Mikkipedia

This Mini Mikkipedia digs into what truly keeps weight off long-term: self-regulation, flexible restraint, and a rock-solid routine. Mikki shares research-backed insights (inspired by prep for an interview with Brandon DaCruz) showing why maintenance gets easier after 2–5 years as habits hard-wire, and why frequent self-monitoring, meal planning, and clear relapse protocols matter more than “perfect” weeks. We unpack how exercise protects appetite regulation better than diet-only deficits, why consistency across weekends beats weekday austerity, and how identity shift and intrinsic motivation drive staying power. You’ll hear practical ways to course-correct after lapses, limit decision fatigue, and build supportive environments that withstand holidays, stress, and hyper-palatable food cues. Expect zero gimmicks—just evidence-based strategies to help you feel in control and sustain results without white-knuckle dieting.HighlightsSelf-monitoring, planning, and “relapse range” (≈3%) for early course-correctionExercise vs diet-only: appetite regulation and why movement mattersWeek-to-week consistency (including weekends) over boom-and-bust cyclesIdentity shift, intrinsic motivation, and flexible restraint (not perfection)Handling real-world barriers: travel, social pressure, stress, and trigger foods Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comThis week on the podcast Mikki speaks to Prof Arny Ferrando about his work in protein, essential amino acids, protein timing, aging, anabolic resistance, and how to optimise muscle retention and fat loss.Arny Ferrando is a Professor of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he co-directs the Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity (CTRAL) and holds the position of Wes Smith Distinguished Chair in Geriatrics for Longevity, Health Promotion and Frailty Prevention.His research deploys stable isotope techniques to dissect muscle protein metabolism under stress—from spaceflight, burn injury, joint arthroplasty, renal and heart failure, to aging and surgical recovery. He pioneers nutritional, pharmacological, and exercise-based strategies to counteract muscle wasting and functional decline.After earning a Ph.D. in Nutrition & Physiology from Florida State University, he conducted postdoctoral work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He served as a U.S. Army pilot and armor officer, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel. He’s driven by a lifelong athletic spirit: from West Point gymnast to powerlifter, bodybuilder, masters track athlete, and now Krav Maga instructor.He drives multiple research programs funded by NIH, the U.S. Army, and industry, and since 2023 holds a Visiting Senior Research Scientist appointment at IHMC, extending his work to human performance in extreme environments.https://www.ihmc.us/groups/arny-ferrando/ Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

Mikki takes a deep dive into BMI, obesity, and a major shift in how obesity is being redefined in the scientific and medical community. Drawing on a recent Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Commission report and new cohort data from the All of Us research program, she unpacks why BMI alone is an inadequate measure, how new definitions of preclinical and clinical obesity provide more nuance, and what this means for individuals, clinicians, and policymakers. This conversation highlights the importance of looking beyond the scale to understand true metabolic risk and the wider societal costs of obesity. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why obesity is being reframed as a chronic systemic condition—and why it matters for health outcomes and resource allocation.Highlights:Why BMI falls short in measuring individual health risk.The Lancet Commission’s new framework redefining obesity as a chronic condition.Difference between preclinical vs clinical obesity.Study findings: 1 in 5 people with “normal BMI” may still be classified as obese under the new definition.Implications for clinicians, policy, and public health. Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast Mikki speaks to naturopath Erin O’Hara about a resilient immune system. Erin chats about her early years as a professional athlete before switching gears and diving into natural health and naturopathy. Mikki and Erin chat about signs of a robust versus struggling immune system, whether there is such a thing as ‘boosting’ your immune system and what foundational lifestyle and supplements exist to support immunity.https://www.erinohara.co.nz/Erin O’Hara combines her knowledge of Naturopathy and Science to provide an integrative and evidence-based approach to wellbeing. She has been involved in the Health and Wellbeing Industry for about 20 years through extensive University study (BSc and BNatMed), scientific research, and an intrinsic passion for health & wellbeing. Her functional medicine approach addresses the underlying causes of disease through extensive testing and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence your health and cause disease. She utilises the best Evidence-Based Complementary Therapies to work in conjunction with conventional treatments. Drawing from her clinical experience and knowledge she takes quality time with each patient to understand the root cause of the disease, analysing test results, and provides an integrative approach to wellbeing.Erin works with general naturopathy patients and is very experienced in complex hormonal issues, integrative oncology support, autoimmune conditions, digestive disorders, and mental health. There is no "one size fits all" wellness plan so her consultations are tailored to your individual and unique needs. Erin sees a wide range of patients, from children to elderly, who are seeking to improve their health, heal naturally, or support for an underlying health condition. Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki dives into new research from Dr. Fuchs and Professor Luc van Loon on the critical role of protein and activity in preserving muscle during hospitalization. She explains just how quickly muscle mass can decline with bed rest or critical illness, why standard hospital meals fall short nutritionally, and how inadequate protein and energy intake accelerate muscle loss. Mikki outlines practical strategies—from protein targets and essential amino acids to simple activity or electrical stimulation—to help mitigate muscle wasting. She also highlights the importance of “prehabilitation” before elective surgery. Whether you’re an athlete, a caregiver, or someone preparing for surgery, this episode offers valuable insights on protecting strength when it matters most.✨ Episode Highlights:Why muscle loss in hospital can reach 3% per day in ICU patientsThe role of protein intake (1.2–1.5 g/kg+) in slowing muscle atrophyHow energy balance influences anabolic resistance and recoveryPractical strategies: protein powders, amino acids, and even bedside activityThe case for prehabilitation before elective surgeryhttps://journals.lww.com/co-clinicalnutrition/fulltext/9900/muscle_preservation_during_hospitalization__energy.233.aspx Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comMikki catches up with returning guest Marty Kendall to dive into his latest research on data-driven fasting—now evolving into “glucose-guided eating.” Marty explains how using a simple glucometer can help people calibrate hunger, avoid overeating, and make smarter food choices without rigid calorie counting. They discuss what makes this approach effective, who benefits most, and why personal thresholds matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. The conversation also explores nuances around satiety, macronutrient balance, micronutrient density, and even the broader systems—like food costs and guidelines—that shape our eating. If you’re curious about practical, personalised strategies for improving blood sugar, weight, and long-term health, this episode is packed with insights.Marty Kendall is an engineer who seeks to optimise nutrition using a data-driven approach.  Marty’s interest in nutrition began eighteen years ago to help his wife Monica better control her Type 1 Diabetes.  Since then, he has developed a systematised approach to nutrition tailored for a wide range of goals, contexts and preferences.  Over the past five years, Marty shared his research at OptimisingNutrition.com. He has developed Nutrient Optimiser and Data-Driven Fasting to guide thousands of people on their journey towards nutritional optimisation.Marty can be found here: https://optimisingnutrition.com/ Prev appearance https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/120https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/182  Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

In this Mini-Mikkipedia Monday episode, Mikki unpacks the often-confusing concepts of glycemic index, glycemic load, and glycemic response — and why knowing the difference matters. While glycemic index tables are widely used, they don’t always translate into real-world eating, since lab conditions rarely reflect how we actually consume food. Mikki shares insights from her own postgraduate lab days, explains why portion size and food combinations change the picture, and highlights how individual responses can vary dramatically. With research from studies like PREDICT and practical strategies for self-testing, she makes the case that personal glycemic response — not the number on a label — is the most important measure for your health, energy, and satiety.Episode Highlights:The difference between glycemic index, load, and responseWhy lab-based GI values don’t reflect real-world eatingHow portion size, food prep, and meal composition change outcomesWhy individual responses vary (sleep, stress, microbiome, exercise)Practical tips for testing your own glycemic response Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast Mikki speaks to Dr Eric Helms on his last year leading into his return to stage for natural bodybuilding. As always, a great conversation with plenty of take homes for everyone interesting in living their best lives.Eric is a coach, athlete, author, and educator. A trainer since the early 2000’s, he’s worked in the US Air force, commercial gyms, private training studios, medical fitness and strength and conditioning facilities. As a part of 3DMJ he coaches drug free strength and physique competitors at all levels. Eric has competed since the mid 2000’s in natural bodybuilding, unequipped powerlifting and dabbled in Olympic lifting. He earned pro status as a natural bodybuilder with the PNBA in 2011 and competes with the IPF at international level events as an unequipped powerlifter.Eric has published multiple peer reviewed articles in exercise science and nutrition journals and writes for commercial fitness publications. He’s taught undergraduate and graduate level nutrition and exercise science and speaks internationally at academic and commercial conferences for fitness, nutrition and strength and conditioning. He has a BSc in fitness and wellness, an MSc in exercise science, a second masters in sports nutrition, a PhD in strength and conditioning, and is a research fellow for AUT at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand. He is also co-founder for MASS monthly strength and conditioning review.Links:Eric Helms: https://3dmusclejourney.com/about/eric-helms/Iron Culture podcast: https://ironculture.libsyn.com/MASS monthly research review: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/mass/Eric on IG https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/?hl=enEric on Mikkipedia https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/8Eric and Cliff on Mikkipedia https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/76 Eric round 3 https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/244 Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

Mikki dives into the bizarre and controversial “sugar diet” that’s been making waves on social media. Once dismissed as just another fad, it’s now gaining traction among high-profile influencers, including Mark Bell. Mikki unpacks what the sugar diet actually is, the science behind its surprising short-term results, and why its mechanism might have less to do with sugar itself and more to do with protein restriction and its effects on FGF21. She also discusses the research origins, potential risks, and why this approach may only be suited—if at all—for a very specific subset of people. If you’ve been curious about the hype, this episode delivers the context, caveats, and science you need before even thinking about giving it a go.Highlights:What the sugar diet actually involves and who’s promoting itThe role of protein restriction and FGF21 in increasing energy expenditureWhy short-term studies don’t tell the whole story on health impactsGenetic and metabolic factors that could make or break resultsLong-term risks, from nutrient deficiencies to liver stress Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKI at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz supplement: MIKKI saves you 25% at www.curranz.co.nz or www.curranz.co.uk off your first order

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comThis week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Spencer Nadolsky — a board-certified obesity and lipid specialist known for his evidence-based, compassionate approach to helping people lose weight and improve metabolic health. Spencer has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between clinical medicine and the lived realities of people struggling with obesity, cutting through misinformation to focus on what actually works.With the arrival of Wegovy in New Zealand — and the explosion of interest in GLP-1 medications worldwide — their conversation couldn’t be more timely. They discuss how these drugs work, how they compare to diet, lifestyle, and older weight loss medications, and why the price tag varies so widely between countries. They also explore the controversies — from “microdosing” to long-term safety, tolerance, and muscle loss — and whether these drugs can genuinely shift someone’s metabolic set point or are simply managing symptoms. If you’ve been wondering whether GLP-1s are game-changing tools or just the latest fad, this episode will help separate the hype from the evidence. Dr. Spencer Nadolsky is an obesity and lipid specialist (DO, ABOM, ABCL) with over a decade of experience. Through practice innovation, digital education, and previous ventures like Sequence and the Docs Who Lift podcast, he’s become a trusted, engaging voice in metabolic health.His company, Vineyard, is a virtual obesity medicine clinic delivering personalized, science-backed, and compassionate care. Patients benefit from direct physician access, fast support, individualized plans, and ongoing research—all focused on long-term health, not quick solutions.https://drspencer.com/https://joinvineyard.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/docs-who-lift/id1611961208https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/?hl=en  Curranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden