Mikkipedia

Mikki Williden

Mikkipedia is an exploration in all things health, well being, fitness, food and nutrition. I sit down with scientists, doctors, professors, practitioners and people who have a wealth of experience and have a conversation that takes a deep dive into their area of expertise. I love translating science into a language that people understand, so while some of the conversations will be pretty in-depth, you will come away with some practical tips that can be instigated into your everyday life. I hope you enjoy the show!

  1. 1 day ago

    Mini Mikkipedia - Where Did the Crunch Go? Fat Loss-Friendly Fixes

    When you’re focused on fat loss, sometimes it isn’t more food you’re craving — it’s texture. In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki tackles one of the most common complaints she hears: where did all the crunch go? She shares 27 low-calorie ways to add crunch, freshness and satisfaction back into meals without relying on calorie-dense extras that can quickly eat into your budget. From cabbage, radish and sugar snap peas to crispy air-fried vegetables, pickles, sauerkraut, nori and edamame, there are plenty of options beyond crackers and nuts. Mikki also explains how preparation methods, different vegetable cuts and clever use of seasonings can completely change the eating experience — proving that a fat-loss meal doesn’t have to be soft, sad or boring. In this episode 27 low-calorie foods that bring crunch and texture to mealsWhy nuts, seeds and crispy chickpeas can be harder to budget during fat lossSimple air-fryer, roasting and quick-pickling ideasHow different cuts and textures make salads and bowls more satisfyingUsing seasonings to make the same basic ingredients taste completely different Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 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

  2. 6 days ago

    Iron, Infants and the First 1,000 Days - with Gina Ulrich

    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 NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz This week on the podcast Mikki speaks to Gina Urlich, clinical nutritionist and founder of Odi Nutrition. Mikki and Gina dive into why iron deficiency is such an important issue in babies and young children, and why iron needs increase so dramatically from around six months of age. They unpack the difference between low iron stores, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, why iron matters so much for brain development, behaviour, immunity and growth, and some of the signs that might warrant further investigation. They also get very practical about feeding. Gina explains haem versus non-haem iron, the best iron-rich foods for babies and toddlers, how to improve absorption, and why meeting iron requirements can be surprisingly difficult when you are dealing with small appetites and picky eaters. They also discuss the baby and toddler food environment, what parents should know about common packaging claims, and the gap Gina saw in the market that ultimately led her to create Odi Nutrition. This is a really practical episode for parents, grandparents and practitioners who want to better understand how to support iron status during these critical early years. Gina Urlich is a clinical nutritionist, former nurse, mother of four and the founder of Odi Nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine and has spent much of her career working in women’s health and infant nutrition. Her interest in early childhood nutrition grew through both her clinical work and her own experience as a mum. After creating resources to help parents navigate introducing solids, Gina saw just how much confusion there was around feeding babies well, particularly when it came to balancing good nutrition with the realities of busy family life. That ultimately led her to create Odi Nutrition, a New Zealand baby and children’s food company focused on convenient, nutrient-dense wholefood options for growing children. https://odinutrition.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gina.urlich/?hl=en  Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

  3. 16 Aug

    Mini Mikkipedia - Is Tracking Your Food Really Obsessive?

    Food tracking, weighing portions and stepping on the scales are increasingly framed as obsessive behaviours—but are the tools themselves really the problem? In this Mini Mikkipedia episode, Mikki explores what the research actually says about self-monitoring for weight loss and maintenance. She looks at evidence showing that regular weighing and food tracking can improve awareness, support behaviour change and help people catch weight regain early, while also acknowledging that tracking can become problematic for some people. The crucial distinction appears to be how and why the tool is being used. Mikki discusses autonomous versus guilt-driven motivation, the importance of self-talk, and when numbers can shift from useful information to a measure of self-worth. The takeaway: tracking can be incredibly useful—but it should serve you, not control you.  In this episode:  Why self-monitoring is consistently associated with successful weight management  What research says about daily weighing, food logging and disordered eating  When tracking shifts from useful feedback to unhealthy fixation  Why motivation and self-talk can completely change the tracking experience  How to use tracking temporarily, strategically and without needing to log forever Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 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

  4. 11 Aug

    Rapid Fat Loss: When Faster Can Be Smarter - with Brandon DaCruz

    Save 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 Mikkipedia Mikki is joined by Brandon DaCruz, host of the Chasing Clarity podcast, for the first episode in a new collaborative series bringing together their perspectives on nutrition, fat loss and body composition. They kick things off with a deep dive into rapid fat loss and protein-sparing modified fasting, starting with what a PSMF actually is and how each of them defines rapid fat loss in practice. Mikki and Brandon explore the potential benefits of taking a more aggressive approach to fat loss, alongside the physiological, psychological and behavioural drawbacks that need to be considered. They also get into how these strategies look with real clients. Brandon shares how he uses rapid fat-loss days, deficit deloads and high-carbohydrate refeeds, while Mikki explains how PSMF days and structured diet breaks are incorporated into Mondays Matter. Finally, they discuss who rapid fat-loss strategies are not appropriate for, including circumstances where hormonal health, energy availability, training demands or physique goals mean a more conservative approach is warranted. It’s a practical and nuanced discussion about when rapid fat loss can be a useful tool, when it can become counterproductive, and why context matters far more than simply labelling an approach as good or bad. Brandon DaCruz at his website https://www.brandondacruzfit.com/, and on Instagram @brandondacruz_ Chasing Clarity https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-clarity-health-fitness-podcast/id1619611966  Brandon DaCruz is an online nutrition and physique coach, accredited nutritionist, functional nutrition and metabolism specialist, and health and fitness educator with over 16 years of coaching experience. Throughout his career, Brandon has helped more than 1,200 clients ranging from Olympia-level physique competitors and competitive athletes to business owners, executives, and lifestyle clients improve their body composition, optimize performance, and enhance their overall health. His coaching philosophy is rooted in an evidence-informed approach that combines the best available research with real-world coaching experience gained from working directly with clients in the trenches for over a decade and a half. Brandon has been featured in leading industry publications including Men’s Fitness Magazine, Muscular Development, Bodybuilding.com, and the Alan Aragon Research Review, where he served as a contributing author. Known for his ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical, actionable strategies, Brandon specializes in helping clients lose body fat, build muscle, improve metabolic health, and create sustainable long-term results without relying on extremes or quick fixes. Brandon is also the host of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, a show ranked in the top 5% of all podcasts on Spotify. Through both solo episodes and conversations with many of the industry’s leading researchers, and educators, the podcast aims to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity in health, fitness, nutrition, and physique development. Each episode is designed to empower listeners through education and provide the tools needed to make informed decisions about their health and physique goals. https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/270 https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/226  https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/300  https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/368  https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/416  https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/422  https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/458  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 NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

  5. 9 Aug

    Mini Mikkipedia - Why Men and Women Store Fat Differently

    wo people can have the same body weight and BMI yet face very different metabolic risks. In this episode, Mikki explores the biological reasons men and women store fat differently and why location matters more than the number on the scale. She explains how oestrogen directs fat towards the hips and thighs before menopause, why declining oestrogen can shift fat towards the abdomen, and how immune signalling, liver function and cholesterol patterns differ between the sexes. Mikki also examines women’s surprising advantage in insulin sensitivity, the role of skeletal muscle in glucose control, and why waist circumference may predict cardiovascular risk better than BMI. This episode offers a nuanced look at fat distribution, menopause and metabolic health, while reinforcing the powerful role of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle. Topics covered: Why equal body weight does not mean equal metabolic riskHow oestrogen influences fat storage and fat releaseWhy visceral fat often increases through menopauseSex differences in inflammation, liver health and cholesterolThe roles of muscle mass and insulin sensitivity Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 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

  6. 4 Aug

    Medical Astrology: An Ancestral Lens on Health with Kira Sutherland

    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 NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz In this episode, Kira joins Mikki to explore medical astrology through the broader lens of ancestral medicine. They discuss how astrology once sat alongside herbal medicine, food, seasonal living and close observation of the natural world as part of a practitioner’s medical map. This is not a conversation about newspaper horoscopes or using a birth chart to diagnose disease. Instead, Kira explains how medical astrology may be used as a constitutional and reflective framework for considering temperament, health patterns, resilience, vulnerability and timing. They explore the roles of the four elements, the relationship between planetary cycles and the body, and whether astrology can sometimes provide language for experiences that are not easily captured by standard testing. Drawing on Kira’s background in naturopathy and nutrition, they also examine how ancestral knowledge might complement modern healthcare without romanticising the past or abandoning scientific scrutiny. Ultimately, the conversation asks whether health is only about identifying what is wrong with the body, or whether it can also involve understanding the patterns the body may be expressing. Kira is an Australian Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist and Medical Astrologer. Known for her vibrant, straight-forward teaching style, Kira has lectured in Medical Astrology within Australia, North America and Europe. In private practice for over 25 years, Kira combines her knowledge in Natural Medicine with her passion for Medical Astrology into a wonderful mix of mind/body medicine.  Kira's Medical Astrology training and mentoring programs attract hundreds of students every year from around the world, with rave reviews about her teaching style and breadth of knowledge and application. In her free time, she competes in endurance sport and skis with her family as much as possible. Follow Kira online: https://www.kirasutherland.com.au  https://www.astrologyofhealth.com/about https://podcast.mikkiwilliden.com/154 Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

  7. 2 Aug

    Mini Mikkipedia - Food Noise, Hunger and Cravings: Know the Difference

    Food noise, hunger and cravings are often treated as interchangeable, but they arise from different biological and psychological systems. In this episode, Mikki explains how physiological hunger develops gradually in response to the body’s energy needs, while cravings are shorter, cue-driven urges for specific foods. Food noise is different again: a persistent background hum of food-related thoughts linked to reward circuitry, rumination and heightened responsiveness to food cues. Mikki explores why GLP-1 medications can dramatically quiet food noise, how stress, poor sleep and highly palatable foods can amplify it, and why intuitive eating may improve calmness around food without necessarily producing fat loss. She also outlines practical strategies, including improving protein and fibre intake, reducing easy access to trigger foods, addressing stress and sleep, and recognising when medical support may be appropriate. Topics covered The biological differences between hunger, cravings and food noiseWhy food noise feels intrusive and repetitiveHow GLP-1 medications affect food reward pathwaysThe role of stress, sleep and ultra-processed foodsPractical strategies for reducing appetite-related noise Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwillidenNZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nzSave 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

4.9
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Mikkipedia is an exploration in all things health, well being, fitness, food and nutrition. I sit down with scientists, doctors, professors, practitioners and people who have a wealth of experience and have a conversation that takes a deep dive into their area of expertise. I love translating science into a language that people understand, so while some of the conversations will be pretty in-depth, you will come away with some practical tips that can be instigated into your everyday life. I hope you enjoy the show!

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