DiscoverOptimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition
Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition

Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition

Author: Optimal Living Daily | Dr. Neal Malik

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Optimal Health Daily, hosted by the esteemed Dr. Neal Malik, a tenured professor, registered dietitian nutritionist, and certified exercise physiologist, is a treasure trove of health and wellness insights. Dr. Neal delves into the latest research and timeless wisdom in nutrition, fitness, and diet, presenting them in easy-to-understand, digestible episodes. His expertise shines through as he handpicks and narrates the most informative and inspiring blog posts, offering practical tips and motivational stories to help listeners on their journey to optimal health.

Each episode is a blend of science-based information and real-life application, making it a unique resource for anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing. Dr. Malik's approach is holistic and inclusive, recognizing the importance of balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness. By focusing on diet, fitness, and nutrition, each episode provides you with the tools needed to achieve your health goals. His engaging narration and the podcast's diverse range of topics make it an essential daily listen for you as you seek to lead a healthier, more balanced life.

This podcast is designed for those passionate about diet, fitness, and nutrition. It’s your go-to source for practical advice on managing your diet, improving your fitness, and understanding nutrition. Each episode offers actionable steps to foster a healthier lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of diet, fitness, and nutrition in achieving optimal health.

Listen now, and become an OLD friend--your optimal life awaits...

3261 Episodes
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Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3260: Dr. Neal Malik unpacks the myth of having to combine plant proteins at every meal, explaining that the body maintains an amino acid pool to build muscle from various sources throughout the day. He also clarifies why vegans may need slightly more protein due to digestibility, and how regular strength training ensures those proteins go where they’re most needed. Quotes to ponder: "There is no need to consciously combine different plant proteins at each meal because the human body maintains a pool of amino acids." "As long as you're eating a variety of plant-based foods, whether that's at the same meal or not, you will have plenty of puzzle pieces and that's all that matters." "The real key when you're thinking about muscle and muscle growth is to create the demand for muscle growth." Episode references: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): https://www.fao.org World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3259: Dr Jenny Brockis explains how increasing dietary fiber, especially from foods like broccoli, can help protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline. By supporting healthy gut bacteria that produce anti-inflammatory compounds like butyrate, a high-fiber diet reduces brain inflammation and promotes long-term mental sharpness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2018/11/19/broccoli/ Quotes to ponder: "Choosing to eat a high fiber diet will enable you to maintain a healthy population of those gut bacteria whose job is to keep your brain healthy and wise." "While we like to think our superfood heroes will save the world and us, it’s often the unsung heroes that actually make the biggest difference." "One medium apple, banana, pear or orange will provide anywhere from 4-6 grams of dietary fiber." Episode references: Butyrate and brain health research (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8477775/ Dennis Burkitt and dietary fiber (via Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dennis_Burkitt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3258: Laure Carter shares her journey from debilitating digestive distress to complete healing through Ayurveda, revealing how food choices, eating habits, and lifestyle are deeply connected to gut health. Her transformation from suffering to empowerment highlights how personalized nutrition and mindful living can restore both physical and emotional well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.laurecarter.com/resolve-digestive-problems-with-3-ayurvedic-keys/ Quotes to ponder: "According to Ayurveda, digestive symptoms are the result of inappropriate food choices, eating habits and lifestyle habits." "Digestive problems rank third among illnesses in total economic cost in the United States." "Living a stressful lifestyle wreaks havoc on our digestion and triggers digestive reactions." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3257: Crystal Karges compassionately unpacks the generational impact of dieting behaviors, encouraging parents to break free from diet culture and instead foster trust, body acceptance, and positive food relationships with their children. Her personal journey and practical guidance offer an empowering path to create a healthier, more compassionate future for the next generation, without shame, restriction, or body-based judgment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/instead-of-a-diet-for-kids-these-healthy-habits-create-real-change Quotes to ponder: "Diets are marketed in a pretty package that makes us believe all our problems will be solved and disguised by wellness culture so it’s hard to even recognize a diet for what it is these days." "You can trust that in doing these things, your kids will grow into a healthy weight that is right for them." "Choosing NOT to engage in dieting behaviors doesn’t mean that we don’t care about health." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3256: Crystal Karges shares a deeply personal account of her early struggles with dieting and eating disorders, revealing how societal and familial pressures shaped her relationship with food and body image. Through her story, she powerfully exposes the dangers of diet culture targeting children and calls for compassionate, informed parenting that prioritizes long-term well-being over quick fixes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/instead-of-a-diet-for-kids-these-healthy-habits-create-real-change Quotes to ponder: "Dieting is the most important predictor of the development of new eating disorders, increasing the risk of these mental illnesses." "Nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and rules around food do not take a person’s (or child’s) individual needs into account." "We live in a world that is extremely harsh toward people who live in larger bodies, especially kids." Episode references: Eating Disorders: About More Than Food (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders Academy for Eating Disorders: https://www.aedweb.org/ National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3255: Ben Greenfield reveals five surprisingly simple yet science-backed strategies to help you naturally reduce your calorie intake without relying on willpower alone. Learn how tweaking your environment, utensils, and eating habits can lead to automatic appetite control and better food decisions, all by outsmarting your subconscious mind. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/article/appetitecontrol/ Quotes to ponder: "The less exposure your eyes, ears and nose have to food, the less likely you are to eat too many calories." "When you are engaged in an environment that is primarily geared toward entertainment,  you're likely to eat more food, whether or not you even like the food!" "Keep any snacks or tempting sweets in opaque (non-transparent) containers or places where they're not readily accessible in your home." Episode references: 59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman: https://www.amazon.com/59-Seconds-Change-Under-Minute/dp/0307474860 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3254: Chris Reining lays out a clear path for young professionals like Henry who’ve built a solid financial foundation and are now asking, “What’s next?” By narrowing the overwhelming list of investment choices down to four core options, and urging a slow, focused approach, he explains how real wealth is built through patience, simplicity, and strategic progression over decades. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/what-should-i-invest-in/ Quotes to ponder: "Pick the one thing you like doing the most, and just do that thing for now." "I know at the beginning of your 20s it’s difficult to imagine you have decades ahead to invest in all these different things, but I’m telling you that you have decades ahead to invest in all these different things." "When you get to the point where you’re only spending a few hours a year managing your investments you can move on to the next thing." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3253: Rachel Trotta unpacks decades of diet trends to reveal why the fat vs. sugar debate is more complex than it seems. Backed by evolving science, she argues that sugar, not fat, may be the real driver behind inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and long-term weight gain, urging a shift toward balanced, satisfying eating patterns grounded in whole foods. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://racheltrotta.com/self-improvement/fat-or-sugar/ Quotes to ponder: "Frequent blood sugar spikes, not fat, cause inflammation and atherosclerosis." "A diet with sufficient fat is more satisfying, physically and mentally." "You still need to eat lots and lots of vegetables. The point of a low-carbohydrate and high-fat diet is to avoid blood sugar spikes, not to eat as much cheese and meat as possible." Episode references: Atkins Diet: https://www.atkins.com/how-it-works Paleo Diet: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/paleo-diet-meal-plan-and-menu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3252: Dr. Neil explains why stubborn belly fat tends to accumulate with age and outlines five evidence-based strategies to manage it effectively, covering portion control, balanced exercise, sleep, stress management, and core training. He emphasizes consistency over perfection and debunks the myth that ab workouts alone can spot-reduce fat. Quotes to ponder: “Belly fat is particularly tricky to lose, for some reason, it's really stubborn.” “There is no magic pill or magic routine that will guarantee the loss of belly fat.” “Doing this alone will not lead to belly fat loss, what it will do is to help those muscles pop once the belly fat starts to shrink down.” Episode references: Bastyr University: https://bastyr.edu American College of Sports Medicine: https://www.acsm.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3251: Riley Pearce lays out a realistic, science-backed approach to shedding 10 pounds in 5 weeks by focusing on self-awareness, energy balance, and habit-building rather than gimmicks or crash diets. With practical strategies for tracking intake, designing sustainable meals, and shifting mindset, this method empowers you to lose weight in a way that lasts. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://freeformfitness.ca/lose-10lbs-in-5-weeks/ Quotes to ponder: "To lose 10lbs in 5 weeks is a healthy, and realistic weight loss goal." "Eat a whole-food, nutrient-dense, colourful diet." "Consistent effort over the 5 weeks will help you build helpful habits." Episode references: Lose It: https://www.loseit.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3250: Lea Genders breaks down what "lifting heavy" really means, emphasizing that it's not about chasing numbers, but challenging your personal limits safely and progressively. She explains how to determine the right weight for your fitness level, why proper form and rest are essential, and how strength training can transform your body composition and boost metabolism. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.leagendersfitness.com/news/lift-heavy-for-beginners-and-how-to-determine-the-proper-weight-for-you Quotes to ponder: "Lifting heavy does not mean lifting heavier than your current fitness level." "Your effort level should feel at about an 8 out of 10. It should feel challenging, but achievable." "Reps with poor form don't count, so don't do them." Episode references: YouTube strength training tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=strength+training+proper+form Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3249: Summer Banks explores four more science-backed habits linked to longevity, highlighting the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric, the vital role of consistent sleep, the nuanced benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, and how conscientiousness and mindfulness can lead to a longer, healthier life. These insights show how simple, intentional shifts in daily behavior may have lasting effects on health and aging. Quotes to ponder: “Curcumin is the primary bioactive compound in turmeric and includes both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.” “The healthiest sleep pattern includes 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Developing this pattern may increase your lifespan.” “Mindfulness has been found to be effective for dealing with emotional eating and weight loss.” Episode references: Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience BioMed Research International: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3248: Summer Banks explores science-backed lifestyle changes that significantly impact how long, and how well, we live. From small daily habits like adding nuts to your meals or walking just 15 minutes a day, to major shifts like quitting smoking and managing stress, these evidence-based practices show how much control we have over our own longevity regardless of our genes. Quotes to ponder: “Yoga can dramatically increase your flexibility and strengthen your core like never before all with minimal joint impact.” “Those who eat an abundance of plant-based foods are more likely to live longer and avoid many common health issues.” “Stress is often referred to as the silent killer and causes many harmful, often overlooked effects, which can introduce pain and strain into your daily activities.” Episode references: Blue Zones by Dan Buettner: https://www.bluezones.com Flipping Fifty by Debra Atkinson: https://www.flippingfifty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3247: Stephan Guyenet revisits his stance on butter, now favoring less refined dairy like yogurt and cheese for better health outcomes. Drawing on the whole food heuristic and recent evidence on LDL cholesterol and calorie intake, he explains why butter’s high refinement, calorie density, and impact on blood lipids make it a less ideal choice for long-term well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.stephanguyenet.com/two-things-ive-changed-my-mind-about-part-i-butter/ Quotes to ponder: "Butter increases LDL cholesterol and particle number more than most other fats." "Fat isn’t automatically fattening, but research suggests that it can be fattening when it meets two criteria: high calorie density and high palatability." "Butter is one of the most calorie-dense foods in the world, and the human brain likes calories." Episode references: The Hungry Brain: https://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Brain-Outsmarting-Instincts-Overeat/dp/125008119X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3246: Greg Audino challenges the tendency to judge others based on their visible circumstances, using therapy animals as a lens to explore how struggle is deeply personal and context-dependent. He argues that meaningful progress often stems from action itself, not just outcomes, and that understanding others requires humility, not comparison. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://medium.com/invisible-illness/the-metric-of-struggle-5705ef229228 Quotes to ponder: "We need progress to feel happy, and progress is birthed by action, whether or not that action accomplishes what it initially set out to." "Nearly all judgement and assessment towards others is derived from how we perceive their outer circumstances." "Depending on where you get your information from, you’ll hear different sides of the story." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3245: Steve breaks down the science behind muscle fibers, Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIb, and how they determine your natural strengths in endurance versus explosive power. With the right training, you can shift your muscle composition to align more closely with your goals, proving that genetics set the stage, but effort shapes the performance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/fast-twitch-vs-slow-twitch-what-kind-of-muscles-do-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: "Type I fibers are 'slow twitch' fibers. They use oxygen to fire, and they take longer to get going, but they can go for a longer period of time without getting tired." "Type IIb fibers are 'fast twitch' fibers. These fire anaerobically (without oxygen), they fire extremely quickly, but they get tired easily." "Your muscle fiber composition is already built into your genetics." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3244: Dr. Neal Malik unpacks the science behind the most popular eating plans, paleo, ketogenic, and plant-based, to determine which offers the best long-term health benefits. Drawing from extensive research, he explains why plant-focused diets like Mediterranean, DASH, and vegetarian consistently rise to the top, emphasizing sustainability over trends. Quotes to ponder: "The best diet to promote a healthy lifestyle is one that allows for food to be consumed in moderation and one you are able to follow over the long term." "All of these three have something very important in common, they are all plant-based diets." "You can eat whatever you want, just be sure that most of the time you're consuming the foods I just mentioned. It becomes a lifestyle, not a diet." Episode references: Mediterranean Diet Overview – Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801 The DASH Diet Eating Plan: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3243: Hrefna Palsdottir explores how specific probiotic strains may aid in weight loss by improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and regulating appetite-related hormones. The article highlights evidence supporting the role of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains in lowering belly fat and preventing weight gain, offering a natural complement to a healthy lifestyle. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-weight-loss Quotes to ponder: "Probiotics may reduce the number of calories you absorb from food." "Evidence indicates that Lactobacillus gasseri may help people with obesity lose weight and waist circumference." "Certain probiotic strains, such as VSL#3, may be able to reduce weight gain." Episode references: Lactobacillus gasseri and weight loss (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24912386/ VSL#3 Probiotic Blend (VSL#3 Official Site): https://vsl3.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3242: Emma Hogan highlights compelling research showing that boosting physical activity has greater long-term health benefits than focusing on weight loss. Prioritizing fitness, not the scale, can dramatically reduce the risk of chronic disease and premature death, while also supporting healthier fat distribution and better metabolic health through habits like daily movement, whole grains, and even avocados. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lesmills.com/us/fit-planet/health/research-roundup-diet/ Quotes to ponder: "We're not necessarily against weight loss, we just think that it shouldn't be the primary criterion for judging the success of a lifestyle intervention program." "The benefits of exercise are dose-dependent, with the biggest benefits coming from just moving out of the couch-potato zone to doing at least some moderate-intensity activity." "The goal wasn't weight loss, we were interested in understanding what eating an avocado does to the way individuals store their body fat." Episode references: Arizona State University – Glenn Gaesser Faculty Profile: https://chs.asu.edu/glenn-gaesser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3241: Eric Leija breaks down the unique benefits of single versus double kettlebell training, focusing on how each method challenges your core, strength, and movement mechanics differently. Whether you're aiming for stabilization, power, or versatility, understanding when and how to use one or two kettlebells can elevate your training and reduce injury risk. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ericleija.com/single-vs-double-kettlebell-training/ Quotes to ponder: "Working with one kettlebell at a time means that the opposite side of your core has to work in order to keep you upright." "One form of training is not 'better' than the other, they simply offer different benefits at different times." "If you choose to grab two kettlebells of the same weight, you can combine them to immediately create a heavier load." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Comments (23)

Amjad Chaudhry

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Sep 25th
Reply

aanchal agrawal

this doesn't cover how much protein is actually needed and what about vegetarians and vegans?

Aug 10th
Reply

John

When they say menstruating women, do they mean a woman who is actively menstruating or just a normal woman capable of menstruation?

Jul 30th
Reply (1)

Jose Fonseca

Really?? I really don't like when people use "glass" as a unit of measure. How much is a glass amount?

Apr 11th
Reply (1)

sweet dee is azor ahai

some decent advice tainted by cringy language. writer needs to grow up.

Jan 1st
Reply (2)

victoria lisa

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Feb 4th
Reply

sweet dee is azor ahai

good advice - people forget you can't stretch cold muscles!

Jan 14th
Reply

Magalí Bernard

I really needed to hear this. Thanks!

Oct 18th
Reply

Aleesha

❤️

May 8th
Reply

Samsung USB Drivers

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Jan 20th
Reply

Adam Rothstein

Dr. Neil delivers again. Keeping things simple really does keep your mind at peace.

Jan 17th
Reply

Linda Soman

Good news. By limiting calories and consuming HCG drops https://purehcgdietdrops.reviews, you can direct your body to reduce fat retention while accelerating your own weight loss regimen. By combining HCG drops with a reduced calorie diet, people found they lost more weight than any other competing diet.

Aug 13th
Reply

Ruba Ali Al-Hassani

Did you seriously bleep out "vaginal" canal?

Jun 4th
Reply

Discernment Queen

Thank you

Apr 2nd
Reply

Unknown user

Best podcast ever I listen..

Aug 28th
Reply (1)

Nelly Ardito

optimal health

Jan 16th
Reply

Kit Tan

No ads today????? wow!!!!

Jan 5th
Reply

Jason Gordon

vml h. .nn.

Aug 10th
Reply