I'm a blunt person, I admit I don't even bother anymore with so-called 'politeness' that I'd be the only one to take into account anyway (obviously... since if other people did it, they wouldn't question my food choices at first). So while I don't necessarily want to go into the weight loss discussion--after all, there's much more than weight to healthy eating--I just say something along the lines of "sorry, I have problems digesting this. Do you want me to give you the whole details, or shall I leave you enjoy your food just like I'd like to enjoy mine?" The prospect of hearing about potential gastric and intestinal explosions not being very appealing to most people, especially not during a lunch, the subject is then quickly dropped. (And it's not a lame excuse, by the way; junk food IS okay until it reaches my stomach, but the next two days after a meal at, say, McDonald's are... uh, rough. The body is a beautiful thing; once you start feeding it with healthy foods, it doesn't tolerate the junk ones as it did before. At least mine doesn't.)

I've gotten pretty used to comments on the way I eat from my friends & co-workers. It's true that it's none of their business, but when you see/often eat with these people every day it's inevitable people will comment, and I don't think it's worth it for me to be rude back when they make a rude comment about what I eat. Comments have tapered off as I've maintained my loss. Though I hate having to defend my choices, sometimes it's easier to just respond politely and change the subject. Perhaps you could say something like, "It's not about my weight, it's about my health," "I have to be careful because of my family history with xyz disease," "I'm just a picky eater," "I know eating that will give me a sugar low in a little bit, and I don't want to bottom out," and then simply smile and change the subject. Or, just don't respond, and change the subject. Your co-workers will get used to it, maybe they'll even start to respect you for it.

Sometimes...it isnt really about your food choices. I think some people just cant fathom passing up FREE food. It isnt that they think "oh wow she is being a food snob" or "oh she is depriving herself"...or even "errrgh her and her 'healthy food'"..Its "Why would you BOTHER packing if there is food right here and its FREE".

You all are so polite! I work with a bunch of guys. They are merciless to each other when they diet (and they do), so when they are rude to me, and they are, I mock and belittle them. They tend not to mess with me much anymore. Mind you, we all eat together, and there is usually a disgusting story about what somebody's kid or pet did last night, so this type of behavior, while quite uncivilized, is perfectly appropriate.

If a family member or close friend tries it, "We are not having this discussion" usually does the trick, or "Why is this your business?" will do for a nosy stranger.

Anne

Anne~as strange as it may sound, I really miss that kind of camaraderie with co-workers. I used to work at an office where joking was the norm (and we joked about EVERYTHING) and we could have conversations on just about any topic (with any employee--including the boss). Here, the atmosphere is so much different. I feel like I have to be nice all the time and rarely do I joke about anything. It's kind of sad.

But, in answer to the OP, I can't say that anyone really chides me for eating healthy. I've passed up gifts of cakes and cookies and no one has said a second word. Most of the people around me are trying to healthy, too, so it isn't much of an issue.

If it's the right situation where I can get away with something like this, I like to turn it around on them "Well, I'm bringing my food because I care about my body and my health. Let's talk about your food, though. Why have you chosen to eat that food that's going to make you unhealthy and probably give you heart disease?"

Doesn't work in every situation, though. You have to know your audience.

this is something that really drives me insane! I'm not anywhere near maintenance, but even as "the bigger one" in the group, I happen to eat WAY healthier than most of the others! and to comment on these things is just SO annoying!

People either assume that, because you are fat, you are going to eat anything slapped in front of you, or you are going to bring the fattiest dish to the BBQ/potluck. Give me a break! I don't even like most "junk" and fatty foods anymore. Just because I'm fat doesn't mean I'm totally unhealthy!

I am not maintaining yet, I hope you don't mind me posting in here. At first I would avoid all office functions because I was unsure how I would react. My boss called me in and asked why I chose not to go to any functions anymore since I started losing weight. I explained, that since I didn't know what ingredients are in each thing I don't feel comfortable eating the stuff we order in. She said that everyone would much rather I went to the functions and that I shouldn't worry about eating the food we ordered in. A new person started and asked at one of these luncheons why I was eating my own food and about 5 people jumped down her throat. I immediately defended her and said, she doesn't know relax. It is funny because now my co-workers eat way healthier and they blame me for it. I know I could be blamed for worse.
Thanks for letting me share.