Diet Notes with Susie Burrell

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 women's diet and nutrition. 

  1. 4D AGO

    Burnout, Exhaustion & How to Start Feeling Like Yourself Again

    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 getting back. Rather than offering quick fixes, this episode focuses on practical starting points for rebuilding energy and creating space to recover. Susie shares why nutrition is often the first and most powerful place to begin, how gentle movement can be more helpful than pushing through another intense workout, and why blood tests for iron, vitamin D and hormones can be an important part of understanding what’s really going on. She also discusses the importance of creating daily or weekly reset time, giving yourself a longer runway for change, and remembering that difficult seasons do pass - especially when they’re treated as a signal to make small, consistent changes. In this episode, Susie covers: The difference between tiredness, emotional exhaustion and burnoutThe three defining signs of burnoutWhy modern life places so much pressure on women How food, walking and rest can help rebuild energyThe importance of checking iron, vitamin D and hormonal healthWhy recovery from burnout takes time, space and self-compassionHow small changes can help shift your life in a better directionThis is a reassuring episode for anyone feeling flat, depleted or unlike themselves - and a reminder that the best thing you can do is simply start.

    21 min
  2. MAY 3

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

    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 importantly, how to identify which one applies to you: In this episode, we cover: What “food noise” really is (and why it’s often misunderstood)The link between insulin, blood sugar regulation, and constant hunger How medications like GLP-1s reduce appetite - and what that tells us about physiologyWhy some people feel hungry all the time (and why that’s not normal)The impact of dieting history, restriction, and early food programmingThe difference between true hunger vs. psychological or habitual eatingHow anxiety, stress, and even ADHD traits can drive food focusPractical strategies to reduce food noise: Create 3-4 hour gaps between meals to stabilise hunger signalsShift away from sweet, highly palatable foods that drive cravingsPrioritise savoury, balanced meals to improve satietyLearn to listen to your body, not rigid diet rulesBuild awareness of habitual snacking vs. genuine hungerPractice sitting with mild hunger-because it will passKey takeaway: If you feel out of control around food, it’s not a lack of willpower. In many cases, food noise is driven by hormones, habits, or long-term dieting patterns-not personal failure. And once you understand the root cause, you can actually do something about it. If this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s been stuck in the cycle of constant cravings - it might just change the way they think about food. New episodes of Diet Notes drop every Monday.

    21 min
  3. APR 26

    Eating “Well” But Getting Nowhere? These 5 Habits Might Be Why

    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 long-term results. The good news? They’re fixable - and you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to do it. In this episode, we cover: The coffee trap - how milk-based coffees can quietly replace breakfast and disrupt your metabolismNon-hungry eating - why eating when you’re not actually hungry might be doing more harm than goodNight-time sweet habits - understanding the environmental triggers behind evening indulgenceMindless munching - how small, unconscious snacks can add up quicklyWeekend eating chaos - why Friday–Sunday is often where progress gets undone (and how to fix it)Practical strategies you can try today: Pair your morning coffee with real food (or delay it until you’re hungry)Start tuning into your hunger levels - aim to eat when you’re genuinely hungry, not just out of habitBreak the link between relaxation and sweet treats (yes, even the nightly tea + biscuits combo )Create clear gaps between meals to reset hunger and fullness cues Plan your weekends before they happen - especially meals and “indulgent” momentsIf you’ve ever felt like you’re eating pretty well but still not seeing results, this episode will help you zoom out and spot the patterns that might be getting in the way. Because often, it’s not about being more strict… it’s about being more aware.

    20 min
  4. MAR 22

    Protein Overload? How Much You Actually Need (and When You’re Having Too Much)

    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 momentHow much protein women actually need (and why it’s often less than you think)The difference between high-quality vs lower-quality protein sources Why spacing protein across the day matters more than loading up at dinnerThe truth about high-protein processed foods (and why they’re not always the better choice)How protein intake impacts fat loss, muscle maintenance, and appetite controlWhere most people go wrong - especially at breakfast and afternoon snacks Whether you really need protein powders (and how to use them effectively)The key takeaway: Protein is important - especially for women as we age - but it’s not a free pass.More isn’t always better. In fact, too much protein (especially from processed sources) can lead to excess calories and stalled progress. The goal is a balanced, consistent intake across the day, focused on lean, high-quality sources.Practical tips to take away: Aim for ~20–30g of protein per meal, spread evenly across the dayPrioritise lean, whole-food protein sourcesBe mindful of “high-protein” processed foods - they often come with extra caloriesDon’t stress about hitting exact targets daily - it’s about your average over timeMatch your protein intake to your activity level and goalsWork with Susie! Susie offers 3-month and 6-month personalised programs designed for sustainable weight loss, metabolic health and long-term results. Appointments: appointments@susieburrell.com Corporate wellness talks available across Australia and internationally - including digestive health, women’s hormones, workplace nutrition and longevity

    22 min
  5. MAR 15

    Insulin Resistance: The Hidden Reason Weight Loss Feels So Hard

    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. Susie shares her clinical perspective on how insulin resistance can be managed through a combination of controlled carbohydrate intake, balanced meals, movement, muscle-building and, where appropriate, medication support - with the goal of improving metabolic function rather than just forcing short-term weight loss. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” but still struggling to lose weight, this episode offers an important and compassionate look at what may be happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Susie covers: What insulin resistance is and how it affects the bodyWhy it can make weight loss unusually difficultThe connection between insulin resistance, PCOS, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetesCommon signs and symptoms to watch forHow insulin resistance is identified and diagnosedWhy extreme low-carb dieting may only mask the issueA more sustainable dietary approach to improving insulin sensitivityThe role of exercise, muscle mass and medications like metformin and GLP-1sWork with Susie! Susie offers 3-month and 6-month personalised programs designed for sustainable weight loss, metabolic health and long-term results. Appointments: appointments@susieburrell.com Corporate wellness talks available across Australia and internationally - including digestive health, women’s hormones, workplace nutrition and longevity

    21 min

About

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 women's diet and nutrition. 

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