WHEN it comes to competing in the workplace, it pays to lose – weight, that is. The diet world is one in which there’s always a new flavor – or lack thereof, in this case – of the month. But there’s a new regimen that’s gaining steam in New York, and it’s grounded on hard work at the office.
Dubbed the “Co-Worker Diet,” the latest weight-loss plan to hit the slimming scene calls for colleagues to fight the battle of the bulge together.
It looks like calorie-counting is the way to scale the corporate weight ladder.
“We’ve lost a total of 55 pounds,” says Jacqueline Dolly, a 38-year-old senior director of marketing for Junior Achievement of New York, a nonprofit organization. She and 10 colleagues are watching their carbohydrate intake together and competing to be the office’s biggest loser.
“When you’re trying to lose weight by yourself, it’s hard to stick to a plan,” she says. “But when you have support from people you work with, it’s much more motivating.”
The ever-growing collaborative effort to drop pounds has developed a cult following among Manhattan associates – those who embrace losing weight now instead of waiting until New Year’s, when resolve is high, but success rates are low.
“Everybody should have a pre-New Year’s resolution,” says Joy Bauer, author of “Food Cures” and a supporter of the trend.
“If you start now, you’ll have lost weight for New Year’s Eve, feel better and look better. Since most people gain weight during the holidays, you’re way ahead of the game if you start now.”
The plan is simple: Select any diet you and your officemates agree on – Weight Watchers, South Beach or just plain old abstinence from sweets – and work together (or against each other) to stick to it.
“We have a group of 20 on the Weight Watchers at Work program,” says Lisa Daglian, a 45-year-old media specialist at Chandlier Chicco Agency, a p.r. firm.
“One of the best things about being on a diet with co-workers is that they’re always around, and there’s so much support and strength in numbers,” she says. “We all work toward a common goal, and there’s an incredible energy when we all find out how much we’ve lost while helping each other.”
Bauer agrees that the “ease” factor is important when losing weight. “It’s very convenient, and a lot of people don’t have the time after work to invest in dieting,” she says. “But if you’re doing it with co-workers, there’s always somewhere to meet, somewhere to get support and it’s integrated into your day, so it’s a win-win situation.”
For Tony Ho Loke, a 34-year-old media specialist, the convenience of having a fellow dieter a mere cubicle away is the reason she’s found success.
“I see my co-workers more than I see my friends, and that makes it easy for us to keep each other in check. We instant-message or call each other to discuss what we’re having for lunch and find out how many points it is,” she says.
“Dieting is a social thing.”
This is what Bauer calls the “built-in guilt factor.”
“You think twice before you cave in or crave something bad, because you know all eyes are on you,” she says. “It’s incredibly helpful to know that someone is a few feet away.”
Plus, she adds, “The office is particularly problematic during the holidays, when there are always baked goods. What a fabulous thought to think that you won’t have to worry because your co-workers are in the same boat.”
Sure, support is great, but it’s not always enough. For some, it’s all about incentive.
Roseanne Dennehy, who works at Junior Achievement agency of New York and has already lost five pounds since October, found just the encouragement her co-workers needed.
She organized “The Biggest Loser” contest, where participants pay a weekly fee of $5 and weigh in every Monday until Dec. 31. The person who loses the most percentage of weight by the end of the competition wins all of the cash, about $780.
“You spend eight to 10 hours a day with colleagues, having breakfast and lunch with them,” says Dennehy. “Dieting with co-workers is 110 percent a great method to follow.”
Money can motivate, but some health gurus don’t think it’s good for the long term.
“Ultimately, people need to find motivation to practice healthy behaviors internally,” says Karen McPartland, a registered dietician at the Princeton Longevity Center.
So what about sharing your weight at work?
“It depends on the type of person you are. Some people may not be comfortable sharing their personal weight details and emotional eating issues,” says McPartland.
“Others may fear that if they don’t lose weight, their job may be in jeopardy or that they’ll be stigmatized as a failure.”
Dennehy disagrees.
“People were initially uncomfortable about disclosing their weight, but not anymore. And it’s especially good to keep yourself in check during the holidays.”
And what about the boss?
“My boss participates,” she says. “It’s a team-building activity.”
And then there are those who simply love a good game.
“For me, it’s about competing,” says Dan Langley, a 25-year-old who’s in it for the money.
“While actually going against co-workers, we are working together and there’s a real incentive.” But the best part: “Everyone sees what you’re eating, and if you take out a hamburger at lunch, you definitely get a shake of the head.”
Avoid the office danger zones!
FROM the vending machine to the deli next door, the workplace can be hazardous for active dieters. Here’s a list of things to stay away from:
* Office happy hour: After a long workday, everyone needs a drink. But overindulging in $2 beers and chicken wings isn’t a way to de-stress; it’s a binge fest. Stick to wine and avoid appetizers at all costs.
* Holiday free table: With the holidays in full effect, beware of the treats your employees are baking. From brownies to sugar cookies, there will be a plethora of decadent desserts to avoid.
* Next-door deli: We all have a favorite deli right around the corner. It’s got a tempting lunch buffet (it might be yummy, but a few lunches a week here will make your cholesterol level shoot up). Avoid General Tso’s chicken and mac and cheese by bringing in a homemade lunch low in carbohydrates.
* Holiday party: Free food and alcohol is tough to turn down, so the best way to mingle at the office fete without stuffing your face is to go stuffed. Eat healthy food before getting there; it’ll be easier to say no.