I think the gum idea might help me, It might curb the impulse to just shove a piece in my mouth and move on.
Also, I do eat before I go to work, but the management usually makes me take my lunch before the afternoon rush; sometimes I'll go into work at 10 or 11, and they'll make me take my lunch at 12 or 1, so I'll go from noon to closing without another break; which really really wears on my self control.
But like I said, the busy season will only last a while longer, I'll try the gum idea which sounds like it will help.
I've found saying "no" to an addiction helps (to everything regarding food). The first few days are hardest, but it's almost an invigorating feeling of rejecting the temptation and it goes on to just be a simple, "No, I don't want to eat that because my scale will reflect." Eat a larger breakfast (even if you don't like to), and bring lunch and make the time to snack on it. If you have time to grab candy, you have time to eat something different and no one would judge you for not wanting to get cavities or gain weight.
Last edited by JulesMarion; 10-22-2013 at 03:04 PM.
I couldn't do it! I would be line an alcoholic working at a liquor store. All the sensory stimulation would make want to crave it more. Sorry I don't have any advice! Good luck.
Yikes, I cannot imagine. I worked at Dunkin Donuts as my first job and just had to quit because they would only keep the donuts out 4 hours for "freshness" and so I would go home with dozens of donuts. Even now, I make my husband put foods that I am trying to avoid somewhere out of my sight. My self control is much easier that way.
Since they make you take an early lunch, maybe they'd let you have a healthy snack behind the counter as well to help?
That's tough! There's some good advice here, though. Maybe trying a combination of some of them will work. Let's hope!
I'm a calorie counter. I have been for a few years now. And when I track accurately (no "nibbles" of a sandwich and chips without counting them), I lose weight. When I don't, I don't lose weight. I have very little if any instinct for what amount of food is "enough." Now I only have some idea because I know the general calorie counts of a lot of foods off the top of my head.
For those who do a lot of work to calorie count, one thing that saved me just a TON of time is a food tracker app on my phone. I got a free one and it works amazingly well. It saves any recipes or custom foods I put in it and I can use it all whenever I want. So easy. I'd recommend it. I used to do a spreadsheet, which worked well but took considerably more time.
And now with the app I can switch up foods if I no longer feel like eating X for lunch, but instead want Y, and it gives me the calories and everything right there in front of me.
Just a thought.
Good luck working in a candy store! That's simultaneously awesome and really scary!
I have worked in a number of jobs serving food, I snuck a bit at times, but I always felt guilty, like you said, it costs the store money, even though others do it doesn't make it right. I also personally find it unattractive when employees are eating, drinking, smoking, etc on the job. It deters me from wanting to go back. It's not hygienic to be eating the candy or other foods on the job either, if you touch your face, forget to wash your hands, etc, it isn't sanitary. I don't mean to give 'tough love' advice but I have been in similar situations, I did better when I avoided the food unless it was on my break. Remember, as an employee, you are a walking advertisement for the company.
Seabiscuit, pretty much all of the candy consumption happens once the store is closed and we're stocking. I understand what your saying and I agree, but its not really the hard part, lol.
I'll be refilling the gummy worm container and eat a few myself. (also we wear gloves when handling any non packaged food and wash our hands frequently) I try to be as hygienic as possible.
I skimmed through this thread, so I hope I didn't miss something. I think that the biggest problem for me would be the hunger. If you're able to reach for candy at some point in the day or after work, then why not have some almonds waiting for you instead? Or, could you have a protein shake and sip on it throughout your shift? Again, if you're eating after the store is closed, why not have a turkey sandwich ready for consumption? Or some string cheese and apple? Just some thoughts. I feel for you though!
On the other hand it can be good training for what we all face one way or another in our daily lives. I go to the deli at least a few times a day for hot water, coffee, and they have salmon and good soups a couple of times a week so I get lunch there on those days.
They just have rows of candy and potato chips and pies and cookies. Pies and cookies (from the oven) are right by the register as is the candy. The potato chips are in part of the line you pass through. A freezer for ice cream a freezer for sodas.
Basically all the stuff I used to eat and have cut out. Yes it is NOT the same as working there and handling it. But temptations are everywhere. When I work out at the gym TVs are always on. It is kind of absurd how many fast food and snack commercials there are. We are surrounded by bad choices and temptations all around every day regardless of where we work. This is just in my experience. So one way or the other we have to overcome the temptations and say no.
Last edited by diamondgeog; 10-23-2013 at 11:01 AM.
I used to work at the Alaskan Fudge Co., which was rather tempting. My strategy was pretty simple - I allowed myself a piece of my favorite candy each day, and the rest was off limits. One dipped dark chocolate caramel per day, all other things being controlled, was not a recipe for weight gain (I wouldn't do that now because I'm low carb, I'd choose the dark chocolate dipped almond cluster, sans caramel, instead ). But it took practice and not much more willpower than normal - being busy helped, and quite frankly I got sick of candy pretty quickly. It was headache inducing!
We were allowed to eat any candy that hit the floor, but oftentimes we just piled it on the counter so people could pick through it after their shifts. It was also not against employee policy to eat an item of the dipped candies, as hundred were produced per day and it was a pittance. I'm all about not cheating my bosses by any measure, but I'd ask them if they are okay with you sneaking a piece or two (most are just happy to be asked, instead of having it assumed!).
Last edited by Arctic Mama; 10-23-2013 at 05:11 PM.
Try the sugar free candy. I've found that those with sugar alcohols have "interesting" side effects if you eat too much. (Tummy trouble) That would definitely put you off of over consuming! Hang in there! I'm sure it's lots of fun, but I would be SO tempted to eat everything!!
). But it took practice and not much more willpower than normal - being busy helped, and quite frankly I got sick of candy pretty quickly. It was headache inducing!
