Mikkipedia

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 Brandon DaCruz, an online nutrition and physique coach, educator, and science communicator, for a deep dive into one of the most debated models in metabolism research: the constrained energy model proposed by Dr. Herman Pontzer.Together, they unpack the nuances of Pontzer’s hypothesis, challenge some of the prevailing interpretations, and explore how it compares to the traditional additive model of metabolism — where exercise is believed to directly increase total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Brandon offers his take on how constrained energy expenditure has been misrepresented to suggest that exercise is ineffective for weight loss, and he brings both data and coaching insights to the conversation.They also explore the concept of metabolic adaptation, sustainable metabolic scope, and what the research really says about the relationship between physical activity and body composition over time. This conversation is essential listening for anyone navigating the complexities of energy balance, fat loss, and exercise science.Brandon DaCruz at his website https://www.brandondacruzfit.com/, and on Instagram @brandondacruz_Chasing Clarity https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyle-mcdonald-challenging-the-constrained-energy/id1619611966?i=1000709417044Brandon DaCruz is an online nutrition and physique coach and sports nutritionist. He’s also a National Level NPC physique competitor and an internationally published fitness model who’s written articles and filmed educational content for publications like Men’s Fitness Magazine and Bodybuilding.com. Brandon has spent over 12 years  working within the sports nutrition and fitness industries and has coached every type of client including Olympia Level professional men’s physique competitors, college athletes, MMA fighters, CrossFit competitors, and lifestyle clients. He believes in blending what’s been proven in the research with his own anecdotal and first hand "in the trenches'' experience to improve body composition, optimise performance and enhance health in order to help his clients achieve their goals whether that be building muscle, losing body fat, increasing performance and/or optimising health and longevity. This is what he refers to as his health-centric coaching model as he believes that improving one's health is the cornerstone to optimising their physical goals. https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/270https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/226 https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/300 Relevant podcastshttps://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/284/transcripthttps://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/138https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/51  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, I’m diving into the concept of cognitive restraint — the intentional, often skill-based ability to say “no thanks” to food when it doesn’t align with your goals. This isn’t about deprivation or dieting harder, but about building an empowering skill that helps you align your actions with your intentions. I share how cognitive restraint is developed over time (it’s not just something you’re born with), reflect on my own experience with overeating, and offer a practical roadmap of mindset shifts and tools to make restraint feel easier and more automatic. Whether you’re on a fat loss journey or just trying to regain control over your eating habits, this episode offers strategies you can start using today.Highlights:Why cognitive restraint is a skill, not willpowerThe reframe that changes “restriction” into “empowerment”Practical strategies to build restraint (meal planning, mindfulness, visualisation)How your environment and daily habits impact your ability to follow throughThe power of identity and self-talk in long-term dietary success 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 Brandon DaCruz, an online nutrition and physique coach, educator, and science communicator, for a deep dive into spot reduction Yes, we often put this in the 80s model of fitness myths, however Brandon sheds light on to how we can effectively train using scientifically backed techniques to support our physique goals, and not involve a thigh master.Brandon DaCruz at his website https://www.brandondacruzfit.com/, and on Instagram @brandondacruz_Chasing Clarity https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-112-spot-reduction-is-it-possible-to-lose-body-fat/id1619611966?i=1000657394910Brandon DaCruz is an online nutrition and physique coach and sports nutritionist. He’s also a National Level NPC physique competitor and an internationally published fitness model who’s written articles and filmed educational content for publications like Men’s Fitness Magazine and Bodybuilding.com. Brandon has spent over 12 years  working within the sports nutrition and fitness industries and has coached every type of client including Olympia Level professional men’s physique competitors, college athletes, MMA fighters, CrossFit competitors, and lifestyle clients. He believes in blending what’s been proven in the research with his own anecdotal and first hand "in the trenches'' experience to improve body composition, optimise performance and enhance health in order to help his clients achieve their goals whether that be building muscle, losing body fat, increasing performance and/or optimising health and longevity. This is what he refers to as his health-centric coaching model as he believes that improving one's health is the cornerstone to optimising their physical goals. https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/270https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/226 https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/300  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

Mikki shares her top strategies to stay mindful and maintain your progress while travelling—without sacrificing fun or flavour. Drawing on her own recent trips, she explores how simple tweaks to your routine can make holidays more enjoyable and less stressful, especially for those focused on fat loss or weight maintenance. From eating fewer but more satisfying meals to booking in your post-holiday reboot before you even leave, Mikki covers 16 practical tips that help you feel empowered, not restricted. Whether you're heading off on a beach escape, a hiking adventure, or a family cruise, these strategies will help you return feeling refreshed—not regretful. 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 Tina Haupert, functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, health coach, and founder of Carrots 'N' Cake. What started as a personal blog chronicling her journey to balance healthy living with real life has grown into a platform and business that helps thousands of women optimise their health—especially those navigating the tricky terrain of hormones, metabolism, and midlife changes.In this conversation, Tina opens up about her own health challenges, what led her to dig deeper into functional testing and root-cause approaches, and how she helps women shift from chronic dieting to sustainable strength, energy, and confidence. We talk about nutrition myths, blood sugar balance, mindset reframes, and the power of data-driven coaching that doesn’t forget the human behind the numbers.Tina Haupert is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), Certified Nutrition Coach, and the founder of Carrots 'N' Cake, a popular online platform and coaching business dedicated to helping women feel strong, balanced, and energised—especially through the hormonal transitions of perimenopause and beyond.With over a decade of experience in the wellness space, Tina blends functional testing, evidence-based nutrition, and mindset coaching to help women move from chronic dieting and burnout to sustainable health and vitality. She’s passionate about making health approachable and personalised—meeting women where they are, and helping them understand their bodies better through data and compassion.She’s also a mum, CrossFitter, and lover of real food—and believes that wellness should support your life, not control it.Tina: https://programs.carrotsncake.com/about 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 practical, evidence-based strategies to support your mood and energy during the darker months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more common than you think—and it's not just about feeling a little “meh.” With shorter days and less sunlight disrupting our serotonin and melatonin balance, Mikki explains why we crave carbs, struggle with low mood, and experience poor sleep. She unpacks the nutritional tools that can make a real difference, from key supplements like creatine and vitamin D, to protein and gut health support. Whether you experience SAD or just feel off in winter, this episode is packed with doable, science-backed tips to help lift your mood and energy.Topics Covered:The brain chemistry behind SAD and winter carb cravingsHow creatine, omega-3s, and vitamin D support mental healthWhy protein and B vitamins matter for serotonin productionThe gut-brain connection and its role in moodCarb timing and antioxidant foods to improve winter wellbeing 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

Marco Altini, a data scientist and athlete, dives into the evolving landscape of periodized nutrition. He shares his transition from a rigid data-focused approach to one that values flexibility and intuition based on physiological signals. Highlights include the science of carb periodization aligning with training intensity, personal insights into fueling for endurance racing, and the significance of electrolyte management. Marco advocates for individualized nutrition strategies, emphasizing a sustainable relationship with food that enhances performance and recovery.

In this episode of Mikkipedia, Mikki explores a commonly overlooked health marker—C-Reactive Protein (CRP). While traditional lab ranges often label values under 5 mg/L as "normal," Mikki explains why even mild elevations (around 3–4 mg/L) can signal underlying low-grade inflammation. She breaks down what CRP actually reflects, the various root causes (from gut issues and food sensitivities to overtraining and hormonal shifts), and what practical steps you can take to investigate and lower it. If your blood work seems “fine” but you’re not feeling your best, this episode is for you.Tune in to learn:What CRP is and why “normal” might not be optimalCommon hidden triggers of low-grade inflammationHow to track and troubleshoot symptoms across lifestyle, diet, and hormonesThe role of food sensitivities, histamine, overtraining, and gut healthStrategic testing, supplements, and self-experimentation tips 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. Dan Plews — exercise physiologist, endurance coach, and world champion Ironman athlete — about his latest chapter: stepping into the world of HYROX.Dan has long been recognised for his scientific, data-driven approach to endurance training and his advocacy for low-carb, fat-adapted fuelling. But his pivot into hybrid fitness has been both a personal and professional experiment — one that’s tested his identity as an athlete, reshaped his training, and sparked new questions around fuelling, function, and long-term health.In this conversation, we unpack the mindset shift from long, steady-state Ironman prep to the explosive demands of HYROX. Dan shares what he’s carried over from his Ironman days, where he’s had to reinvent his approach, and how his fuelling strategy has evolved in a more glycolytically demanding sport. We also explore the launch of Endurox, his HYROX-specific training platform with Adam Storey, and his thoughts on where hybrid racing is headed. Whether you’re an endurance athlete curious about functional fitness or just intrigued by how world-class performers adapt and evolve — this one’s for you.Dr. Dan Plews is a sport scientist, endurance coach, and elite athlete with over two decades of experience in exercise physiology and applied coaching. He holds a PhD in Heart Rate Variability and is a world leader in endurance training methodologies. Dan has coached athletes to multiple Ironman and Olympic-level performances, and in 2018, he made headlines by winning the Ironman World Championships in Kona (age group) with a course-record time of 8:24 — the fastest ever by an amateur.He is the founder of Endure IQ, a science-based endurance education platform, and co-creator of Endurox, which brings a structured, physiology-driven approach to HYROX training. Known for his evidence-based focus on low-carbohydrate fuelling and fat adaptation, Dan’s current work spans high-performance coaching, applied research, and helping everyday athletes train smarter and age better.https://www.endureiq.com/. https://www.endurox.co/about  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

Explore the surprising effects of low stomach acid on digestion and overall health. Learn how it could be the root cause of bloating, fatigue, and even persistent reflux. Mikki reveals the crucial role stomach acid plays in nutrient absorption and immunity. Discover key symptoms of low stomach acid and evidence-based strategies to naturally boost it. Plus, find out how factors like stress and diet can influence acid production. Perfect for anyone struggling with gut issues!