Okay, I can’t be the only one here with this problem. My job requires that I sometimes go on “working lunches” with clients or coworkers to various restaurants here in San Diego.
Today was Seau’s The Restaurant, and I think I did okay. For the entree, I ordered grilled Mahi Mahi with steamed vegetables and a side salad, so I’m not worried about that.
But the appetizers that the boss orders and the drinks that I feel somehow obliged to order DO bother me. Today I got away with eating a few (unbreaded) chicken wings and one hunk o’ fried zucchini. Often as not, though, it’s a Mexican joint where everything is battered, fried, rolled in butter and dusted with sugar just for good measure.
Since I’m now rambling, should I just quit being a pantywaist and say, “No thanks,” and carry on? I’m not sure if my boss will even care, or if I’ll get a “Fuck you, then, pay your own bill” attitude. How do you ‘professional’ T-Men handle situations like that?
Or is this one of those times for the “I don’t give a shit” attitude espoused by TC in one of his A-Dog articles?
Just tell your boss that you’re watching your diet. I’m sure he/she wouldn’t have a problem choosing healthier food for you to enjoy. Chances are, a healthy lunch probably wouldn’t hurt him either.
You mentioned earlier that you feel obligated to order drinks at lunch. Man, I thought drinking alcohol during the lunch hour went out with three piece suits.
Anyway, most restaurants I’ve visited (Italian tdo Mexican) can prepare something half way decent that won’t throw you too far off track.
I had the exact same problem until I said It wasn’t worth it. One business trip we finished a long day at Hooters. I ordered WATER and peel and eat boiled shrimp. I got razzed on for a couple of minutes but I just told my coworkers that I’m working out and I don’t want to blow it by knocking down 3 beers.
It was fine, everyone had a good time. Only problem is that I’m now the defacto driver and and to deal with all the little crap of renting and returning a rental car when we go on business trips.
Hmm, don’t know. Business is sometimes about schmoozing and fitting in and so on. Anyway, if you can’t escape, some general thoughts:
The more people there are the less people will notice your food choices unless you make an issue out of it.
The more appetizers ordered the more chance you’ll get carrot and celery and other garnishes you can steal (along with one of this or one of that). Going through the motions of grabbing from the plates goes a long way.
It’s not great but you can get something like a diet rye and coke instead of a beer or other carby drink (if you care about carbs). Heck, if you can get away with it switch to diet soda after the first one – it will look the same.
Most of all, if you look in good shape compared to most people, they’ll probably not bitch too much if they do notice your choices. If they do, tell them you are on a cutting phase right now or some shit like that.
Also, if it isn’t very often, make it your cheat meal and don’t worry about it too much. Just eat as clean as you can and enjoy yourself – especially if you aren’t paying!
As far as alcohol consumption goes, here’s a little trick from my old man.
If you can, go up to the bartender, and hit him with a five spot. Tell him/the waitress what table you’re at, and ask him to fill your “Grey Goose on the Rocks” with cold water, or keep the “Bloody Mary” virgin (should be V8/Tomato Juice and Club Soda I believe). That should take care of your alcohol situation.
As far as restaurants, hit up a chicken caesar salad without croutons at an Italian joint, and double the chicken. Mexican restaurants should have steak/shrimp/chicken fajitas–just don’t eat the tortillas on the side, and request vegetables as opposed to rice and beans.
The best suggestion I can make to you is that you be consistent if you announce that you’re alcohol/junk free. If one day you decide to tell the boss/co-workers/client that you’re watching your diet and will eat accordingly, you may get a little flak, expect some razzing, but they’ll probably back off eventually. If from that point you stick to it, it’ll just be your thing. If however, you go back and forth from good eating to bad, they won’t respect you and you’ll never hear the end of it.
Keep it simple. Most lunches these days don’t involve booze. If they do just don’t order it.
I always order a salad. Low cal italian on the side. I nibble on some bread usually. It won’t kill you.
If I know the client well I’ll tell them I eat healthy. I usually just say “cholesterol” and leave it at that. Most people don’t push it. I am 41 so it is a common problem in my age group.