If your coworkers keep asking and offering, could you simply just say "Thank you for offering, but no thanks. You don't have to feel obligated to ask me, you won't hurt my feelings and it would make it easier for me to stay on track with my eating."

That way, you've given them permission to avoid you. They probably don't want to ignore you for fear of hurting your feelings.

I find that the easiest way to handle these situations is not to broadcast far and wide that I am "dieting." What I eat or don't eat is no one else's business--and not only that, but they do NOT have to look out for me!

She was being polite and including you. Just say no and leave it at that. No evil eye needed!

Jay

I agree with the others that your coworkers are just trying to be polite and want to keep you "in the loop." (unless they are being overly pushy about it)

Eating out at my workplace is the norm, and at first it was very, very difficult for me to turn down people asking me to eat at whatever restaurant.

But, I would just tell people "no thanks" because I had packed my lunch, and they usually seem satisfied with that. I don't tell many people I am dieting, but instead tell them I am brown-bagging it to save money. Nearly everyone I tell that to will say something like, "I need to do that, too. Eating out is so expensive."

I find that people are more understanding if they think that you are watching your finances.

I understand what you're talking about. In our breakroom, most people go out and get fast food for lunch. But I always bring my leftovers and most everyone knows that now. I don't really have anyone ask me if I want anything much anymore. But it is nice to be included. I say just accept the invitation at face value and move on. Because life is just too short to stay mad at people over the small stuff.