Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition

3181 Episodes

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3180: How Does Alcohol Affect Your Sleep and How to Protect Your Sleep Quality on Healthy Habits for Better Sleep

2025-11-0709:48

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 3180: Dr. Neal Malik explains how even a single glass of wine can disrupt your sleep quality by reducing time spent in the deep, restorative REM phase. He breaks down the science of sleep cycles and how alcohol triggers a “rebound effect” during the night, which can leave you feeling tired even after a full night’s rest. Quotes to ponder: "Alcohol can make you fall asleep faster, but some have a lower tolerance to this effect where others may have a higher tolerance." "Regardless of whether you have a high or a low tolerance to alcohol, your body is still metabolizing that alcohol and clearing it from your system." "When alcohol is consumed before bedtime, the body spends less time in the REM phase of the sleep cycle." Episode references: Sleep Foundation – Effects of Alcohol on Sleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/alcohol-and-sleep The American College of Sports Medicine: https://www.acsm.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3179: The Top 5 Reasons Your Workout Isn’t Working And What To Do About It by Katie Prendergast with Bach Performance

2025-11-0613:39

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 3179: Katie Prendergast breaks down the five most common reasons why your workouts aren’t delivering results, and what to do instead. Whether it’s a lack of consistency, poor diet alignment, or mindless routine, this guide will help you refocus your training, optimize your habits, and finally start seeing real progress in the mirror. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bachperformance.com/top-5-reasons-workout-isnt-working/ Quotes to ponder: "The Monday mindset is destroying your potential progress." "You must apply the principle of 'progressive overload,' which states that your body adapts to the increasing demands you impose on it at the gym." "What gets measured, gets managed." Episode references: MyFitnessPal: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3178: [Part 2] 10 Ways to Get Back on Track After a Binge by Rachael Link with Healthline on Healing Your Relationship with Food

2025-11-0512:22

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 3178: After a binge, it’s easy to fall into shame or drastic restriction, but Rachael Link, offers a compassionate roadmap to recovery that focuses on balance, mindfulness, and long-term well-being. Learn practical strategies to reset your mindset, nourish your body, and break the binge-restrict cycle without punishing yourself. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-to-do-after-a-binge Quotes to ponder: "Although it may be tempting to punish yourself for overeating, this can be counterproductive and may do more harm than good." "Instead of dwelling on the binge, try to focus on what you can do to support your health moving forward." "Practicing self-compassion, mindfulness, and balance can help you build a healthier relationship with food." Episode references: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3177: [Part 1] 10 Ways to Get Back on Track After a Binge by Rachael Link with Healthline on Healing Your Relationship with Food

2025-11-0411:27

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 3177: Rachael Link offers a grounded and compassionate guide for what to do after a binge, emphasizing recovery without guilt or extremes. With practical steps like rehydrating, practicing self-kindness, and returning to normal eating patterns, she helps readers avoid the binge-restrict cycle and build a healthier, more forgiving relationship with food. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-to-do-after-a-binge Quotes to ponder: "One binge won’t ruin your progress, but letting it spiral into an ongoing cycle can." "Try not to think of foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Instead, focus on how they make you feel." "Restricting yourself after a binge can increase cravings and the risk of bingeing again." Episode references: National Eating Disorders Association: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6534340/ Intuitive Eating: https://www.intuitiveeating.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3176: An Incredibly Easy Three-Step Method To Staying Lean, Fit and Motivated During the Holidays by Ben Greenfield

2025-11-0310:16

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 3176: Ben Greenfield outlines a simple yet powerful three-step system to help you stay lean, energized, and on track with your fitness goals during the holidays, without sacrificing joy or indulgence. His approach blends intentional movement, smart nutritional timing, and a mindset shift that makes consistency feel effortless even in the busiest seasons. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/article/fat-loss-articles/an-incredibly-easy-three-step-method-to-staying-lean-fit-motivated-during-the-holidays/ Quotes to ponder: "Just commit to 40-60 minutes of easy aerobic movement every single day over the holidays." "Skip breakfast, move your body fasted in the morning, and save your food intake for a later 'compressed' window." "The holidays are for joy, not gluttony, and you can still enjoy yourself while staying lean and fit." Episode references: Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com The Influence of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Function: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951958 Research on Time-Restricted Feeding: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5783752 The Daniel Plan: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Plan-40-Days-Healthier/dp/0310344298 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3175: 4 Ways to Develop Discipline in Your Daily Life by Julianna Poplin of The Simplicity Habit on Discipline and Daily Habits

2025-11-0210:22

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 3175: Julianna Poplin offers a clear, compassionate guide to building self-discipline through intentional goal-setting, understanding personal motivations, cultivating supportive habits, and removing distractions. Her practical strategies help shift discipline from a burden into a tool for achieving meaningful change and creating a more focused, fulfilling daily life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/develop-discipline-in-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "Discipline isn’t just something that’s nice to have if you want to achieve your goals and make positive changes in your life, it’s necessary." "Temptation is the enemy of discipline." "Discipline isn’t something we’re born with, it’s something we develop. Like a muscle, you can strengthen your sense of discipline by putting in the work." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3174: A Quirky Mindfulness Practice Inspired By Japanese Train Conductors by Anthony Ongaro of Break The Twitch

2025-11-0210:20

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 3174: Anthony Ongaro introduces a surprisingly effective mindfulness technique borrowed from Japanese train conductors that can sharpen your focus and help you reclaim your attention in everyday moments. By combining small physical gestures with verbal cues, this practice can reduce distraction, strengthen intention, and foster more deliberate choices, even in a world full of digital noise. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.breakthetwitch.com/mindfulness-practice/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s better to choose actively and still do it, versus choose passively and regret it." "Pointing and calling has been shown to substantially reduce accidents and improve safety conditions." "When you’re making a clear choice, you can more fully enjoy it without feeling any shame or guilt." Episode references: Railway Technical Research Institute: https://www.rtri.or.jp/eng/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3173: Consumed by Food? 6 Lessons on Overcoming Disordered Eating by Jenn Hand with Tiny Buddha on Healing Your Relationship with Food

2025-11-0110:40

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 3173: Jenn Hand shares six hard-earned lessons from her years of battling disordered eating, revealing how food obsession often mirrors deeper emotional struggles. Through honesty and insight, she shows how embracing imperfection, self-compassion, and inner awareness can transform the journey toward healing into one of authenticity and personal freedom. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/consumed-by-food-6-lessons-on-overcoming-disorder-eating/ Quotes to ponder: "The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up." "When we abuse our body, we abuse ourselves. And when we respect and honor our body, we respect and honor ourselves." "A screwed up relationship with food forces you to go deeper into yourself to really heal." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3172: How Does Stress Affect How We Age? How to Slow Aging and Stay Young on Managing Stress and Supporting Healthy Aging

2025-10-3111:22

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 3172: Dr. Neal Malik explains how toxic stress accelerates the aging process by driving inflammation and keeping the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight. He breaks down the difference between good and harmful stress, and shares simple, science-backed strategies, like deep breathing, exercise, sleep, and social connection, to help you stay youthful and resilient. Quotes to ponder: "Good stress is also called 'eustress' that sense of accomplishment after finishing a tough workout." "With chronic distress, it’s like your body never gets a chance to relax and go back to normal." "Think of stress management like you would any other important event or meeting during your day." Episode references: Harvard Health Publishing – How Stress Affects the Body: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response American Psychological Association – Stress Effects on the Body: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body The Power of Now: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3171: [Part 2] Become A Jedi: How the Force Can Help You Get in Shape by Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness on Fitness and Motivation

2025-10-3009:03

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 3171: Steve Kamb draws powerful parallels between the Jedi path and lasting fitness transformation, warning against shortcuts like diet fads and gimmicks that lure people to the "Dark Side." With humor and tough love, he lays out a Jedi-worthy mindset: lifelong commitment, consistent effort, and meaningful daily habits over temporary fixes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/become-a-jedi-how-the-force-can-help-you-get-in-shape/ Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need supplements, you don’t need pills, you don’t need training aids. You need hard work and dedication." "Being a Jedi isn’t a profession, it’s a way of life. Getting in shape is no different." "You can’t half-ass being a Jedi, you can’t half-ass being in shape." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3170: [Part 1] Become A Jedi: How the Force Can Help You Get in Shape by Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness on Fitness and Motivation

2025-10-2910:38

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 3170: Steve Kamb delivers a fun, Star Wars-inspired guide to getting in shape by urging you to "unlearn what you have learned" about fitness myths, emphasizing the importance of finding a mentor, and showing how every part of your life, diet, sleep, and exercise, is interconnected. With relatable metaphors and practical tips, he reveals how building a plan and embracing the Force (aka holistic self-discipline) can lead you to lasting transformation. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/become-a-jedi-how-the-force-can-help-you-get-in-shape/ Quotes to ponder: "You must unlearn what you have learned." "The Force affects everything around you. Exercising every day but eating and sleeping poorly will NOT give you the results you want." "If you want to be a kick-ass Jedi, you need to plan out your workouts so you know exactly what you need to accomplish to advance your training." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3169: Autopilot Achievement: How to Turn Your Goals Into Habits by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits on Habits and Goal Setting

2025-10-2812:01

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 3169: Leo Babauta reveals how lasting achievement stems not from constant willpower, but from designing daily habits that put your goals on autopilot. By focusing on one habit at a time, like daily running or budgeting, you can reduce the mental burden of goal-setting and build sustainable momentum toward long-term success. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/autopilot-achievement-how-to-turn-your-goals-into-habits/ Quotes to ponder: "First we make our habits, then our habits make us." "Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." "Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3168: The Decision To Change by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Choosing Growth Over Comfort

2025-10-2709:51

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 3168: Ross Enamait challenges the common narrative that change must be gradual, arguing that true transformation begins with a single, decisive moment. By taking full responsibility and eliminating excuses, he shows how anyone can rewrite their story through action, not someday, but now. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2012/10/06/the-decision-to-change/ Quotes to ponder: "Real change begins by taking responsibility for your own life." "You can either make progress or make excuses. You can’t do both." "Decide that enough is enough. Decide to be better. And then follow through." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3167: 7 Reasons To Sleep Naked by Melani Schweder of A Brighter Wild on How To Get Better Sleep

2025-10-2610:02

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 3167: Melani Schweder explores the surprising health and wellness benefits of sleeping naked, from boosting sleep quality and balancing hormones to improving skin health and emotional intimacy. Her holistic perspective blends science and self-care, encouraging a simple nightly habit that can lead to better rest and deeper connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.abrighterwild.com/blog/7-reasons-to-sleep-naked Quotes to ponder: "Sleeping naked is a great way to keep your core temperature down, which can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer." "Being naked, especially around a partner, can help foster a deeper sense of trust, intimacy, and vulnerability." "Air circulation helps to keep your skin healthy, and letting your body 'breathe' at night can reduce issues like acne, irritation, and even yeast infections." Episode references: National Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ The Sleep Doctor: https://thesleepdoctor.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3166: 7 Reasons You Should Ritualize Your Life by Ali Cornish of Everthrive on Living With More Intention Each Day

2025-10-2609:29

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 3166: Ali shares a heartfelt reflection on the quiet power of rituals and how they help transform ordinary life into something meaningful and memorable. By weaving intention into repeated actions, we gain structure, joy, and a deeper sense of connection, both with ourselves and those we love. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://everthrive.org/blog/7-reasons-you-should-ritualize-your-life Quotes to ponder: "Rituals are important because they are the glue that binds families together." "Great things can be created by a series of small, seemingly insignificant elements brought together with intention and love." "Rituals connect 'the ordinary to the extraordinary,' making the mundane aspects of life more beautiful." Episode references: The Boxcar Children Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Boxcar-Children-Cookbook-Gertrude-Chandler/dp/0807508527 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3165: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking by Dr. Jenny Brockis on The Hidden Risks of a Sedentary Life

2025-10-2509:09

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 3165: Dr. Jenny Brockis explores how prolonged sitting drastically affects physical and mental wellbeing, equating its risks to smoking. She offers science-backed strategies to reduce sedentary behavior, empowering listeners to improve focus, productivity, and long-term health through simple, active habits. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2014/10/16/is-sitting-really-the-new-smoking/ Quotes to ponder: "Sitting is not dangerous per se, it’s the amount of sitting we do that’s the issue." "Prolonged sitting is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain types of cancer, and even premature death." "Getting up and moving around every 30 to 45 minutes can significantly reduce the negative impact of sitting." Episode references: Sitting Time and All-Cause Mortality Risk (Archives of Internal Medicine): https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1108810 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3164: How to Control High Blood Pressure or Hypertension with Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes on Simple Habits for a Healthier Heart

2025-10-2409:57

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 3164: Dr. Neal Malik shares practical and research-backed advice for managing high blood pressure, especially when genetics are at play. Learn how simple lifestyle adjustments, like reducing sodium, increasing potassium, and incorporating HIIT workouts, can significantly improve heart health and lower your risk, even as you age. Quotes to ponder: "You don’t have to completely get rid of salt in your diet, even a slight decrease can have an effect on your blood pressure." "Even a small drop in body weight like five or ten pounds can be enough to help drop your blood pressure by a few points." "Many of us get nervous when we're at the doctor's office, and when we're nervous, guess what happens to our blood pressure? It goes up." Episode references: DASH Eating Plan - NHLBI: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3163: Should You Eat After A Workout by Eric Leija on Post-Workout Nutrition Made Simple

2025-10-2310:15

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 3163: Eric Leija breaks down the science and practicality of post-workout nutrition, explaining how the right meal timing and food combinations can accelerate recovery, boost performance, and support long-term muscle growth. He offers a balanced approach that dismisses outdated “anabolic window” myths while emphasizing nutrient quality and real-world sustainability. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ericleija.com/should-you-eat-after-a-workout/ Quotes to ponder: "While the post-workout meal is important, it’s not the be-all and end-all for your fitness goals." "Think of the post-workout meal as an opportunity to replenish what you’ve used and support recovery, not as a race against the clock." "Focus on eating whole, minimally processed foods that you can digest well and that make you feel good long-term." Episode references: The Power of Habit: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3162: Rainy Day Savings by Rachel Trotta on Preparing for Tough Seasons

2025-10-2211:13

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 3162: Rachel Trotta draws a powerful parallel between financial and physical preparedness, showing how consistent habits act as “savings” for life’s inevitable setbacks. Whether it’s disrupted sleep, illness, or a sudden change in routine, maintaining a strong foundation of exercise, nutrition, and mindful living ensures faster recovery and resilience when those rainy days arrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://racheltrotta.com/fitness/rainy-day-savings/ Quotes to ponder: "Start budgeting in the exercise and nutrition equivalent of that extra $200-$300 per month, and you won’t be sorry!" "How you react to these transitions is determined by the amount you have 'saved up' for your rainy day, in other words, what your lifestyle was like before the change." "Create a repetitive food plan. The core of your diet should be fairly repetitive and easy." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3161: [Part 2] Eating Mindfully: How To Devour A (Super) Burrito With No Regrets by Kylee Lessard of A Blue Sky Mind

2025-10-2109:47

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 3161: Kylee Lessard invites readers to embrace mindful eating as a balance between nourishment and joy, showing that awareness, gratitude, and self-compassion can transform even a decadent burrito into a meaningful experience. By savoring flavors, checking in with hunger cues, and releasing guilt, she reminds us that food is not just fuel, it’s connection, culture, and comfort when approached with mindfulness. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ablueskymind.com/blog/eating-mindfully-how-to-eat-with-no-regrets Quotes to ponder: "Food is nourishing in more than one way. That’s why you have terms like ‘comfort food’ and ‘happy hour.’" "There is legitimate danger in thinking about food as solely a vehicle for calories and nutrition, because that’s when you get into the toxic headspace of labeling foods ‘good’ and ‘bad.’" "The most self-loving thing you can do is stop eating once you start to feel full." Episode references: The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Zones-Lessons-Living-Longest/dp/1426207557 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#box-pro-ellipsis-176258173984997{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition

Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition