Why do they do this?

Is it sabotage or self-destruction?

When co-workers bring in goodies to work, knowing that you are trying to resist treats (and have a problem doing so), and knowing that said treats are absolutely no good for themselves or anyone else in the office, what is the motivation?

I know that 90% of the motivation is to do something nice for everyone, something that will make them happy. But I also believe that just a little bit of it is a set-up, a way of creating temptation for those of us who don't want the sweets, so that we will either succumb or make ourselves miserable by resisting. I know this is attributing very unkind attributes to people who are supposed to be our friends. But mostly I don't think they know that they have this motivation. It's subconscious. Buried deeply along with the mixed feelings they probably feel about those of us who have successfully lost weight when they have not.

I have tried, half-jokingly, to restrict the amount of unhealthy treats brought to the office. I have insisted on buying cheese sticks and 100-calorie packs and other less terrible goodies. Last week I brought some strawberries, but I think they were mostly eaten by me. Then inevitably, when I am not around, in come the cookies and chips and, today, doughnuts.

Lucky for me, I am much more able to resist doughnuts (and chips also) than I am cookies and candy. So as long as I don't succumb to "just a taste"—which would probably lead to more tastes—I am okay.

When I do criticize or try to restrict the "bad" food, I am accused of trying to deprive everyone else of what they want, what makes them happy. I admit my main reason for wanting to keep the stuff out is to protect myself from temptation, and I really wouldn't dream of trying to tell other people what to eat. (Maybe just passive aggressively suggest it.) But really, nobody needs this stuff.

Just for fun, I printed out several pages showing the calories in various Krispy Kreme doughnuts and taped them onto the boxes. They'll probably be furious at me. But if you're going to eat this stuff, you might as well be informed! The interesting thing is that one original Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut has "only" 200 calories (certainly less than a Starbuck's scone or other more wholesome sounding goodie). So, if you don't care about the sugar, carbs, and fat (undoubtedly trans fats), and can limit yourself to just one, then a doughnut isn't the worst thing in the world to eat. Information is power.

Now, I do have one more confession. I myself have been known to bring in cookies or chocolate on occasion when I either wanted to get them out of my house or, more often, just wanted to treat everyone. If I do it, it's okay. That's the little exception to the rule.