Mikkipedia

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...

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Mikki 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, micron...

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 labe...

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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.

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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 be...

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This 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...

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki breaks down a recent Australian headline claiming that diet sodas increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Spoiler: the science doesn’t support that claim. Mikki dives into the observational study at the centre of the controversy, teasing apart key limitations—like reverse causality, confounding behaviours, and reliance on a single food frequency questionnaire over 14 years. She explains why the idea that diet drinks are as harmful as sugary ones is not only misleading but potentially dangerous for public health messaging. If you’ve ever wondered whether your Diet Coke habit is sabotaging your health...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Glen Davies, one of New Zealand’s most vocal champions for reversing type 2 diabetes through therapeutic carbohydrate reduction.

From rural general practice to a mission hospital in Papua New Guinea, Glen’s clinical journey has been a...

Mikki dives into the evolving science behind creatine—not just for muscles, but for brain health. Long known as a powerhouse for strength and performance, creatine is now gaining traction as a potential tool for cognitive enhancement and mental health support. Miki explores recent research shared by Dr. Nicholas Fabiano on creatine’s potential role in improving outcomes in Alzheimer’s, depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). She explains how higher doses may be required to impact brain creatine levels and discusses key findings around mood, cognition, and neurological recovery. Whether you're already taking creatine or considering it, this episod...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dane Fuller — sports dietitian, athlete, and founder of Fuller Foods. Dane has a background in exercise science, nutrition, and behavioural change, and he brings all of that together in his mission to make nutrition simple, effective, and sustainable.

In this conversation, Dane shares his journey from growing up in a fish and chip shop to becoming a champion lightweight rower and performance nutritionist. We...

In this Mini Mikkipedia, I tackle a topic that comes up time and time again with clients and inside Mondays Matter: how to talk to your kids about food without passing on diet culture. If you’re a parent trying to model healthy habits without moralising food or triggering disordered thinking, this episode is for you.

I explore how to explain your goals to your kids (yes, even aesthetic ones!) while maintaining an abundance mindset. We cover why the issue isn't tracking or meal prep—but the language and energy we use around food and our bodies. This...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Julianne Taylor, a registered nutritionist and PhD candidate, whose research is diving into one of the more complex and contested areas of nutrition science: the role of diet in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Julianne recently led a scoping re...

In this Mini Mikkipedia Monday, I break down what you actually need to know about Wegovy (semaglutide), now available in New Zealand. There’s a lot of noise around this weight loss medication—from the science to the stigma—and in this episode, I aim to cut through it with facts and context. I cover how GLP-1 agonists work, what makes them effective, and why they’re not just another “quick fix.” From appetite suppression and craving control to weight maintenance and muscle loss concerns, I offer a balanced look at the pros, cons, and common misconceptions. Plus, I share my tak...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to long-time strength and conditioning coach Darren Ellis, founder of Ellis Performance.

Darren brings decades of hands-on coaching experience and a no-nonsense approach to training, fat loss, and long-term health. We dive into some of the most commonly misunderstood elements of fat loss — from training style and frequency to mindset and habits — and why the basics still matter more than the latest trends.

We...

n this candid and thoughtful solo episode, Mikki reflects on her evolving relationship with alcohol—how her habits have changed over time, what triggered her to reassess, and why it's less about abstinence and more about intentionality. She shares personal anecdotes, insights into the physiological and psychological effects of alcohol, and practical strategies for those wanting to drink more mindfully. Whether you're considering cutting back or just curious about the impact of alcohol on health, mood, and metabolism, this episode offers relatable, non-judgmental guidance and reflection.

Contact Mikki:
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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Aram Grigorian, the straight-talking coach behind 4 Weeks 2 the Beach, whose refreshingly honest approach cuts through the noise of modern fitness culture. Aram has built a loyal following by calling out quick fixes, influencer myths, and the glorification of se...

Mikki dives into a common but often uncomfortable experience: unsolicited comments about your food choices. Whether it's a passive-aggressive remark, a guilt-laden plea to “just eat it,” or an offhanded judgment disguised as a joke, food commentary can derail your confidence and progress. Mikki breaks down why people make these comments—spoiler: it’s usually about them, not you—and gives you practical tools to respond in the moment. From boundary-setting one-liners to mindset shifts that build resilience, this is a must-listen for anyone trying to stay aligned with their goals in social settings. If you’ve ever felt judged, awkw...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Claire Badenhorst — researcher, associate professor and athlete — about the often-overlooked intersection of iron status, performance, and menstrual health in women. Claire’s research dives deep into why iron deficiency is so prevalent among active women, and how factors like menstrual cycle phase, hormonal fluctuations, and even menstrual fluid loss can all influence iron markers.

In this conversation, Claire breaks down complex concepts like l...

In this episode of Mini Mikkipedia, Mikki dives into the ongoing debate: should you train fasted or fed? With new research in hand—including a recent 12-week resistance training study and insights from Abby Smith Ryan's lab—Mikki breaks down what science actually says about strength, fat loss, and muscle gains depending on your pre-training nutrition. She also explores the real-world implications for early morning exercisers, especially those juggling tight schedules and body composition goals. Most importantly, Mikki highlights how mindset and context matter more than rigid rules. Whether you're a "train and go" type or someone who fuels befo...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Michelle Hurn — clinical dietitian, endurance athlete, and author of The Dietitian's Dilemma. In their conversation, Michelle shares how her lived experience with severe anorexia and disordered eating led her to question the very nutrition guidelines she was trained to p...

Mikki takes a deep dive into the myth of the "ideal body weight" and why it’s not as simple—or helpful—as a single number on the scale. She unpacks the origins of the concept, tracing it back to life insurance tables and BMI metrics designed for populations, not individuals. Mikki explains why these outdated markers fall short and offers evidence-based alternatives that better reflect health: body fat percentage, appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), and waist-to-height ratio. She also discusses why context—like genetics, lifestyle, and functionality—matters far more than any textbook range. Whether you're on a fat loss j...

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 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 insul...

Mikki 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...

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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 Ma...

Mikki 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...

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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 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...

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 o...

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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.

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 re...

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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 he...

 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 wint...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Marco Altini—data scientist, athlete, and founder of HRV4Training—about his personal and professional exploration into periodised nutrition. Known for his evidence-based insights into heart rate variability and training readiness, Marco has recently turned the lens inward, experimenting with how varying his fuelling strategies around training intensity and adaptation goals can impact performance and recovery.

In this conversation, we dive into what led...

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:

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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 ad...

In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki dives deep into a surprisingly common but often misunderstood issue: low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). If you’ve ever felt bloated, heavy, or fatigued after meals—or experienced reflux that persists despite using antacids—this might be the missing link in your digestive health. Mikki explains how stomach acid is foundational not just for breaking down food, but also for absorbing nutrients, protecting against pathogens, and even supporting mental clarity. She unpacks the causes of low acid, key symptoms to watch for, and evidence-based ways to naturally support healthy stomach acid levels. This is a must...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr. Stacy Sims — internationally renowned exercise physiologist, nutrition scientist, and passionate advocate for women in sport.

Stacy has been instrumental in changing the narrative around female physiology in the training world, coining the now widely quoted phrase: “Women are not small men.” In this conversation, we go deeper into where that messaging holds firm — and where a more nuanced, individualised approach might be more app...

Puffy face? Puffy body? Puffy mood? 😩 In this episode, we get into why you feel swollen—especially after a big workout, a salty meal, or adding creatine to your supplement stack.

Let’s clear the confusion between water retention, swelling, and inflammation—and why they’re not the same thing. I’ll also answer:

This is one for anyone who's ever stared at the scale in confusion. You’re not broken—you...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Christine Houghton — a trailblazer in the field of Nutritional Biochemistry and Nutrigenomics. Christine’s work sits at the intersection of clinical nutrition, molecular biology, and lifestyle medicine, and she’s perhaps best known for her groundbreaking research...

In this episode, Mikki breaks down exactly what happens when you overeat — whether it’s Easter, a birthday, or just a big weekend — and why it's not the catastrophe it often feels like. She explains how your body processes a binge (hint: it’s mostly water, not fat), why you don’t need to panic, and how to reset both physically and mentally without falling into a shame spiral. Mikki shares practical steps to stabilise your blood sugar, mindset, and habits in the days after, helping you move forward with confidence and self-kindness. A must-listen if you’ve ever worried that...

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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr. Matt Budoff – a world-renowned cardiologist and researcher who has spent decades at the forefront of cardiovascular imaging and prevention. Known for his pioneering work in coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and computed tomography angiography (CCTA), Dr. Budoff has helped transform how we detect and assess heart disease risk.

In this conversation, we explore what first sparked his interest in cardiovascular imaging and ho...