Ep 12: How To Enjoy Food When You Can't Smell with Mimi Ellis

It’s been a worry of mine for a while, but since hearing reports during the covid pandemic of so many people losing their sense of smell and taste I’ve been fretting more than I should about losing my own. If you’re struggling with anosmia (loss of a sense of smell), if you know someone struggling with the condition, or even if you’re worried about it then this episode is for you!

Mimi Ellis is an expertly trained coach and registered dietician who specializes in helping people live with – and overcome! – their loss of smell and/or taste. This chat has been some time in the making, but I found it incredibly informative (I learned a lot!) and it has helped put my mind at ease. Give it a listen!

• [00:00] Introduction
• [03:26] A bit about Mimi: who she is, and who she helps
• [07:18] The biology of taste and smell
• [08:41] Are taste and smell always linked? How to understand where the problem lies.
• [10:44] The effect of certain viral infections (including covid-19)
• [13:21] Explaining the process to a better life: isolating the problem and planning a solution
• [18:51] Practical tips for living with loss of smell and/or taste
• [23:08] How to best support family members struggling with this condition
• [24:46] Mimi’s current condition
• [26:12] Describing phantosmia, where you experience smells that aren’t there (it’s a sign of recovery)
• [28:16] How to find Mimi online (links below)
• [29:03] Mimi’s favourite health-related app
• [29:57] Mimi’s favourite kitchen appliance or ingredient
• [30:48] Mimi’s morning routine
• [32:10] Mimi’s best time-saving tip
• [33:18] Mimi’s best advice for incorporating plant-based food into your diet

• Mimi’s Website
• Facebook
• Another great interview with Mimi.

 Listen on Spotify

Gabrielle is an evidence-based vegan coach who believes that health transformation begins when you switch to a plant-based diet. Her mission is to help midlife women eat in alignment with who they are and what they value so that they can lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.