Mikkipedia

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki unpacks why fat loss in midlife never feels as straightforward as it used to — even when your strength is climbing, your shape is changing, and you know you’re doing everything right. She breaks down the hormonal shifts after menopause that make the scale far more chaotic, from cortisol-driven water swings to vasopressin turning you into a temporary camel. Mikki also explores the mindset piece: why new habits feel heavy at the start, why slow progress is still genuine progress, and how to build anchor behaviours that keep you steady when life isn’t. It’s a mix of physiology, reassurance, and practical strategy to help you stay the course without letting one number steal the win.HIGHLIGHTS • Why weight loss naturally slows after menopause • How cortisol + vasopressin create confusing water weight • What “slow but steady” fat loss really looks like • The mindset shift that stops overwhelm and all-or-nothing thinking • Anchor habits to keep you on track through messy weeks 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

Brandon DeCruz, an online nutrition coach and national-level physique competitor, shares his insights on nutrient timing, the often-misunderstood ‘anabolic window,’ and effective peri-workout nutrition. He explains how pre- and post-workout nutrition influences muscle protein synthesis and recovery. The conversation debunks common myths around fasted training and emphasizes tailoring nutrition based on individual goals. Brandon also highlights the significance of carbohydrate timing, intra-workout fueling, and the impact of cortisol, making this a must-listen for fitness enthusiasts.

In this Mini Mikkipedia, Mikki dives deep into what’s really happening to your bones in perimenopause and beyond—plus what you can do to reverse bone loss, not just slow it. She explains why the drop in oestrogen accelerates bone breakdown, why osteopenia is far from “nothing to worry about,” and how fractures become a major driver of loss of independence and early mortality.Mikki walks through the non-negotiables for stronger bones: the right kind of exercise (hint: walking alone won’t cut it), why sleep is a critical bone-building tool, and how protein, calcium, vitamin D, K2, magnesium, collagen, creatine and omega-3s all fit together. She also covers meds, alcohol, smoking, and what realistic “reversal” of osteopenia looks like in your 50s, 60s and 70s.Episode HighlightsHow much bone density women typically lose after menopauseThe most effective training mix: resistance, impact, and where weighted vests/vibration fitThe surprising role of sleep and stress in bone buildingProtein, calcium, K2, D, magnesium, collagen, creatine & omega-3 for bone healthWhy osteopenia can be improved—and what success really looks like 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

Dr. Abby Smith-Ryan, an exercise physiologist and nutrition researcher specializing in midlife women's health, discusses the metabolic changes during perimenopause. She highlights the importance of sufficient nutrition and the pitfalls of under-fueling. Abby explores effective training strategies, including the role of pre-exercise protein and progressive resistance training, to boost muscle mass and overall health. She also introduces innovative tools like continuous glucose monitors and hormone trackers to personalize care for women navigating this life stage.

Miki dives into the often-avoided topic of digestion during protein-sparing modified fasts (PSMF). If you’ve ever wondered why your gut behaves differently on these lean-protein days, this one’s for you. Miki explains what’s happening physiologically—from changes in bile flow and microbiota to electrolyte shifts—and how these can lead to constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea. She walks through practical, evidence-based strategies to get your digestion back on track, including hydration, magnesium types, vitamin C dosing, bitters, and soothing supports like slippery elm. Learn how to troubleshoot gut symptoms so your PSMF days feel as good as they look on paper.Highlights:Why constipation is common on low-fat, low-fibre, high-protein daysHow bile flow, hydration, and electrolytes affect gut motilityMagnesium, vitamin C, and bitters as tools for smoother digestionGentle fixes for diarrhea and when to adjust supplementsThe transitional nature of gut changes during PSMF 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

In this engaging chat, Professor Grant Schofield, a public health expert and author, dives into why embracing discomfort can lead to a better life. He explains the concept of hormesis, emphasizing that challenges like exercise build resilience. Grant also discusses the dopamine crisis affecting youth mental health, sharing insights from personal experiences, including taking away gaming from his son. He advocates for mindful practices such as single-tasking and Acceptance Commitment Therapy to foster resilience, highlighting the transformative power of choosing hard things.

The festive season doesn’t have to derail your hard-won progress. In this Mini Micropedia, Mikki unpacks why holiday weight gain (often ~0.45–1.0 kg) tends to stick around and which habits most often tip us off track—overcommitting, grazing instead of meals, early “holiday mode,” and a bit too much booze. She lays out a practical plan: prioritise sleep, ring-fence training (and rack up NEAT—aim ~8,000+ steps), keep protein front and centre, and use calorie cycling with planned indulgences (hello, PSMF structure) to enjoy social events without spiralling. You’ll learn simple boundary-setting scripts, environment hacks to reduce temptation, and mindset shifts—discipline over willpower, self-compassion over perfectionism—to carry you into January feeling calm, in control, and confident. Mikki also shares details of the Mondays Matter Christmas Edition—on sale now, doors close Sun 9 Nov, programme kicks off Mon 10 Nov.HighlightsThe five holiday derailers and how to spot yoursSleep, stress, steps: the big dial-movers for appetite and controlProtein-forward meals and “graze phase” antidotesCalorie cycling & planned indulgence (including PSMF days)Alcohol tactics: caps, spacing, hydration, and smarter choices 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  In this episode, Mikki speaks with Professor Michael Snyder, Chair of Genetics at Stanford University and a global leader in personalised medicine. They explore how our genes, gut microbiome, and lifestyle choices interact to shape metabolic health—and why we all respond so differently to the same foods. Mike shares insights from his groundbreaking research using wearables and genomics to track health in real time, the future of personalised nutrition, and how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can help anyone understand their body better. They also discuss the link between viral infections and diabetes, why strength training matters more than you think, and how food truly functions as medicine.Highlights:The genetics of metabolic individuality and why “one-size-fits-all” diets don’t workHow CGMs reveal surprising glucose spikes and help improve long-term healthThe microbiome’s crucial role in metabolism and disease riskSubtypes of diabetes and what they mean for treatment and lifestyleWhy Professor Snyder believes health tracking is the future of preventive medicine Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

A lot of “natural” stress aids aren’t harmless—because they actually work. In this Mini Mikipedia, Mikki breaks down how popular adaptogens and nutrients interact with your HPA axis (the body’s stress-response command centre) and when that’s a blessing versus a blind spot. You’ll learn what the evidence says for ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, phosphatidylserine, and why liquorice root is uniquely risky. Mikki covers dose ranges used in studies, who should be cautious (thyroid issues, pregnancy/breastfeeding, low cortisol, meds), how to test cortisol properly, and why cycling supplements beats “more is better.” She also revisits the basics that move the needle—sleep, protein-centred meals, training balance, boundaries, and connection—so supplements can supplement a solid plan, not replace it.HighlightsHow HPA axis modulation can help—or hinder—stress recoveryLiquorice root and pseudoaldosteronism: real risks, not theoryPhosphatidylserine blunts cortisol; context and cycling matterRhodiola and holy basil: mixed/early evidence, variable extractsTesting (4-point saliva, timing), interactions, and quality assurance 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

Holly Nicholson, a former teacher turned trainer and nutrition coach, created the STRONG Method™ to empower women over 40. She shares her journey from fitness novice to expert, tackling common training mistakes and the importance of mindset shifts. Holly discusses how to manage hormonal changes and stay committed to fitness amidst life's chaos. She emphasizes that self-care is strategic and provides practical tips for busy moms to find time to work out. With humor and wisdom, she navigates social perceptions around fitness and lifestyle changes.