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Why Weight? Start Now!

Why Weight? Start Now!

Written by: Sheryl Takayama
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 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 🥳 Hygiene & Healthy Living Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Ep 33: How to Handle food Pushers This Festive Season

    Ep 33: How to Handle food Pushers This Festive Season
    Dec 15 2025
    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 excusesThe power of deciding in advance what you'll eat - so you stay in controlMindset shifts that make saying no to holiday treats easierHow to use low carb alternatives to make festive eating enjoyableWhy self-compassion beats self-criticism if you slip upPlanning strategies to set yourself up for success at holiday events Key Moments The Holiday Food Pressure ProblemUnderstanding why hosts and family members push food—it's about love, validation, and cultural connection, not sabotage. Your Ready-to-Go ResponsesPractical phrases you can use when someone insists you eat: from gracious declines to honest boundary-setting to strategic white lies. Changing Your Internal DialogueThe 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 EasierHow having delicious low carb options available makes saying no to sugary treats much simpler. Planning for SuccessSimple strategies like eating before events, finding a supportive friend, and knowing when to leave early. If You Slip UpWhy 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 BossThe 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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    16 mins
  • Low Carb Lunch Mastery: Stop the 3pm Crash & Finally Win Your Afternoon

    Low Carb Lunch Mastery: Stop the 3pm Crash & Finally Win Your Afternoon
    Nov 23 2025
    Show Notes Struggling with low carb lunch ideas that keep you satisfied? Crashing hard at 3pm? In this episode, I'm sharing my simple lunch formula that has helped hundreds of women over 35 stay on track with their low carb weight loss journey. I'll show you exactly why lunch is the hardest meal to master and give you my "lunch math formula" that eliminates decision fatigue. Plus, I'm sharing 20+ easy low carb lunch ideas for every situation—whether you're at work, at home, or on the go. What You'll Learn Why lunch is sabotaging your weight loss (even when breakfast and dinner are on point)My 3-part lunch formula: Protein + Fat + Color that keeps blood sugar stableHow much protein you actually need at lunch to stay full all afternoon20+ practical low carb lunch ideas for takeaway, meal prep, and zero-prep daysHow to handle workplace lunch pressure and comments about your food choicesWhy getting lunch right improves your entire afternoon, dinner choices, and sleep Key Moments Why Lunch Is Your Hardest Meal I explain why lunch consistently derails even successful low carb eaters—it's happening during your busiest, most unpredictable part of the day when decision fatigue peaks. The Lunch Math Formula My game-changing formula: 20-30g protein + 2 servings of fat + color. I break down exactly what this looks like in real food portions. 20+ Low Carb Lunch Ideas Practical options for every situation—bunless burgers, Greek salads, tuna-stuffed avocados, egg bacon muffins, and zero-prep emergency meals. The Domino Effect Why lunch is your highest-impact meal and how nailing it improves your afternoon energy, dinner choices, snacking habits, and sleep quality. One Action You Can Do to Start Now Choose ONE low carb lunch you really like and repeat it for as many days as you can this week. Pick something simple—rotisserie chicken with a salad bag and half an avocado, or tuna with mayo in lettuce wraps. When you eliminate lunch decision fatigue, you'll notice less afternoon snacking, stable energy, more control, and money saved. Remember: Success comes from preparation, not willpower. LINKS: ➡️Download by FREE E-book with a 5-day Low Carb Meal Plan and 5 delicious dinner recipes: CLICK HERE➡️Start losing weight on Monday with my 4-week Foundations of Fat Loss Programme, designed for the specific fat-burning needs of over 35's: FIND OUT MORE➡️Continue your low carb journey with monthly Fat Loss Acceleration Protocols, resources, meal plans, delicious recipes, support and inspiration in Why Weight Academy: FIND OUT MORE➡️Check out all my recipes and resources on the Why Weight Academy Website HERE Follow me on TikTok: sheryltakayamaFollow me on Facebook: Why Weight AcademyFollow me on Instagram: sheryl_whyweightacademy And if you enjoy this show, please leave a quick rating & review - your support is so appreciated and will mean the world to me!
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    18 mins
  • Ep 31: Beat the Festive Bloat: Your Guide to a Comfortable Summer

    Ep 31: Beat the Festive Bloat: Your Guide to a Comfortable Summer
    Nov 6 2025
    Show Notes Are you dreading the festive season bloating that comes with Christmas parties and summer celebrations? I get it! As someone who's maintained a 30 kg weight loss for 25 years on a low carb plan, I know exactly how challenging this time of year can be for your gut health and weight maintenance. In this episode, I'm sharing my proven strategies to help you navigate the silly season without the uncomfortable bloating, digestive issues, and weight gain that typically accompany holiday eating. Whether you're following a low carb lifestyle, managing IBS symptoms, or simply want to feel comfortable in your summer wardrobe, these practical tips will help you enjoy all the festivities while keeping your gut happy. I'll walk you through simple meal timing strategies, digestion optimization techniques, and the surprising foods that might be causing your bloating—even on a low-carb diet. Plus, I'm sharing my day-of-event game plan that will help you make confident food choices at Christmas parties, work functions, and family gatherings. The best part? You don't need to restrict yourself or miss out on the celebrations. With just a few small tweaks to when, how, and what you eat, you can absolutely enjoy the festive season AND feel light, energized, and confident in your body. Your future self will thank you! What You'll Learn In this episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about keeping your gut happy through the festive season: Understanding Bloating: Why bloating happens more during the holiday season and what triggers itHow late-night eating affects your digestion and causes inflammationThe connection between alcohol, poor sleep, and gut healthWhy your gut loves routine and how festive chaos disrupts it Meal Timing Strategies for Better Digestion: Why eating your largest meal earlier in the day is a game-changer for gut healthThe four-hour rule between your last meal and bedtime (this is huge!)How to plan around nighttime events and Christmas partiesWhy digestion is strongest midday and weakest at night Digestion Optimization Techniques: The simple chewing technique that improves nutrient absorptionHow apple cider vinegar wakes up your stomach acid for better digestionWhy drinking water before meals actually hurts your digestionThe five-minute post-meal habit that dramatically lowers blood sugar Problem Foods for Bloating (Even on Low-Carb!): High-FODMAP vegetables that can trigger IBS and bloatingWhy avocado might be causing your digestive issuesThe low-carb vegetables that are actually gut-friendly for summerCommon festive food triggers like wheat, gluten, and dairy Smart Holiday Eating Strategies: Why grazing all day prevents proper digestionHow to manage stress and inflammation during busy periodsThe truth about alcohol and gut health (plus my "pick your moments" approach)Hydration tips for reducing bloating when eating salty party foods Your Day-of-Event Game Plan: What to eat before arriving at holiday partiesHow to navigate buffet tables without overeatingSimple positioning tricks to avoid mindless snackingPost-event recovery strategies for your gut Key Moments The Festive Season Reality Check I talk about why November through January is the most challenging time for gut health and weight maintenance. Between work parties, family gatherings, and late-night celebrations, our bodies face rich foods, alcohol, and disrupted routines—all of which stress our digestive system. Why You're Bloated: The Root Causes I break down the main culprits behind festive bloating: larger portions of rich, fatty foods, eating later than usual when digestion is weakest, alcohol consumption leading to inflammation and poor sleep, and the gut's disrupted routine during the holidays. The Avocado Surprise Many of my low-carb clients are shocked to learn that avocado, while healthy, is actually high in FODMAPs and can trigger bloating in people with IBS. I explain why those chips and guacamole at parties might be behind your digestive discomfort. Timing Is Everything I share my number one strategy for reducing bloating: eating your largest meals earlier in the day when digestion is strongest. I explain why lunch functions are better than dinners, and how leaving four hours between dinner and bedtime can transform how you feel. The Digestion Optimization Toolkit I reveal simple techniques that most people overlook: chewing each mouthful 20-30 times, using apple cider vinegar before heavy meals, drinking water between meals (not before), and taking a short walk after eating to stabilize blood sugar. The Vegetable Paradox This surprises everyone! I explain why some vegetables—even healthy, low-carb ones like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale—can cause significant bloating. I share which summer vegetables are gut-friendly alternatives. Managing Alcohol During Festivities Instead of saying "don't drink," I share my realistic approach: pick your special moments and really enjoy them, rather...
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    19 mins
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