Ep 96 Food Choice Harassment
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
This week I chat with a past guest, Lisa, about her experiences with workplace harassment because she must eat gluten free. This may or may not be something you know about first hand, but just hearing Lisa’s experiences makes one think about how those of us on a special diet are perceived by our co-workers.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
(search Sues Gluten Free Baking)
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
While I was chatting with Lisa, I began to realize how fortunate I have been to work with some very caring individuals. Working in my gluten free bakery, I was obligated to ensure that my employees never brought any gluten containing foods onto the premises, and apart from enforcing that, I didn’t think much of it. They understood and were happy to cooperate.
I suppose they could have taken the attitude that I was restricting their rights, but that was not the case. In other job situations when I worked in an office, I tried to keep my diet issues somewhat private, which can be a good strategy. However, one job I had was with a very “social” group who and enjoyed celebrating every occasion, including birthdays, retirements, professional milestones and almost anything you can imagine. I enjoyed my time with my co-workers, but it wasn’t long before my secret was out.
I could only turn down their offers of food for so long before I had to spill the beans. It wasn’t that I didn’t find their food appealing, I just couldn’t eat it. They took my news as a bit of a rallying call to educate the entire office about gluten free and include a gluten free option in every “celebration”.
I didn’t realize how fortunate I was until it came time for me to leave my job and move on. To my great pleasure and surprise, my “leaving do” was completely gluten free. Everyone who offered to bring food did their homework and brought something that was safe for me to eat. I was very touched by their efforts.
On reflection, and after speaking with Lisa, I now realize how fortunate I was to work with a group of people who cared to include me, special diet and all, in their social activities. I was made to feel part of the group and they learned more about both celiac disease and the gluten free diet. At least one of my past co-workers now has a relative who requires gluten free.
Lisa dealt with her situation as best she could. Sometimes ignorance of other people’s needs leads to misperceptions and jealousy. Keeping a positive attitude under those circumstances can be all but impossible.
I wish there was a blueprint we could use to ensure those we work and live with would understand our special diet and incorporate it into all they do, but there isn’t. All we can do is have a positive attitude towards the foods we eat and the foods we must deny ourselves, and hopefully others will learn by our example. It’s not easy.