Don’t let the stress of the virus drive you towards comfort eating

“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!

7 thoughts on “Don’t let the stress of the virus drive you towards comfort eating”

  1. I am very surprised that this situation with the covid 19 virus has actually really upset me very much. I am not afraid of catching it I am just upset that most of my activities are closed and the fact that it is going to be difficult to visit my daughter in Hong Kong. I should have been going for Easter. However I shall start listening to the chillpod and I am very grateful for your support with this. Thank you Sandra.

  2. Your positivity is both inspiring and infectious. I am amazed what Slim Pod has done for me. I started it a week before I was diagnosed with diabetes at beginning of December and now am 3 stones down with blood sugars much reduced and exercise much increased. The quality of my life has vastly improved – I listen to all pods at least nightly and top up with the chill pod during day as I can be a stress monkey – best money I ever spent. Thank you for sharing all you do.

  3. Hi Sandra, I am struggling atm with emotional eating, I’m off work as I am high risk , I want to go to the gym but will go for a walk instead. I’m still podding every day but I dont see a difference yet . Kind regards Nicola

  4. Beverley nuttall

    Sandra, thanks for that email, have been listen to chill pod, but will increase to 2/3 daily, as o am an emotional eater and stressed at the moment, as my normal routine has gone haywire

  5. Have’nt. at the moment started overeating but as I am in the over 70’s catagory and having to isolate it will be hard. But I am going to start getting
    my garden in order and that will take some time. I still walk my little dog but
    I can keep away from other people. Will continue listening to the Chillpod.
    I will really miss seeing my grandchildren who live 5 minutes away but we are going to FaceTime. My other grandchildren live in Leigh on Sea and my
    daughter and grandson live in Norfolk, so I don’t know when I will see them. But still, onward and upwards.

  6. Pamela hodgkin

    I listened to the free download at weekend it worked wonders but has disappeared from my phone can I have details please xxx

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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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