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Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition

Optimal Living Daily
  • 4.5 (650)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

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...

  1. How Protein at Breakfast Can Help You Lose Weight by Freydis Hjalmarsdottir with Healthline on High-Protein Habits

    11H AGO

    How Protein at Breakfast Can Help You Lose Weight by Freydis Hjalmarsdottir with Healthline on High-Protein Habits

    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 3297: Freydis Hjalmarsdottir highlights how starting your day with a high-protein breakfast can significantly aid weight loss by reducing appetite, boosting metabolism, and minimizing cravings throughout the day. Studies show that protein not only curbs late-night snacking and obsessive thoughts about food, but also helps preserve muscle mass and prevent fat regain during dieting. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/protein-at-breakfast-and-weight-loss Quotes to ponder: "Adding protein to your diet is a very effective way to lose weight. It may also help dieters sustain long-term weight loss." "High-protein breakfasts reduce calorie intake later in the day. They improve the levels of your appetite-regulating hormones, leading to reduced hunger and cravings." "Replacing a grain-based breakfast with eggs has been shown to help you eat fewer calories for the next 36 hours and lose more weight and body fat." Episode references: 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

    12 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    11H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Michael Pollan: The Hidden Cost Of Constant Distraction (Use THIS Practice To Reclaim Your Attention, Clarity, And Inner Freedom) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty The real hardship of our time isn’t only the challenges we face, it’s that we rarely slow down enough to fully experience and process them. Jay is joined by bestselling author and journalist Michael Pollan for a deeply thoughtful exploration of consciousness, attention, and what it truly means to be present. Known for reshaping how we think about food, nature, and the human mind, Michael shares why his work always begins with curiosity rather than certainty. Together, they unpack how perception shapes reality and why the most important questions in life aren’t meant to be solved quickly, but held with patience. Jay and Michael dive into how modern life pulls us away from awareness, leaving many of us distracted, overstimulated, and disconnected from ourselves. Drawing from research on meditation, neuroscience, and psychedelic therapy, Michael explains how rigid thought patterns, rumination, and ego-driven narratives can keep us stuck. They discuss how practices that quiet the mind don’t erase our identity, but soften it, creating space for clarity, creativity, and deeper connection with the world around us. In this invterview, you'll learn: How to Stop Living on Autopilot How to Train Your Attention in a Distracted World How to Use Curiosity Instead of Certainty How to Break Free from Mental Rumination How to Quiet the Ego Without Losing Yourself How to Interrupt Stuck Thought Patterns Awareness isn’t something you have to earn or master, it’s something you already possess. Small moments of attention, pausing before reacting, listening more deeply, and learning to sit with your thoughts, can quietly reshape how you experience life. Michael Pollan’s A World Appears is a sweeping exploration of consciousness, what it is, who has it, and what it reveals about the essence of being human. Get your copy here: https://michaelpollan.com/books/a-world-appears/ With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:32 Why Great Thinkers Start With Questions 02:32 Is There Such a Thing as a Bad Question? 05:53 What is Consciousness? 07:55 Why Consciousness Matters in Daily Life 12:54 What Happens When You Put Your Phone Down 14:05 Building a Daily Meditation Practice 16:05 When Consciousness Transcends the Self 19:47 Is Everything Conscious? 25:46 What’s the Difference between the Mind and Consciousness? 31:16 Meditation and Psychedelics: The Overlap 33:36 Using Psychedelics With Intention 35:30 Is the Brain Creating Reality? 41:09 Breaking OCD Thought Loops 44:24 The Real Risks of Psychedelics 49:04 Why Psychedelics Can Help Break Addiction 51:23 How Altered States Change Our Fear of Death 53:54 Do Near-Death Experiences Change Science? 57:21 Redefining Consciousness in the AI Age 01:02:41 What Our Need for Constant Validation Says About Society  01:05:06 What Makes Humans Different From Machines 01:10:38 Why Asking Better Questions Matters 01:12:17 Michael on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjnpu6lK0HoUyOMh2ZBwhQ  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson   Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/justaskjefferson/   X | https://x.com/jefferson_fishr  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. A Day in the Life - Lighter Training Day by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Balancing Intensity and Rest

    1D AGO

    A Day in the Life - Lighter Training Day by Ross Enamait of Ross Training on Balancing Intensity and Rest

    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 3296: Ross Enamait emphasizes the power of intentional recovery by showcasing how lighter training days can boost longevity, prevent burnout, and still deliver benefits without exhaustion. His practical breakdown of a low-intensity session, focused on hand-eye coordination, bodyweight movements, and light conditioning, offers a sustainable approach for athletes of all ages to stay sharp and resilient. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2018/11/21/a-day-in-the-life-lighter-training-day/ Quotes to ponder: "It is essential to include lighter days to facilitate recovery and prevent burnout." "I don’t want anyone to blindly copy what I’m doing. Instead, it is important to tailor the work to suit your own ability and needs." "Successful training requires more than repeated intensity." Episode references: Thrive Market: https://thrivemarket.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    10 min
  4. How To Use Your Gaming Skills For Fitness Success by Roger Lawson of Rog Law Fitness on Performance Mindset

    2D AGO

    How To Use Your Gaming Skills For Fitness Success by Roger Lawson of Rog Law Fitness on Performance Mindset

    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 3295: Roger Lawson reframes fitness as the ultimate real-life RPG, showing how the persistence, strategic thinking, and reward systems gamers use can be harnessed to build healthier habits. By embracing the grind, creating your own quests, and hacking your environment, you can turn fitness into a game you’re designed to win. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://roglawfitness.com/how-to-use-your-gaming-skills-for-fitness-success/ Quotes to ponder: "You’re a gamer, and it’s time the world hears you roar." "Hopping from one program or diet to the next in search of the 'secret' is just another way of trying to circumvent the grind." "The key to success is pushing yourself consistently in small doses that make you slightly uncomfortable." Episode references: GameShark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GameShark Taken: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501/ Final Fantasy: https://www.finalfantasy.com/ Metroid: https://metroid.nintendo.com/ Game Genie: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Genie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    12 min
  5. Break Free From Goals by Leo Babauta of Mnmlist on Intentional Living

    2D AGO

    Break Free From Goals by Leo Babauta of Mnmlist on Intentional Living

    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 3294: Leo Babauta challenges the conventional wisdom of goal-setting by embracing a minimalist approach rooted in presence and passion. Rather than chasing future milestones, he advocates for a fluid, joy-driven path that prioritizes contentment in the moment, revealing that true fulfillment doesn’t require goals, just alignment with what you love. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mnmlist.com/goals Quotes to ponder: “They put pressure on us to achieve, to get certain things done. Pressure is stressful, and not always in a good way.” "Goals are a way of saying, 'When I’ve accomplished this goal, I will be happy then. I’m not happy now, because I haven’t achieved my goals.'” “When we achieve the goals, we don’t achieve happiness. We set new goals, strive for something new.” Episode references: SMART Goals: https://www.mindtools.com/a4wo118/smart-goals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    8 min
  6. The Science of a Brain Break AND Unlocking Your Potential Through Biometrics by Jessica Spendlove on Mental Optimization

    3D AGO

    The Science of a Brain Break AND Unlocking Your Potential Through Biometrics by Jessica Spendlove on Mental Optimization

    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 3293: Jessica Spendlove reveals how aligning with your ultradian rhythm and integrating brain breaks can elevate productivity while preventing burnout. She also explains how combining subjective awareness with biometric tracking empowers leaders to optimise energy, focus, and recovery,ensuring sustainable, high-level performance in demanding roles. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://jessicaspendlove.com/the-science-of-a-brain-break-unlocking-holistic-wellbeing-and-peak-performance-for-leaders/   AND   https://jessicaspendlove.com/executive-performance-unlocking-your-potential-through-biometrics/ Quotes to ponder: "Instead of pushing through with caffeine or sugary snacks, taking a 20-minute 'brain break' can recharge your mental energy and prepare you for your next productivity peak." "Subjective data, how you feel day-to-day, is a critical yet underutilised tool for maintaining long-term performance." "By understanding how your body operates, what drives your energy, what disrupts your focus, and what enhances your recovery, you can unlock your full potential as a leader." Episode references: WHOOP wearable technology: https://www.whoop.com Oura Ring sleep tracker: https://ouraring.com Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKGrmY8OSHM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min
  7. How Much Rest Do You Need Between Exercise Sets and Days and How to Design the Best Workout Routine

    4D AGO

    How Much Rest Do You Need Between Exercise Sets and Days and How to Design the Best Workout Routine

    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 3292: Dr. Neal Malik answers a listener’s question about rest intervals during workouts, explaining how adjusting rest periods can impact strength gains, workout intensity, and recovery. Drawing from both science and personal insight, he emphasizes the balance between stress and rest as the key to progress, injury prevention, and long-term growth. Quotes to ponder: "Stress plus rest equals growth." "By limiting your rest time, you're gonna keep your heart rate up so your resistance training actually becomes kind of a cardio workout too." "Maintaining proper form is so important for injury prevention." Episode references: Peak Performance: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Performance-Elevate-Achieve-Greater/dp/162336793X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
  8. Why I’ve Started “Running” by Jessi Kneeland on Reframing Exercise

    5D AGO

    Why I’ve Started “Running” by Jessi Kneeland on Reframing Exercise

    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 3291: Jessi Kneeland reflects on her unexpected shift toward running, not for fitness, but as a powerful tool to process anxiety and emotional overwhelm. With vulnerability and insight, she explores how honoring her body’s intuitive need for movement helped her reclaim a sense of clarity, agency, and emotional stability. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jessikneeland.com/post/why-i-ve-started-running Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes our bodies identify a threat, and determine that we need to flee (or fight), so they give us the literal energy we need to do so!" "When the source of stress isn’t something we can literally flee from, we still need to use up and metabolize that 'run away' energy out of us somehow!" "Sometimes we train for fun, and sometimes we train to be safe and stable, physically, mentally, and emotionally." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    9 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.5
out of 5
650 Ratings

About

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...

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