always goes, “Anna, you have to eat all this bread!”. They seriously think I’m anorexic, which is ignorant because a) I’m only at the restaurant 4-5 hours a day (one meal), and you can’t diagnose an eating disorder based on seeing someone’s habits for one single meal and b) if I really did have an eating disorder, their hurtful comments would make matters worse.

I’ve only skimmed most of the responses and have one thing to say: I thought I was the only one who was going through this! I’m in the ‘lost a significant amount’ group and am looking forward to the day that my new size is ‘normal’ for my co-workers and I’m not under constant scrutiny. Since day one I’ve taken the ‘everything in moderation’ approach, but when I have my indulgence, I get the ‘/you/ eat /that/?!’ comment.

Sometimes I get uppity – especially when the comments come ones that I know don’t have a good relationship with food (seriously… an apple and yogurt is her food. for the day. consistently.) Sometimes I joke it off. Most times I just sit at my desk and eat so I don’t have to deal.

Sadly I don’t have much advice beyond staying consistent with your chosen lifestyle and way of eating and don’t let it get to you. It’s a good thing to lead by example, but it can get tedious to feel like your every move is being watched.

I know this is an old post but I had a similar, no wait! exact situation with a nosey co-worker that gawk at my every bite of whatever I brought for my meals and snacks.
One day I decided to nip it in the butt.. This was making me very uncomfortable to the point I was hiding from him literally at mealtimes. So I decided to pack an extra with me one day and when he heard the ruffle of my lunch bag he came rushing over to just pass by and see what I had that day..so I looked at him and said.. oh it’s just broccoli cauliflower salad you want some? I used homemade ranch dressing with sunflower seeds! he was dumbfounded and muttered umm no thanks as he looked around to see who was looking at him.. I was very loud so that everyone heard. That was the last time he ever snooped on my goods. 🙂