Diet Notes with Susie Burrell

34 Episodes
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By: Susie Burrell

Join leading Australian dietitian and nutritionist Susie Burrell as she discusses topical nutrition areas that she sees working with women in her clinic. Dropping every Monday morning at 6am, Susie will share her insights from working with women on their health and weight related goals for over 25 years. With practical tips and unique insights, if you are interested in optimal aging, the balance of health with enjoying delicious, hormones and well-being and ideas on navigating nutrition amidst busy life, this weekly podcast is for you. Hit subscribe for your weekly nutrition hit from one of Australia's leading clinicians working in w...

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The Weight Loss BS We Tell Ourselves
Yesterday at 6:00 PM

Are the stories you tell yourself about food, exercise and weight loss actually holding you back?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie draws on her 25 years of experience as a dietitian and her background in psychology to challenge some of the most common beliefs that can sabotage our weight loss efforts.

From thinking everyone else can eat whatever they like, to rewarding ourselves with food after exercise, Susie explores the mindset traps that can make achieving our goals so frustrating.

She also explains why eating healthily doesn't always translate to fat loss...


5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Blood Sugar Control
10/11/2026

Blood sugar control isn't just important for people with diabetes - it plays a key role in our metabolic health, appetite regulation and healthy ageing.

In this week's episode of Diet Notes, dietitian Susie Burrell explores the connection between blood glucose, insulin and longevity, and shares five simple strategies to help improve blood sugar control through everyday diet and lifestyle habits.

From choosing savoury breakfasts and managing sugar cravings to spacing out meals and moving after eating, Susie explains how small changes to your daily routine can make a meaningful difference.

In...


Gestational Diabetes: The Risk That Doesn’t End After Pregnancy
10/04/2026

Gestational diabetes may disappear after pregnancy, but does the underlying metabolic risk disappear with it?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie explains why a history of gestational diabetes should be treated as an important long-term warning sign for metabolic health, particularly as women move through their 30s, 40s and into perimenopause.

After seeing several women in a single week struggling with weight gain and insulin resistance years after having gestational diabetes, Susie explores why early monitoring and prevention matter so much.

She discusses the importance of keeping an eye on blood glucose...


Why You Self-Sabotage Your Diet (and How to Stop)
09/20/2026

Why is it that we can have the very best intentions when it comes to our diet, yet still find ourselves falling back into the same old habits?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie takes a closer look at self-sabotage and some of the deeper reasons we struggle to make lasting changes to the way we eat. From early experiences with dieting and deeply ingrained food beliefs, to all-or-nothing thinking, emotional eating and simply being too exhausted to prioritise ourselves, there’s often much more going on than a lack of willpower.

Susie explores ho...


How to Lose 5kg Before Party Season
09/13/2026

With summer and party season just around the corner, now is the time many of us start noticing those extra winter kilos - but the good news is, there’s still plenty of time to make a difference.

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie shares her practical tips for shifting the last few kilos and getting fat loss moving in the right direction. From tightening up your diet and getting comfortable with a little hunger, to increasing cardio, rethinking dinner portions and cutting back on eating out, Susie breaks down the small changes that can have th...


5 Things You’ll Never Hear a Dietitian Say
09/06/2026

There’s no shortage of nutrition advice online - but not all of it comes from people with the training to be prescribing diets.

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie takes a slightly tongue-in-cheek look at five popular nutrition recommendations that you’re very unlikely to hear from a qualified dietitian.

From extremely low-calorie diets and expensive greens powders to cutting out gluten and dairy, protein bars and the idea of “cleansing” your liver, Susie explains why these approaches deserve a little more scrutiny - and why context and individual needs matter when it comes to...


Fatty Liver: Why It’s More Complicated Than You Think
08/30/2026

Being told you have fatty liver can be alarming - particularly if you don’t drink much alcohol, aren’t significantly overweight and generally eat well. But is fatty liver really as simple as cutting out alcohol, losing weight or following a “liver cleansing” diet?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie takes a closer look at the complex metabolic factors that can influence liver health and explains why an isolated elevated liver enzyme doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story.

She explores the role of family history, insulin resistance and metabolic health, along with the potent...


Is Your Metabolism Really Broken?
#27
08/23/2026

Do you really have a “slow” or broken metabolism - or is something else going on?

This week on Diet Notes, Susie takes a deep dive into how metabolism actually works, what influences your metabolic rate and why changes in muscle mass, activity levels and hormones can make weight management feel increasingly difficult as you get older.

Susie also clears up some of the most common metabolism myths, including whether skipping a meal will slow your metabolism, whether you need to eat every few hours, and why simply lifting weights isn’t always enough to improv...


How to Keep the Weight Off: 5 Ways to Prevent Weight Regain
#26
08/16/2026

On today’s episode, Susie tackles one of the most common questions after successful weight loss: how do you actually keep the weight off?

Whether you’ve lost a few kilos through changes to your diet and exercise, completed a structured weight loss program or used a GLP-1 medication, maintaining that loss requires a different mindset than simply reaching your goal weight.

Susie shares five key strategies for preventing weight regain and explains why your new habits need to become your new normal.

You’ll learn:

Why returning to your old ea...


Perimenopause: Cutting Through the Noise on Protein, Cardio & Supplements
#25
08/09/2026

There’s more information about perimenopause than ever before - but is all of it actually helping?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie cuts through some of the increasingly noisy advice surrounding nutrition, exercise and supplements during perimenopause. Drawing on her clinical experience working with women, she questions some of the blanket recommendations now dominating social media and explains why what works for one woman may be completely inappropriate for another.

Susie discusses why weight and calorie needs can become complicated as our lifestyles change, why more protein isn’t necessarily always better, and why...


Bloated? The Fibre, Fluid and Movement Fix
#24
07/12/2026

Feeling bloated, uncomfortable or a little backed up? You’re certainly not alone.

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie takes a closer look at the common causes of bloating and explains why improving digestive health involves more than simply adding extra fibre.

From finding the right balance of cooked vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and soluble fibre, to drinking enough fluid and keeping your body moving, Susie shares practical strategies to help support regularity and reduce digestive discomfort.

She also explores why high-protein diets and GLP-1 medications can make constipation and bloating more common, wh...


Soup Season: Why Dietitians Love a Good Bowl
#23
07/05/2026

In this sponsored episode of Diet Notes, Susie is diving into one of her all-time favourite winter staples: soup.

From homemade veggie-packed bowls to convenient supermarket options, Susie explains why soup can be such a smart way to boost your vegetable intake, fibre, potassium and overall nutrition, without making healthy eating feel harder than it needs to be.

She also breaks down what to look for when choosing a pre-made soup, why a little sodium is not always a deal-breaker, and how bone broth can add extra flavour, protein and nutritional value to...


Inside My New Peri Reset: Nutrition, Recipes & Realistic Support for Perimenopause
06/28/2026

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie introduces her brand new four-week Peri Reset e-book, a comprehensive nutrition guide designed for women navigating perimenopause, menopause and beyond.

After the success of the original Peri Plan, Susie has completely updated and expanded the concept to reflect the latest science, including the nutritional changes women may experience in their 40s and beyond, the role of GLP-1 medications, key supplements, exercise considerations, body composition changes and the importance of focusing on waist measurement rather than weight alone.

Susie also shares why the Peri Reset has been designed as...


Movement vs Exercise: Why Your Workout Routine Might Not Be Working
#21
06/21/2026

Are you moving enough… or are you actually exercising?

In this episode of Diet Notes, we unpack one of the most common reasons people struggle to see changes in body composition, even when they feel like they’re “doing everything right”. From daily steps and dog walks to weights, cardio and Pilates, this episode breaks down the important difference between general movement and structured exercise.

We discuss why hitting 10,000 steps is great, but may not be enough to drive fat loss, why your old workout routine might stop working as you get older, and how to think...


Why Low Iron Is Making You Feel Exhausted
06/14/2026

Low iron and low ferritin are incredibly common, particularly among women - but that does not mean they should be ignored.

In this episode of Diet Notes, we take a deep dive into iron: why it matters, what ferritin actually tells us, and why you can feel absolutely exhausted even when your haemoglobin levels are technically “normal”.

We explore the key signs that your iron stores may be low, including fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness, dizziness, poor immune function and that constant feeling of running on empty. We also look at why low ferritin is often unde...


Night Eating: Hunger, Habit or Something More?
#19
06/07/2026

In this episode of Diet Notes, we’re talking about one of the most common ways nutrition habits can come unstuck: night eating.

Whether it’s a biscuit with tea, a few squares of chocolate, grazing in front of the TV, or a full-blown evening binge, eating after dinner can become a pattern that quietly affects your health, weight and sense of control around food.

This episode explores the difference between genuine hunger, habit-based snacking, emotional eating and binge eating, and why the first step is understanding what’s actually driving the behaviour.

We loo...


How to Read Food Labels Like a Dietitian
#18
05/31/2026

With so much nutrition information on food packaging, it can be hard to know what actually matters when choosing products at the supermarket. Health stars, protein claims, low-fat labels and “no added sugar” messaging can all be useful at times, but they can also be confusing - and sometimes misleading.

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie shares exactly what she looks for when comparing packaged foods as a dietitian. From checking the ingredient list first, to understanding carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fat, protein, sodium and additives, this episode offers a practical guide to making better food choi...


What Really Happens When You See a Dietitian?
05/24/2026

There is so much nutrition advice online - from influencers, doctors, AI tools, meal plans, supplements, weight loss medications and everything in between. But what actually happens when you sit down with a qualified dietitian?

In this episode of Diet Notes, we’re pulling back the curtain on what a dietitian really does, how a consult works, and why personalised nutrition support is very different from downloading a meal plan or asking AI what to eat.

We explore the difference between dietitians and nutritionists, why professional qualifications matter, and how to choose the right practitioner fo...


Burnout, Exhaustion & How to Start Feeling Like Yourself Again
#16
05/17/2026

Feeling tired is one thing - but burnout is something deeper...

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie explores the difference between everyday fatigue and true burnout, particularly for women juggling work, family, caring roles, relationships, health changes and the constant pressure to keep doing more.

Drawing on the evidence-based burnout framework, Susie breaks down the three key signs of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation or loss of empathy, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. She also explains why so many women in midlife may feel depleted after years of giving more energy than they’re...


Eating to Reduce Inflammation: The Daily Habits That Make the Biggest Difference
05/10/2026

Inflammation is one of the most talked-about topics in nutrition - but what does it actually mean, and can the way we eat really help reduce it?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie takes a closer look at the role inflammation plays in the body, particularly as we age and move through perimenopause and menopause. Rather than relying on quick-fix powders, juices, or supplements, Susie explains why long-term dietary patterns are the key to supporting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes.

She breaks down the daily habits that matter most, from increasing your intake of...


Food Noise Explained: Why You’re Always Hungry (and How to Finally Take Control)
05/03/2026

Feeling like you’re always thinking about food?
Counting down to your next meal… even after you’ve just eaten?

In this episode of Diet Notes, we’re unpacking the concept of “food noise” - the constant mental chatter around food, hunger, cravings, and eating - and why it’s become such a hot topic in the age of weight loss medications like Ozempic.

But here’s the key question: Is it actually “food noise”… or is something deeper going on?

Susie breaks down the three core drivers behind food obsession, and more im...


Eating “Well” But Getting Nowhere? These 5 Habits Might Be Why
#13
04/26/2026

There’s no shortage of nutrition advice out there - but sometimes it’s not about what you’re eating… it’s about the habits quietly happening around it.

In this episode of Diet Notes, we’re breaking down five of the most common food habits that dietitians see every single day - the ones that can hold you back even when you feel like you’re “doing everything right.”

From your morning coffee routine to weekend blowouts, these patterns often fly under the radar… but they can have a big impact on your metabolism, hunger cues, and lon...


The Truth About Body Goals: Genetics, Exercise & Realistic Expectations
04/19/2026

There’s so much pressure to “bounce back,” slim down, tone up, and somehow juggle it all at once - especially for women in midlife managing careers, kids, ageing parents, and everyone else’s needs before their own. In this honest and eye-opening episode of Diet Notes, we unpack the gap between social media body ideals and real life.

We explore:

Why comparing yourself to influencers and models can be deeply misleadingThe huge role genetics plays in body shape, waist size, and metabolismWhat it actually takes to achieve a very lean physiqueWhy many women feel like they’re...


Enjoy the Chocolate, Keep the Progress: Your Easter Survival Guide
03/29/2026

With long weekends, social events, and plenty of indulgent food, it’s easy to fall off track - but it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. In this episode of Diet Notes, we’re breaking down how to navigate Easter without derailing your progress.

In This Episode:

Why you should enjoy Easter foods: No diet should exclude the foods you love - it’s about balance, not restriction.The real cause of holiday weight gain: It’s not just the food - it’s eating more and moving less.

Simple strategies t...


Protein Overload? How Much You Actually Need (and When You’re Having Too Much)
#10
03/22/2026

There’s no escaping it - protein is everywhere right now.

From “high-protein” snacks to supermarket staples rebranded with a protein boost, it’s become the nutrient of the moment. But are we actually getting it right?

In this episode of Diet Notes, we break down the protein hype - including how much you really need, why more isn’t always better, and the common mistakes that could be holding you back from your health and weight goals.

In this episode, we cover:

Why protein has become the “super nutrient” of the momentH...


Insulin Resistance: The Hidden Reason Weight Loss Feels So Hard
#9
03/15/2026

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie unpacks one of the most overlooked drivers of weight gain, stubborn fat loss and future metabolic issues: insulin resistance.

She explains what insulin resistance actually is, why it can make weight loss feel disproportionately difficult, and how it often goes undetected for years before progressing to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Susie also explores the strong genetic component behind insulin resistance, the key signs and symptoms to look out for, and why simply slashing carbohydrates or relying on appetite-suppressing medications may not address the root cause long term.

<...


Calories, Counting & Why the Numbers Don’t Tell the Full Story
#8
03/08/2026

Calories can feel like the be-all and end-all of weight loss - but are they really as precise or helpful as we’ve been led to believe?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie unpacks the truth about calories: what they are, why calorie counting can be misleading, and why relying too heavily on numbers can disconnect us from our natural hunger and appetite cues.

She explains why calorie needs vary more than most people realise, why food labels are only ever a rough guide, and how things like activity, hormones, metabolism and food quality al...


Is Fasting Really Good for You? A Dietitian’s Honest Take
#7
03/01/2026

There’s no shortage of information about fasting - from 5:2 to 16:8 to extended 24-hour fasts. But does it actually work? And more importantly… is it right for you?

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie breaks down the science behind intermittent fasting and shares her honest clinical perspective after years of working with real clients - particularly busy women with high energy demands.

You’ll learn:

The real origin of the 5:2 diet and what the research actually showsWhy 16:8 only works when it aligns with circadian rhythm (and why most people do it wrong)How skippi...


Stop Grazing: The Simple Habit That Supports Weight Loss
#6
02/22/2026

We’re surrounded by nutrition noise - macros, protein targets, superfoods, fasting… but one of the simplest (and most effective) habits for appetite and weight control is creating “the space in between” your meals.

In this episode, Susie explains how many of us are accidentally eating 8-12 times per day (often starting with milk-based coffees), and why constant grazing can disrupt hunger/fullness cues and blood glucose control - even when the food choices are “healthy”.

You’ll learn how to build a realistic meal rhythm of 3-4 hours between eating occasions, plus the “bulk factor” that hel...


To Snack Bar or Not to Snack Bar? A Dietitian’s Love/Hate Guide
#5
02/15/2026

Snack bars: convenient… but also wildly easy to overdo. In this episode, Susie breaks down her love/hate relationship with bars and explains why they can quietly replace real, filling snacks in your day.

You’ll learn the key differences between muesli bars, nut bars, and protein bars, what to look for on the ingredient list (hint: shorter is usually better), and why chocolate coatings and “low carb / high protein” packaging can create a health halo that doesn’t match what’s inside.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Not al...


GLP-1 Medications Explained: Insulin, Weight Loss & What You Need to Know
#4
02/08/2026

In this episode of Diet Notes, Susie unpacks the science and history behind modern weight-loss medications - with a clear, practical focus on GLP-1 therapies, insulin, and metabolic health.

From gestational diabetes and PCOS to appetite regulation and cravings, this episode explains how hormones and glucose control shape body weight - and what that means for anyone considering medical support for weight loss.

In this episode, we cover:

The history and evolution of weight-loss medicationsWhat GLP-1 medications are and how they work in the bodyThe connection between gestational diabetes (GDM), insulin, and future metabolic...


Why the Last 3–5kg Is the Hardest to Lose
02/01/2026

Welcome to Diet Notes - the weekly podcast from leading Australian dietitian designed to making eating healthier a lot easier. On today’s episode Susie chats the concept of losing the last 3-5kg. 

You'll learn:

Why losing small amounts of weight is so difficult The steps to to take if you really want to lose weightWhy most people fail with their weight loss goals The steps to take to really commit and change body composition for good

Follow Susie on Instagram 

Join Susie’s 3 or 6 month programs


Peri - Its all about DIET
#2
01/25/2026

Welcome to the Diet Notes. A weekly podcast from one of Australia’s leading dietitians Susie Burrell covering all things women’s health, hormones, weight & well-being. 

On today’s episode Susie chats the intricate relationship between diet and Peri:

Why diet is the key thing to focus on in PeriWhy HRT is not enough to support fat lossWhat you really need to do to lose body fat in your 40'sWhy body composition is more important than what you weigh

Resources:

RESET - The 4 Week Summer Kickstart Program - Susie Burrell DietitianFollow Susie on InstagramJoin Susie’s...


What Is a Diet Reset? Breaking the Cycle of Dieting
#1
01/18/2026

Welcome to the very first episode of Diet Notes - a weekly podcast from one of Australia’s leading dietitians, Susie Burrell, covering all things women’s health, hormones, weight, and overall well-being.

In this episode, Susie introduces the concept of a Diet Reset and explains how it differs from the usual detox or quick-fix approach.

You’ll learn:

Why a reset is not the same as a detoxThe key steps to successfully reset your dietWhy planning matters more than nutrition knowledge aloneHow to build a strong...