I'd opt for choice 2. And don't forget, there are bound to be SOME foods brought that you can eat - someone will surely bring a salad, or chicken wings, or ribs or something?

Sign up and bring something awesome and also paleo. If you are going to feel bad about not buying in to the dessert scene (cookies/pie) bring a paleo dessert as well.

Nobody is going to notice you're not eating anything specific. If they do tell them you have a wheat allergy.

If you don't make a scene there won't be one. Just enjoy the food and hope someone else brings meat.

Don't let paleo make you into some social pariah. You certainly can eat things that appear "paleo" enough, and you're not likely going to suffer any major consequences.

You don't want to socially isolate yourself and it is likely with a group that size there will be at least a few other things you can eat. I do think there are some situations where it may be better to just skip it, but that should be the exception--not the rule--and, I really don't think this is one of them. In a group that size, it seems unlikely anyone is going to focus in on what you are eating.

If someone tries to give you something you don't want, just say no thank you (don't give reasons! That just opens it up for discussion). If someone asks if you tried some particular dish you can just something like, "no, but it looks wonderful" then ask them a question about themselves. If there is a hard core food pusher you don't want (or can't afford job-wise) to offend you can always claim you are full, but agree to take some for "later" (then drop it in the trash when convenient).

I agree with most of the above comments: be social, eat what you deem acceptable, and politely turn down things you are avoiding.

If all the food pushers start stressing you out, excuse yourself ("I've got a lot of work" or "I need to run an errand before day's end" etc.) and take a break.

A lot of what I've seen lately about paleo/primal is that part of the lifestyle is keeping stress levels down and enjoying life. So, enjoy your coworkers' company, have some yummy (acceptable) food, and bolt when you've had your fill. 8)

I have to go to a lot of buffet type social functions, and I find it is never a problem. As others have said, there are always things there you can eat. I recommend filling your plate with safe food. You can even add some non paleo stuff that is not particularly appealing to you, and then never get around to eating it. If someone urges you to try something, decline politely. In the past four years, I have only felt compelled to eat something out of bounds at two social occasions. These were sit down dinners, and I chose to honor the trouble the hosts had gone to and eat a small piece of dessert. I survived :)

I personally think as a blood type O that it looks bad if you don't participate. I didn't bring a dish at a couple of office pot lucks as a temp and didn't get hired. Can you pull together the energy to make a chili of some kind? I never could but if you can that is my suggestion. You could go with turkey which is going to suit more people. Use tomatoes also even though they are deadly nightshades. Try to drop the whole paleo superiority trip for just one day.

There's almost always a salad and crudites. You'll be fine!

Last time I worked in an office I brought some paleo treats for the potluck and turns out another woman had brought "paleo" gluten-free cookies. I had never met her before (big office), so I not only had something to eat, I got to talk to someone about paleo. I ate mostly those + my stuff + the cheese plate. Oh, and drank some wine. No one really noticed that I wasn't eating the cake.

I have never understood the big deal behind office potluck. First of all we had a lady that we KNOW she didnt wash after using the bathroom so we always watched to see what she brought. Other than that we didnt care what others ate, brought, etc....

Bring something you can eat or bring a bag of Terra Chips (sweet potato or the parsnips mix) even though it may have a few oils you arent supposed to have, you have at least brought something and it may be new for your crowd. Eat something at your desk if you are famished...otherwise, grab your regular drink and mingle....

Participate! Bring something paleo and delicious.

If it's all junk then make a big plate of it, eat what you brought, and take the rest back to your desk. Who knows you may trip and spill it in a trash can on the way to your desk. Accidents happen.

Old thread, although still applicable for other potluck times.

Me, I participate since it is a social thing. I just bring something I know I want to eat. :) Don't even need to say it's Paleo or anything. Chili, meatballs in spaghetti sauce, bacon wrapped hot dogs, chopped up hot dogs in paleo bbq sauce, etc. All tasty (flavor is critical).

You might have to do a bit of work for the vegetarians at the office though. Critical, no, but again, it's a social thing. Celery/carrots, natural peanut butter, etc. I don't put a ton of work into it.

Unless you're deathly ill from something, you can take a little from everyone's dish. Try a bite or two to taste/comment on, and toss the rest in private, or eat and take it as a day off the paleo wagon (it won't kill you for a day, hopefully).

Final note around Halloween, your presentation is almost as important as what you bring. Last time around, I brought meatballs with small chunks of mozarella (added after cooking), slathered on BBQ sauce, and called it eyeballs in blood. Not a ton of work, not particularly eyebally, but went over well. Almost too well in that I didn't get any leftovers where I'll usually get some. Oh well.

Having just given up gluten, my office Christmas party felt like a minefield. I made an awesome vegetable dish, which I put on the common table. I also brought some extra for myself along with some beef, threw them on a plate and went and sat with everyone else. Nobody noticed, and when the usual "have you tried the so-and-so?" came up, I just said, no, it looks great but I'm totally full.

Find a way to join in. Isolating yourself is bad socially, politically, and frankly mentally. Honestly, 99% of people would rather you hung out drinking water or tea, than stayed away. People might mention something but mostly they're concerned or just making conversation. And truly, the more people speak up about their dietary restrictions, the more chance people will pay attention and possibly bring more inclusive foods.