Feeling guilty about overeating chocolate is not uncommon because it’s associated with being a ‘bad’ food, something we ‘should’ restrict and not eat ‘too much’ of. It’s not surprising that at Easter, a time of celebration typically associated with eating chocolate, people with eating disorders, those dieting and those with concerns around their bodies really struggle.

Why do you think chocolate is bad?

Ask yourself this question, where have you learnt this? Most likely from diet advertising and messages about foods that make you ‘fat’ (a horrible word). Perhaps you weren’t allowed to eat it growing up or it was only for special occasions. We learn all the time negative messages about certain foods and what they will supposedly do to our bodies. Food is also used as a punishment or reward, but my dietician colleagues will tell you that all foods are ‘good’ foods and that’s why we are encouraged to eat a variety of foods, including chocolate. 

Labelling food

When we label something as bad or not good for us, we attach morals and values to that food and then feel bad for eating it. When we restrict our diet and what we allow ourselves to eat, it often leads to more cravings of the food. When we eat it, we are more likely to overeat or binge on it and then beat ourselves up for this behaviour.

Let go of judgement

I work with people struggling with attaching emotions to food and we work on letting go of judgement of ourselves and others eating. Food is just food, and all food helps us in some way, whether that’s to fuel our body or make us feel pleasure. A healthy relationship with food leads to a more positive mindset about eating and ourselves. We need to learn to love and respect our bodies by eating a variety of foods and not depriving ourselves. For most people, if they allow themselves to eat what their body needs and wants, they can eat some chocolate, enjoy it, and then stop when they’ve had enough.

Body dissatisfaction

When we don’t like our appearance, it often affects our eating, which leads us to deprive ourselves or punish our bodies. You have to learn to respect your body for all that it does for you. Your body has done nothing wrong, allow it to rest and enjoy itself, that includes eating yummy foods.

This Easter, enjoy the chocolate as a celebration of this time. Share it with friends and family and enjoy the social catch up. Savour the taste rather than eating it all at once and remember that you can eat chocolate at any time of the year, not just at Easter.

This time can be distressing for people with eating disorders. If you need help, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation; butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/

I’ve also written a book to help with such issues that you might find helpful, Eating Disorders: A Practitioner’s Guide to Psychological Care;  australianacademicpress.com.au

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