Overcome weight loss fears that are holding you back

“Just one more slice!”
Sound familiar?

If Easter fills you with a mix of joy and quiet dread, you’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your journey, this time of year can stir up more than chocolate cravings. It can bring a lot of social pressure, especially around food.

Maybe you’ve felt it: that subtle (or not-so-subtle) nudge to eat something you’d rather not. The awkward pause when you decline a second helping. The worry that saying no will come off as rude or “no fun.”

If that’s resonating, take a deep breath. You’re not being dramatic. You’re simply trying to honour your needs—and that matters.

Why Easter Can Feel So Tricky

Easter is steeped in tradition. Hot cross buns, roast dinners, chocolate eggs… It’s a celebration wrapped in food. And with that comes expectation.

You might find yourself in situations where:

  • Family insists you “go on, just have one more.”
  • You feel judged—for eating “too much”, or “not enough.
  • Saying no feels like rejecting a loved one, not just the food.
  • Everyone’s indulging, and you’re torn between joining in or listening to your body.

But food doesn’t have to be the main event. You’re allowed to enjoy Easter on your terms—without guilt, without stress, and without feeling like you’re constantly explaining yourself.

How to Handle Social Pressure Around Food at Easter

1. Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy

When something feels forbidden, it becomes louder in your mind. Slimpod helps shift this—so rather than obsessing over what’s “allowed,” you can focus on what feels right. There’s no rulebook. You can have the chocolate if you want it. Or not. Either way, you’re in charge.

2. Set Gentle Boundaries

You don’t owe anyone an explanation. If you’re full, “That was lovely, thank you” is enough. If someone’s pushing food, try “I’m saving mine for later!” Soft but firm works wonders. You’re allowed to have boundaries without guilt.

3. Drop the All-or-Nothing Thinking

One chocolate egg won’t undo your progress. One indulgent meal isn’t a setback. What matters is what you do most of the time—not what happens on a single day. So, if things don’t go to plan, don’t panic. Just return to what feels good.

4. Shift the Focus from Food

Make memories, not just meals. Suggest a walk, get stuck into a game, or enjoy a good chat. These moments stick far longer than what was on your plate.

5. Be Kind to Yourself

If you find yourself eating more than you intended—pause. Not to judge, but to care. What do you need right now? A walk? A glass of water? A little forgiveness? Self-kindness is a game-changer. It doesn’t undo anything—it simply helps you move forward with more ease.

Easter, Without the Pressure

Let Easter be what you want it to be. Whether that’s enjoying a slice of cake or choosing not to, either decision is valid.

Joy isn’t found in forcing food you don’t want—or in missing out because you think you “shouldn’t.” Joy is in the connections, the conversations, and the quiet confidence that you’re listening to yourself.

So this Easter, tune in. Honour your needs. And celebrate your progress—whatever that looks like for you.

Simple Reflection for the Day:

  • Before the meal, take a pause. Ask: “What would feel good for me today?”

  • After the meal, write down three small wins—any moments where you made a conscious choice or showed yourself care.

You’re doing brilliantly! And this Easter, you get to decide what feels right. Check out my recent blog on food guilt below!

15 thoughts on “Overcome weight loss fears that are holding you back”

  1. Thank you very much Sandra. What really sets Slimpod apart is that you always talk from your personal experiences. Your recent experience of public speaking in an international health conference and the learning outcome of tackling your biggest obstacle of public speaking is incredibly inspiring and invaluable. Thank you for sharing them in this blog and reminding us to believe in ourselves and to face fear rather than give in to the fear of failure. Wishing you the very best.

  2. Very well done Sandra. but I have to say however hard (and I’m getting upset typing this) I try my inner self always says, Mavis, you are never going to lose weight!! I battle hard to overcome it but i can’t get through this. However it is lovely to see it happening to other people. Sorry I won’t be able to join in this Friday as our lovely family are taking us away for a long weekend as we continue to celebrate our 60th. wedding anniversary. You see I have so many reasons to lose weight but at the back of my mind a voice says don’t even think about it…However I will NOT give up.

  3. Thankyou for your wise words.
    I am listening and reading but find it strange not to be writing down my food and activity. Allowing things to ust evolve is a bit scary!

  4. Thank you for this blog Sandra, it was illuminating in so many ways, and for me resonated beyond the fear of weight loss. I relate to your fear of public speaking and want to congratulate you, I wouldn’t have realised that you have a history of being fearful of public/live speaking as you come across as, and are, the consummate professional. Thank you for divulging this information and for helping everyone in the Slimpod and the wider community for sharing your work. YOU and your team are making a positive difference to so many lives x

  5. I’m just starting my second month with Slimpod and can honestly say it’s been great, I’d one or two or three days that I fell off the wagon but feel no pressure as I’m not weighing myself, got back on track and am going all guns blazing, I listen to my pods at night and love Trevor’s voice,seriously this is such a positive experience and recommend to anyone who listens to me.❤️❤️

  6. Hi Sandra, as a Slimpod member I have come to the realization that what Slimpod offers is so much more than a weight loss program. I truly believe that because the approach you take is so holistic it has a profound impact on our mental health not just our physical well being. Thank you ?

  7. Thank you Sandra
    You’ve made me realise what is holding me back and I am now going to lean into my fears and learn from my mistakes and take things one day at a time

  8. I am 12 weeks into the programme and I have lost weight, not sure how much as I haven’t weighed myself, my sabotaging mind is telling me I am kidding myself, I have realised I have never actually passed 12 weeks in the past of sticking to a healthy/diet plan, it’s hard to break the cycle, so your message of not being fearful is encouraging – I went food rogue last weekend, so it’s not failure, it’s feedback, it’s my mind saying “give up now” well I am not, I am getting back on track and joining extra, as I realise I haven’t cracked this, I still need Slimpod, it’s going to be a long journey but I am committed. Thank you for all the support!

  9. You are so right Sandra. when you are overweight it does hold you back and you feel people are judging how you look. Thank you.

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About Sandra
Founder of Thinking Slimmer
Food addiction expert
Member of All-Party Parliamentary Obesity Group
Huffington Post contributor
DipCHyp HPD NLP MasterPrac
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