Athletes transitioning into a corporate environment can face a unique set of challenges. One of those challenges includes navigating a culture where conversations around food, dieting, and body image are as common as the Monday morning meetings. Diet talks, or conversations about nutrition, portion control, fitness classes, and other topics happen more often than we realize. As a former DI athlete I’ve heard it all, including co-workers who would:
- Tell me about their diets
- Share the newest workout class they’re taking
- Comment on what I’m eating
- Give me advice on how to lose weight… even though I never asked for advice or I wasn’t trying to lose weight lol
- Comment on my portion sizes
- Become ‘experts’ when it comes to food… those co-workers who are always fasting, eliminating [insert ‘bad food’ here] from their diets, or become fixated on the latest food trend
- Drop phrases such as ‘well you don’t need to worry about that, you’re in shape‘ or ‘you’re an athlete so you can probably eat whatever you want’, etc.
The list goes on. Once I started working in a corporate setting, I noticed a lot of my colleagues liked to discuss food, fitness, diet culture, and other health-related matters as water cooler talk… I just preferred to work! After some time, I began to wonder if it was just me, or if this was common. After experiencing this at a few jobs, I’m pretty confident that many former athletes are approached with diet talk often. If you’ve started to see trends of food and fitness dominating your lunch hour, below are a few tips to help you maintain your healthy mindset in an environment that might not always promote the same:
Former Athletes: 8 Tips for Managing Diet Talk in the Office
Stay True to Your Values. When those ‘experts’ start preaching, just remember why you prioritize a healthy lifestyle. It’s not just about appearances but about feeling strong, energized, and focused. Keep these goals in mind when the diet talk becomes overwhelming.
Set Boundaries. It’s okay to politely but firmly set boundaries when it comes to discussions about weight, diets, or fitness routines. Let your colleagues know that you prefer not to engage in those conversations and redirect to more positive topics. If it gets really bad, consider popping in your headphones or talking to human resources.
Educate and Share. Use your experience as an athlete to educate others about the importance of a holistic approach to health. Share how your focus is on performance, well-being, and balance rather than restrictive diets. However, you don’t have to become the resident wellness coach, so find the balance that works for you.
Lead by Example. I love to channel the phrase ‘don’t talk about it, be about it’. Demonstrate a balanced approach to food and exercise. Show that you can enjoy treats without guilt and that fitness is about overall health, not just appearance. Your actions might inspire others to adopt a healthier mindset.
I would often hear co-workers say things like: ‘I’m eliminating all carbs from my diet’ or ‘I’m going to cut back on alcohol after the holidays’ or ‘I’m starting my cleanse for beach season’. I don’t do any of that, especially on days when I can squeeze in a 6am run or early morning HIIT workout. For me, it’s all about balance and I have no problem saying that.
Seek Support. If the chatter is getting obsessive, connect with like-minded colleagues or friends who share your values. Having a support system can make it easier to navigate an environment that may not align with your wellness goals.
Promote Body Positivity. Encourage a positive body image culture. Remind your colleagues that everyone’s body is different and that health and happiness come in various shapes and sizes.
Consider Self-Care Strategies. Incorporate self-care strategies into your routine to manage stress. Whether it’s taking short walks during breaks or practicing mindfulness, find what works for you to maintain a healthy balance. My best office self-care strategy to date has been to schedule walks during my lunch hour. When working in NYC, I’d eat lunch at my desk while I worked, and would then use my break to explore downtown Manhattan. The walking helped me walk off my meals, allowed me to clear my head, and gave me a big boost of energy before finishing up the workday.
Engage in Constructive Conversations. If you feel comfortable, engage in open and constructive conversations about the impact of diet culture. Help create awareness about the potential harm of constant diet talk on mental health. Again, this is only if you feel like talking about health and wellness. It’s okay to not talk about these topics and do the job you were hired to do.
Remember, your journey as an athlete is unique, and your commitment to health and well-being is commendable. By staying true to yourself and promoting a positive mindset, you not only contribute to a healthier office culture but also inspire others to rethink their approach to food and fitness. Don’t let others who are obsessed with diet talk affect your self confidence or influence your habits. Unfortunately, many of my coworkers never realized the comments they make or the advice they give reveals a lot of insecurities they have about their own health and fitness journey. #facts
Growing up, I was really fortunate that I didn’t have an unhealthy relationship with food or an obsession with body image. For me, food was fuel to help me stay active and was used to help me perform on the basketball court. I didn’t feel the need to weigh myself, because I knew when I felt good, healthy, strong or weak. Today I still feel this way: I am not a nutritionist, but I know my body. I know when I’ve eaten too much, not enough, or if I’m not getting the right amount of fruits, veggies or proteins to get through the day. Being true to myself has help me stay healthy overall and feel confident when working in a sea of workers who have a different focus. 😉