PodcastsEducationWhy Weight? Start Now!

Why Weight? Start Now!

Sheryl Takayama
Why Weight?  Start Now!
Latest episode

40 episodes

  • Why Weight?  Start Now!

    Ep 37: A Message for the Overwhelmed Women in the Room

    19/04/2026 | 12 mins.
    SHOW NOTES

    If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and your eating feels completely out of control — this episode is for you. I’m talking directly to the woman who is holding everything together for everyone else, yet can’t seem to get her emotional eating under control.

    Here’s the truth: your struggle with food right now is not really about food. When life feels chaotic, food decisions become overwhelming too. The constant thoughts about what to eat? That’s your brain seeking comfort and distraction from stress — a classic sign of emotional eating.

    In this episode I share the exact simple low-carb eating structure I gave a client this week — a practical plan for overwhelmed women over 40 that requires zero willpower, no tracking, and no perfection. Just three meals a day, protein, and low carb. That’s it.

    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

    Why emotional eating is not your fault — and what’s really driving it

    How chronic stress triggers old habits and sabotages weight loss after 40

    Why motivation doesn’t work when you’re overwhelmed — and what does

    My simple survival food plan to stop binge eating and regain control fast

    How stabilising blood sugar reduces cravings and decision fatigue

    Why getting your food in order is the first step to reducing overwhelm in every area of your life

    KEY MOMENTS

    Your food is a mirror of your life

    When life feels chaotic, food decisions fall apart. It’s not weakness — it’s a predictable pattern I see in women over 40 who are carrying a heavy mental load.

    The brain’s food obsession is a coping mechanism

    Constant food thoughts are your brain’s way of protecting you from deeper stress. Recognising this is the first step to breaking the cycle of emotional eating.

    You don’t need motivation — you need structure

    Waiting for the right moment or a burst of motivation keeps you stuck. A simple, repeatable eating structure works even on your worst days.

    The survival food plan

    Three meals a day, no snacking, protein at every meal, low carb. No tracking. No perfection. Just a baseline to come back to whenever life gets messy.

    Food and life are inextricably linked

    Getting your eating back on track doesn’t just improve your health — it reduces overwhelm across your whole life. Calm food, calm mind.



    THE ONE ACTION YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW

    At your very next meal: put protein on your plate and leave out the high-carb foods.

    Don’t wait until Monday. Don’t try to be perfect. Just make that one meal count. That’s how you rebuild momentum and start to feel back in control of your emotional eating — one meal at a time.

    Want personalised support? Book a free call with me. I’d love to help you take your next step.
  • Why Weight?  Start Now!

    EP 36: 5 Ways to Stay Stane - and on Track - When the World Feels Chaotic

    13/04/2026 | 18 mins.
    SHOW NOTES

    Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or reaching for comfort food every time you check the news? You’re not alone. In this episode I’m sharing five simple but powerful strategies to help women over 35 stop emotional eating, stabilise blood sugar, and protect their mental health — even when the world feels uncertain.

    Whether you’re struggling with stress eating, poor sleep, or doom scrolling, these practical tools will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals without waiting for life to calm down first.

    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

    Why stress and high cortisol make fat loss harder — and what to do about it

    The simple low-carb eating formula that stabilises blood sugar and reduces emotional eating

    How your bedtime (not just sleep duration) affects your weight loss hormones and mood

    Why doom scrolling triggers the same cortisol response as a physical threat — and how to stop it

    The one mindset shift that puts you back in control when everything feels chaotic

    How to use joy and dopamine as tools for nervous system regulation

    KEY MOMENTS

    Blood sugar is your foundation. Protein at every meal, three meals a day, and no unnecessary snacking keeps cortisol steady and emotional eating at bay.

    Sleep before 10 pm is a game-changer. Going to bed late — even if you get eight hours — disrupts the sleep hormones that regulate appetite and stress.

    Your mental diet matters as much as your food diet. Social media algorithms are designed to provoke an emotional reaction. Curate your feed like you curate your plate.

    Stop monitoring what you can’t control. Checking fuel prices, exchange rates, and news headlines when you can’t act on them is a silent cortisol drain.

    Joy is medicine, not a luxury. Anticipating something positive raises dopamine and creates the hope your nervous system needs right now.

    YOUR ONE ACTION TO START NOW

    Control the scroll. Right now, unfollow or mute any account that consistently makes you feel worse. Then, instead of opening your For You page, search for something that lifts you up — positive quotes, funny animals, low-carb recipe ideas. Set a timer and stick to it. This one change is having the biggest impact on my clients’ emotional eating right now, and it can start working for you today.

    The only thing that’s going to stop you reaching your goal is if you quit. Never, ever give up.
  • Why Weight?  Start Now!

    Ep 35: Stop Starting Over - The Goal Setting Secret that Changes Everything

    08/03/2026 | 23 mins.
    Show Notes

    In this episode, I share the real reason so many women keep starting over with their weight loss goals — and it's not willpower, laziness, or the wrong diet. I explain why weight loss is fundamentally different from every other goal you'll ever set, and why that changes everything about how you approach it. If you're ready to stop the cycle and finally create a weight loss goal that sticks, this episode gives you the three key actions to make 2026 your year.

    What You'll Learn

    Why weight loss is an emotionally driven goal — and why that means standard goal-setting advice doesn't work

    How to create a compelling, exciting goal that motivates you more than the temporary pleasure of food

    Why vague goals like "I want to lose weight" aren't enough — and what to do instead

    How deadlines create urgency and stop the "I'll start Monday" cycle for good

    Why accountability to someone other than yourself is a game changer for weight loss success

    The daily habit that has kept my weight off for 25 years — and how to make it work for you

    Six practical ways to connect to your goal every single day

    Key Moments

    Why Weight Loss Is Different — Weight loss isn't a knowledge problem — it's an emotional one. Most women already know what to eat. What gets in the way is the lack of emotional drive when life gets hard and food is calling. Your goal needs to compete with that dopamine hit, every single day.

    Creating an Exciting Goal — Vague goals don't create action. I walk through how to go beyond the number on the scales and connect to what that goal actually means for your life — how you'll feel, what you'll be able to do, and why it matters. The goal has to move you emotionally every time you think about it.

    The Power of a Deadline — Without a deadline, a goal is just a wish. I cover three types of deadlines that work well — event-based, health-based, and milestone-based — and how to plan backwards from your target date to make progress feel real and achievable.

    Accountability Changes Everything — We are far more likely to follow through when someone else knows our commitment. Whether it's a friend, an accountability partner, or a coach, having external support provides motivation when your internal drive wavers.

    Daily Goal Connection — This is the secret sauce. Connecting to your goal every single day is what separates women who succeed from women who quit. Just like we shower to wash our bodies, we need to wash our minds daily — reminding ourselves what we're working toward and why.

    One Action You Can Do to Start Now

    Write down your goal using this prompt: If this were the best year of my life, health-wise, what would that look like? Don't think about what's realistic — think about what genuinely excites you. Then choose one way to connect to that goal every morning this week, whether that's two minutes of journaling, a vision board, or a photo on your lock screen. This single daily habit is the foundation that makes everything else — the food choices, the discipline, the consistency — so much easier.
  • Why Weight?  Start Now!

    Ep 34: Your Holiday Survival Guide - How to Stay Low Carb While Traveling

    28/01/2026 | 21 mins.
    Show Notes

    In this episode, I share my proven strategies for staying on track with your low carb lifestyle while traveling. Whether you're camping, road-tripping, or flying overseas, I'll show you how to avoid holiday weight gain, prevent bloating, and return home feeling energised - not defeated. Learn how to set realistic goals, prep smart before you leave, make the best food choices on the road, and hit the ground running when you get back home.

    What You'll Learn

    How to set clear intentions before your trip so you stay committed to your goals

    The critical prep work to do before leaving that sets you up for success when you return

    Smart low carb food options for road trips, camping, and air travel

    The "Last Day Rule" strategy for enjoying treats without derailing your progress

    Why hydration is your secret weapon for avoiding bloating and staying energized

    My favorite protein-packed travel foods including dehydrated meals and portable options

    How to get back on track immediately after your holiday—without waiting for Monday

    Key Moments

    Setting Your Holiday Intention - I explain why deciding your goal (maintenance vs. continued weight loss) before you pack is the most important strategy of all. The 80-20 formula works well for maintenance, while weight loss requires more discipline with meal planning and food prep.

    Pre-Holiday Food Prep - I share why preparing 1-2 meals before you leave is essential for every trip. Having low carb wraps, lasagna portions, or other meals in your freezer means you can stay on track from the moment you walk through the door, especially when dealing with jet lag or exhaustion.

    Low Carb Options on the Road - From protein bars and beef jerky at petrol stations to planning your protein sources in advance, I cover practical solutions for staying fueled without compromising your goals while traveling.

    The Last Day Rule - Save special treats for your final day of vacation. This gives you something to look forward to while keeping you on track for most of your trip, and you head straight home afterward with no chance to repeat the indulgence.

    Water as Your Secret Weapon - I emphasize why staying hydrated (2-3 liters daily) prevents bloating, headaches, and false hunger signals. Dehydration causes fluid retention, which is exactly what we don't want while traveling.

    Camping and Remote Travel Solutions - I recommend dehydrated keto meals (like Radix in New Zealand), canned proteins, protein powder, and low-carb pasta alternatives that are portable and don't require refrigeration.

    Coming Home Strong - Don't wait until Monday to restart your plan. Get back on track the day after you return by using your prepped meals, restocking fresh food within 24 hours, and immediately returning to your low carb routine.

    One Action You Can Do to Start Now

    Before your next trip, prep and freeze 2-3 low carb meals. This single action ensures you won't sabotage your progress in those crucial first 24-48 hours after returning home. Choose simple options like low carb lasagna, soup portions, or pre-made wraps that you can pull from the freezer and reheat. Having these meals ready eliminates decision fatigue, removes the temptation to order takeout, and keeps you in momentum with your weight loss goals from the moment you walk through your door.

    Products mentioned in this episode:

    Radix Nutrition keto dehydrated meals
  • Why Weight?  Start Now!

    Ep 33: How to Handle food Pushers This Festive Season

    15/12/2025 | 16 mins.
    Show Notes

    Ever felt pressured to eat holiday food you don't want? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how to handle food pushers during the festive season while staying on track with your weight loss goals and low carb lifestyle.

    I've maintained my 30 kilo weight loss for 25 years, and I've learned that the holidays aren't just about managing your relationship with food-they're about navigating everyone else's expectations too. Whether it's family gatherings, Christmas parties, or work celebrations, you'll discover practical strategies to set boundaries without damaging relationships or feeling guilty.

    If you're trying to lose weight during the holidays, this episode gives you the exact words to say, mindset shifts to make, and strategies to use so you can stay in control and enjoy the festive season on your terms.

    What You'll Learn

    Why family and friends push food on you (and why it's usually coming from love)

    5 polite ways to decline food without offending anyone or making excuses

    The power of deciding in advance what you'll eat - so you stay in control

    Mindset shifts that make saying no to holiday treats easier

    How to use low carb alternatives to make festive eating enjoyable

    Why self-compassion beats self-criticism if you slip up

    Planning strategies to set yourself up for success at holiday events

    Key Moments

    The Holiday Food Pressure Problem
    Understanding why hosts and family members push food—it's about love, validation, and cultural connection, not sabotage.

    Your Ready-to-Go Responses
    Practical phrases you can use when someone insists you eat: from gracious declines to honest boundary-setting to strategic white lies.

    Changing Your Internal Dialogue
    The mindset shifts that helped me navigate 25 years of festive seasons while on this journey: reminding yourself it's your choice, remembering you've had it before, and focusing on temporary pleasure versus long-term consequences.

    Low Carb Alternatives Make It Easier
    How having delicious low carb options available makes saying no to sugary treats much simpler.

    Planning for Success
    Simple strategies like eating before events, finding a supportive friend, and knowing when to leave early.

    If You Slip Up
    Why self-compassion is essential and how to get back on track immediately - not Monday, not tomorrow, but with your very next meal.

    You're the Boss
    The key principle: whether it's others or your own thoughts trying to convince you to eat, you decide. Staying in the power seat is what matters.

    One Action You Can Do to Start Now

    Think of 2-3 replies you can use for upcoming holiday situations where someone might push food on you. Write them down. Practice saying them out loud. Have them ready to go so you enter every festive event feeling confident and in control.

    Bonus: Create a personal affirmation for those moments when you feel tempted. Something like: "It's a treat for 10 seconds in my mouth, but I have to deal with the consequences much longer. I choose to stay on track with my goals."

    Next week's episode: How to Do Low Carb on Holiday

    Remember: The only thing that's going to stop you reaching your goal is if you quit. Never, ever give up.

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About Why Weight? Start Now!

If you are ready to get off the crazy diet wagon and find a way of eating and a way of thinking that WORKS, come and join Sheryl each week for practical advice, tips and a boost of motivation, so you START NOW and nail your goals 🥳
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