Mikkipedia

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterSave 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.com This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Sarah Hancock, a public health researcher whose work sits at the powerful intersection of oral health and metabolic disease. In this conversation, Sarah unpacks the often-overlooked links between what’s happening in our mouths and what’s unfolding systemically in the body.They explore how gum disease and blood sugar dysregulation are deeply intertwined, why your dentist might be the first person to flag insulin resistance, and how the microbiome of the mouth plays a much bigger role in chronic disease than we’ve given it credit for.Sarah also challenges conventional public health approaches which you’ll find super interesting.This is an eye-opening episode for anyone interested in prevention, systems thinking, and redefining the silos of health.https://drsarahhancock.com/Dr Sarah Hancock is a public health researcher. She has a PhD in public health: her research interests focused on the role of nutrition in oral health and general health, and how to design nutrition interventions to improve population health.Sarah is an advocate for dietary lifestyles incorporating a whole food eating pattern that minimises the intake of highly refined, ultra-processed foods for the prevention of chronic diet-related disease. She currently works as an analyst at the School of Public Health at the University of Adelaide in South Australia.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34959913/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36296949/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30318791/  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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterMikki dives into the complex and controversial topic of sucralose—one of the most common non-nutritive sweeteners—and whether it interferes with hunger and satiety signalling in the brain. Prompted by a new study published in Nature, Mikki explores how sucralose might increase activity in brain regions associated with hunger and reward, particularly in women and individuals with obesity or insulin resistance. She unpacks the mechanisms at play, discusses the relevance of acute vs long-term data, and weighs these findings against the broader scientific literature on artificial sweeteners. If you've ever wondered whether your sweet tooth could be tricking your brain, this episode is for you.Highlights:New brain imaging study shows sucralose increases hypothalamic activity linked to hungerDifferences in appetite response between individuals with healthy weight vs. obesityPotential long-term impacts of sucralose on gut health and insulin sensitivityWhy context, diet quality, and individual response matter more than blanket rulesHow to decide if sucralose supports or hinders your own health goalshttps://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01227-8https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7817779/#s4https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39015535/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7155288/ 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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterSave 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 Tara Ellis, one half of the powerhouse duo behind Team Ellis Running. Alongside her husband Tim, Tara has run marathons all over the globe, chasing not only finish lines but experiences, connection, and the elusive 6 Star Abbott World Marathon Majors medal. What started as a personal passion has evolved into a lifestyle, a community, and a platform for inspiration.In this conversation, Tara shares how running became a shared purpose, the highs and lows of marathon life, and what it means to stay motivated through travel, training blocks, and the occasional curveball. She opens up about her struggles with GI issues in hot races, how she overcame them with the help of Curranz, and the mission behind their podcast The Flying RuNR. Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or still wondering if you could go the distance, Tara’s journey proves it’s never too late to start running toward something big.Tara Ellis is a passionate marathoner, storyteller, and co-founder of Team Ellis Running. Alongside her husband Tim, she has completed marathons across the globe, earning the prestigious Six Star Abbott World Marathon Majors medal and inspiring a global community of runners along the way. Tara is also one of the four hosts of The Flying RuNR podcast, where she and her fellow Six Star finishers—Tim, Tony, and Lucia—share stories from the road, race recaps, and the friendships forged through the sport.Known for her warmth, grit, and ability to make even the toughest training blocks sound like an adventure, Tara brings a relatable and uplifting voice to the running world. Whether she’s chasing finish lines or helping others take their first steps, Tara’s mission is clear: to connect, inspire, and prove that running is for everyone—no matter where you start.https://flyingrunr.com/https://www.instagram.com/team_ellis_running/  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterMikki dives deep into the often-overlooked challenge of weight maintenance. While fat loss gets all the glory, maintenance can feel like a grind—no more scale victories, compliments, or clear finish lines. Drawing on Seth Godin’s concept of The Dip, Mikki explains why maintaining your results is not the easy street people expect but rather the phase where the real work begins. She unpacks six key reasons maintenance feels harder than dieting and offers practical strategies to shift your mindset, build resilience, and find satisfaction in staying the course. This is a must-listen for anyone who’s reached their goal and now wonders, “What’s next?”Episode Highlights:Why the absence of visible results makes maintenance feel harder than fat lossSeth Godin’s The Dip and how it relates to body composition goalsSix psychological and physiological challenges during the maintenance phaseHow to set new goals and metrics to stay motivatedPractical tips to maintain progress without burnout or rigidity 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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterSave 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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterIn 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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterSave 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 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  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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterMikki 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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matterSave 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

Sign up to Mondays Matter Xmas Edition https://www.mikkiwilliden.com/mondays-matter 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