The Nutrition Couch

Ever been told your blood tests are “normal”, but you’re still exhausted, flat, foggy, struggling with weight changes, or just not feeling like yourself?
In this episode of The Nutrition Couch, Leanne and Susie unpack the difference between normal and optimal blood test results, and why women need to look beyond a quick “everything’s fine” from the doctor.
They break down the key markers worth tracking over time, including glucose, HbA1c, ferritin, vitamin D, cholesterol, thyroid, and estrogen, especially for women in their 30s, 40s and beyond.
They also dive into a new warning linked with GLP-1 medications, including how appetite suppression can reduce diet quality and increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies if you are not actively protecting your intake.
Plus, they review a high-protein granola topper and answer a listener question on the healthiest takeaway options.
In this episode, we cover:
Why normal blood tests are not always optimal
The blood markers women should track over time
Low ferritin, fatigue, brain fog and poor exercise tolerance
Glucose, HbA1c and the early signs of insulin resistance
Vitamin D, cholesterol, thyroid and estrogen changes to watch
Why women in perimenopause and menopause need to pay closer attention
The new GLP-1 nutrient deficiency concern
Why eating less can still mean poor nutrition
Product review: Coastal Crunch Protein Crunch
Listener question: the healthiest takeaway choices
If you’ve ever felt dismissed by “normal” results, this episode will help you ask better questions and understand what to look at more closely.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are low sugar lollies actually healthier… or just clever marketing?
This week on The Nutrition Couch, Susie and Leanne take a deep dive into the booming “better-for-you” confectionery trend and unpack whether these fibre-based, low-sugar lollies are genuinely a smarter choice — or simply another ultra-processed product wearing a health halo.
With brands like Fun Day dominating supermarket checkouts, are we being lured into a false sense of security?
But that’s not all.
Leanne shares compelling new research (January 2026) linking body fat distribution — not just body weight — to brain structure, cognitive performance and neurological disease risk. The findings raise important questions about muscle mass, abdominal fat, rapid weight loss, and long-term brain health.
Plus:
A practical review of convenient pre-prepared vegetables and whether they’re worth the price
The truth about Aldi’s lower carb white bread and why not all “low carb” options are created equal
A bigger conversation about ultra-processed foods and health star ratings
This episode cuts through marketing noise and brings you back to what truly matters for long-term health, metabolic function and cognitive protection.
If you’ve ever stood in the lolly aisle wondering “Is this actually better?” — this one’s for you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you eat the same breakfast on repeat because it “fits your macros”, this episode is for you.
This week on The Nutrition Couch, Leanne and Susie unpack the biggest breakfast mistake they see in clinic, why it can quietly stall gut health and fat loss, and the simple way to fix it without overhauling your whole routine.
Then, they cut through the noise on ultra-processed foods, sharing realistic supermarket swaps that reduce additives while keeping your grocery bill (and your sanity) intact. Plus, a surprisingly decent chocolatey lunchbox snack gets reviewed, and they answer the question everyone asks after we’ve “bagged out” wraps, which ones are actually worth buying?
In this episode, we cover:
The number one breakfast mistake for gut health and metabolism (and why “same breakfast every day” backfires)

The 30 plant foods per week idea, what counts, and how to rack up plant points without trying

Easy ways to rotate breakfasts while still hitting protein goals

Why your weight loss can plateau even when you’re doing everything “right”, and how variety helps

Ultra-processed foods: the difference between “some processing” and foods that genuinely drive poor outcomes

Practical UPF swaps that actually make a difference (cereal, milks, breads, yoghurts, chips, crackers)

The truth about additives like emulsifiers, when they matter, and when social media fear has gone too far

Cracker chat: why some “party crackers” are basically biscuits, and what to buy instead for everyday

Product review: Nestlé Milo 40% Less Sugar Dairy Snack, is it a solid option for active kids?

The “maths isn’t mathing” moment, how the lower sugar version stacks up against the regular one (and why we’re investigating)

Listener question: wraps, which ones are okay, and why “spinach wraps” are usually marketing, not veggies

Best buys: the simple, budget-friendly wholegrain mini wraps Leanne and Susie actually recommend

As always, this is practical, evidence-led nutrition advice without the all-or-nothing nonsense.
Designed by Dietitians
If your diet needs a little extra support, explore our scientifically formulated supplement range including protein, creatine, collagen, magnesium, and hydration at designedbydietitians.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re trying to lose weight, manage stress, or just feel better in your body, this episode connects the dots between what’s on your plate and how you actually feel.
This week on The Nutrition Couch:
A viral article claims cottage cheese, berries and seeds are the “best breakfast for weight loss.” We unpack whether it’s genuinely superior — or just smart marketing.
Plus, a major Australian dataset of over 45,000 people has found a strong link between higher fruit and vegetable intake and lower psychological distress. Women in particular saw greater benefits at higher vegetable serves.
We break down:
Why protein + fibre still matters at breakfast

Whether cottage cheese is worth the hype

The gut–brain connection and mood regulation

How many veggie serves actually make a difference

The sugary drink–depression link

A new high-protein Coles Perform barramundi option

And the viral “Japanese cheesecake” trend (and why it’s not actually cheesecake)

If you want simple, science-backed ways to support fat loss, mood and energy — without extremes — this one’s for you.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is brain fog getting worse in menopause?
Trying to lose weight but nothing works anymore?
This episode explores new research on creatine and cognition — and why willpower isn’t the real reason weight loss stalls.
Here’s what we cover:
A new 8-week randomised controlled trial on creatine in peri- and menopausal women
What actually improved: memory, mental fatigue and cognitive performance
Why women may store less creatine than men
Whether all forms of creatine are equal
Plus:
CSIRO data from 78,000 Australians shows why structured meal planning leads to more weight loss
Why willpower fails when planning is absent
The psychology behind “starting again Monday”
We also review the new Cobs Popcorn Bars — are they really a healthy lunchbox option?
And we answer a listener question: why are your measurements dropping but not the scale?
Leanne and Susie are dietitians and co-founders of Designed by Dietitians. As always, the discussion is evidence-led and practical.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.