Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition

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 2774: Joshua Becker explores why money remains a significant source of stress despite being an amoral tool for trade. He identifies two primary causes: the constant desire for more money, which can lead to endless dissatisfaction, and the habit of spending beyond one’s means, driven by consumerism. Demystifying these root causes and developing a sense of "enough" can help alleviate financial anxiety and promote peace of mind. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.becomingminimalist.com/money-stress/ Quotes to ponder: "Money, by its nature, retains no moral or immoral attributes. It only makes trading goods more convenient." "Those who love money can never be satisfied. They will never own enough." "A simplified life is not possible if money possesses you." Episode references: EconoMe Conference: https://economeconference.com The Journey to Enough by Rose Lounsbury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZMi46kQww8 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 2773: Rachel Trotta shares practical strategies for navigating holiday eating without resorting to restrictive dieting. She highlights the importance of mindful indulgence, portion control, and creating fulfilling yet nutritious dishes, while emphasizing self-compassion and the joy of movement. Her approach balances enjoyment with health-conscious habits, encouraging a stress-free and gratifying holiday experience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://racheltrotta.com/fitness/managing-holiday-eating-without-dieting/ Quotes to ponder: "Enjoyment and moderation are not mutually exclusive." "Pick your true favorites and truly savor them." "Exercise because it makes you feel great, and eat moderately because it makes you feel great, too." 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 2772: After strength training, consuming leucine-rich protein and carbohydrates soon afterward may maximize muscle growth. Timing plays a role, especially for those who practice intermittent fasting, as protein breakdown increases when training on an empty stomach. Dr. Neal suggests aiming for 20 grams of protein and enough carbohydrates proportional to body weight within 30 minutes of working out to facilitate better muscle recovery and growth. Quotes to ponder: “After strength training, researchers are discovering that consuming 20 grams of leucine-rich protein is often recommended.” “Consuming some carbohydrate after a workout is also beneficial because carbohydrates can help our bodies absorb that leucine-rich protein more efficiently.” “Some studies have found that consuming these foods within 20-30 minutes of finishing your workout may help with muscle growth and repair.” Episode references: 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 2771: Lizzie Merritt shares five transformative, words enough, surrender, trust, compassion, and gratitude, that guide us to heal our relationship with our bodies from the inside out. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, understanding cravings' emotional roots, and finding peace through self-compassion and gratitude practices. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-words-to-heal-your-relationship-with-your-body/ Quotes to ponder: "I realized I was always looking for something outside of myself to help me reach my goal." "Instead of repeatedly saying awful things to myself, I have learned that a more successful path is to think, ‘How can I learn from it?’" "Our body’s natural default setting is to be healthy." Episode references: Thich Nhat Hanh teachings: https://plumvillage.org The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal: https://www.amazon.com/Willpower-Instinct-Self-Control-Works-Matters/dp/1583335080 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 2770: Sleep is a non-negotiable element of physical and mental well-being, yet too many people still underestimate its importance. Tonya Lester shares transformative strategies, from embracing wind-down routines to the empowering effect of naps, to help you prioritize sleep, boost your mood, and reclaim energy in our overworked culture. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.tonyalester.com/blog/you-probably-need-more-sleep Quotes to ponder: "Amazing breakthrough! Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment that makes you live longer. It enhances your memory and makes you more creative. Are you interested?" "The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep." "If a pill offered the same benefits we get from sleep, we'd take it, no question." Episode references: Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316 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 2769: Tough love and brutal honesty may be the missing ingredients in your fat loss journey. Nia Shanks emphasizes the importance of action over knowledge, advocating for compound exercises, a focus on real food, and relentless consistency. If you’re tired of the same ineffective routines, it’s time to ditch the small chisels and grab a sledgehammer. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://niashanks.com/politically-incorrect-fat-loss/ Quotes to ponder: "It’s not that you don’t KNOW what to do. The problem is that you’re not DOING what you already know." "Stop messing around in the gym, and get serious lift a challenging load, get out of your comfort zone, be consistent, and improve your performance." "Life will inevitably throw you a curve ball. It’s what you do when it happens that will determine your success, or lack thereof." 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 2768: Leo Babauta explores why drastic diet changes often fail, highlighting how overwhelming, unsustainable, and unappealing they can be. By making small, enjoyable changes gradually, you can establish a healthier lifestyle that feels normal and satisfying, rather than like a constant sacrifice. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/gradual-yum/ Quotes to ponder: "You’re pushing out of your comfort zone, but not too much." "One small change at a time means a dozen over a few months. That adds up to some amazing change over time." "Imagine a life that includes healthy food that you’d really enjoy - but allows for other indulgences too." 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 2767: Danielle Omar's insights on ultra-processed foods emphasize their detrimental effects on health, drawing on a comprehensive study linking these foods to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and more. By explaining the NOVA food classification system, she highlights the importance of choosing minimally processed options like whole grains and frozen veggies over ultra-processed items like hot dogs and pre-packaged snacks to safeguard long-term well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://foodconfidence.com/2024/05/23/ultra-processed-foods-study/ Quotes to ponder: "No food is worth these health risks, especially when real, whole foods are readily available." "The ultra processed foods that hardly meet Britannica’s definition of food are directly associated with an increased risk of cancer, cardiometabolic disease, anxiety, depression, and more." "Having this new information is actually empowering. It’s an important reminder that we have the power to influence our health and well-being through the food choices we make." Episode references: Britannica: https://www.britannica.com The BMJ: https://www.bmj.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 2766: Shana Olmstead discusses how the stories we tell ourselves about anxiety can either reinforce it or help alleviate it. By changing our narrative from one of being defined by anxiety to one of growth and peace, we can begin to realign with our true selves and reduce anxiety naturally. Her approach combines psycho-spiritual practices with a focus on elevating consciousness to shift away from anxious patterns and toward a more peaceful state of being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2019/04/16/changing-your-story-about-anxiety/ Quotes to ponder: "Wherever our consciousness is, that is what we are bringing into our lives." "The most effective way to move through anxiety is to notice and observe it without judgment." "Energy flows where our attention goes." 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 2765: Dr. Margaret Rutherford explores the nuances between comfort eating and binge eating, sharing personal stories of emotional eating to highlight the importance of self-awareness. She provides practical tips to help differentiate emotional hunger from physical hunger and suggests healthier coping mechanisms to address emotional distress without resorting to food. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/bingeing-or-comfort-eating-five-ways-for-comfort-eating-to-stay-comfortable/ Quotes to ponder: "Comfort eating, while not a clinical term, is almost exclusively for self-soothing." "Shame and hatred will only serve as a hurdle rather than some kind of self-punitive motivation." "Grief, sadness, guilt, anger, disappointment, humiliation none of these emotions are easy to feel. Yet the more you avoid them, the stronger they can become." 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 2764: Understanding supplement certifications can protect you from health risks associated with unregulated products. While GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification ensures safe production methods, additional seals like USP or NSF offer stronger guarantees of ingredient purity. As for omega-3 supplements, high doses may increase the risk of heart issues, but nutrition research remains complex and often contradictory. Meta-analyses provide a clearer picture when deciding on supplements. Quotes to ponder: "GMP certification ensures that supplements are made with reliable procedures, but it doesn’t always guarantee ingredient purity." "Omega-3s are praised for reducing inflammation, yet excessive doses can paradoxically raise the risk of heart rhythm issues." "Nutrition research can be confusing, but meta-analyses help distill conflicting findings into clearer guidelines." 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 2763: Steve Kamb humorously reflects on the overwhelming complexity of modern health advice, detailing his journey through various diet and fitness trends. His message highlights the importance of balance, common sense, and not getting caught up in extremes. Listeners will appreciate his lighthearted take on an often confusing topic, learning to embrace moderation in both eating and exercise. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/apparently-everything-will-kill-you-yes-even-that/ Quotes to ponder: "Literally anything and everything I eat can kill me. Any place I visit will kill me. Anything I do will kill me." "Enjoy everything in moderation, even moderation itself." "Do the best I can with what I have. And don’t take anything to the extreme." 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 2762: Tyler Tervooren explains that building routines that stick relies on internal motivation rather than external pressures. When we focus on improving ourselves for personal reasons, we're more likely to develop sustainable habits. Tervooren shares strategies to inspire internal motivation, such as prioritizing consistency over results and engaging in activities we truly enjoy, ensuring long-lasting change. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.riskology.co/internal-motivation/ Quotes to ponder: "Find the internal motivations that will produce those external results." "These routines will be sustainable because you built them from a desire to please yourself instead of someone else." "Focus on consistency, not results." 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 2761: Kate Galliett shares insights on how we often make life harder than it needs to be, particularly in health and fitness. She emphasizes the importance of respecting systems theory, avoiding extremes, and addressing energy leaks in our daily habits. By simplifying our approach and taking care of our energy levels, we can achieve sustainable results and better well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://fitforreallife.substack.com/p/why-you-make-everything-harder-than Quotes to ponder: "When our efforts go beyond striving to straining we are making whatever we are doing much harder than it needs to be." "If you try and live at the extremes, you will constantly ping-pong back and forth from one extreme to the other." "Just imagine you might not actually lack discipline after all, you just might be leaking energy that feeds your ability to be disciplined." 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 2760: Ross Enamait challenges the common advice to "follow your passion," arguing instead that success comes from consistent effort and skill development. He emphasizes that passion often emerges from hard work rather than being a starting point, encouraging readers to focus on what they can improve and excel at rather than simply what excites them. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://rosstraining.com/blog/pick-your-passion/ Quotes to ponder: "Passion is not a magical switch that will instantly unlock the doors of success." "It’s not about searching for the perfect activity but about committing to the process and building from there." "Passion can develop after years of dedicated work, once you become skilled in your chosen field." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices