
Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition
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...
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 12min
3051: 3 Tips To Keep Your Inner Food Hulk At Bay by Roger Lawson of Mark Fisher Fitness on Slight Calorie Deficit
Explore strategies to tame your inner food Hulk and avoid the binge eating cycle! Discover how a gentle calorie deficit can lead to sustainable eating habits. Embrace self-compassion and learn that diet mistakes are just minor blips in a long life. Humor and practical tips combine to help you build a flexible and balanced relationship with food, all while savoring your favorites guilt-free!

Jul 16, 2025 • 12min
3050: Training Versus Working Out by Sam Lynch of Fitnitiative on Structured Exercise Progression Advice
Explore the key differences between training and casual workouts, emphasizing how a structured program leads to measurable progress. Discover why having specific goals is crucial for optimizing fitness and ensuring each workout builds on the last. Gain insights into effective training methods, including periodization and the role of recovery. Lastly, learn how integrating daily movement, from intense sessions to simple walks, is vital for achieving health goals at any age.

Jul 15, 2025 • 13min
3049: Lost and Found by Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness on A Journey from Burnout to Realignment
A personal journey unfolds as the speaker reveals his struggle with burnout after reaching major life goals. Reflecting on the quest for purpose, he emphasizes reconnecting with one's deeper motivations. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency in fitness amid life's chaos, advocating for small yet impactful health decisions. Engaging anecdotes illustrate how even minor commitments to exercise can create significant momentum, inspiring listeners to find their own balance and realign with what truly matters.

7 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 13min
3048: Fear of Mediocrity by Stefanie Bonastia with Jessi Kneeland on Diet Culture and Fitness Advice
Explore the hidden costs of over-identifying with diet culture and fitness. Discover how the fear of mediocrity can stifle untapped passions and potential. Hear about transforming obsessive control over food into intuitive self-trust for greater freedom and self-worth. Delve into personal journeys of breaking free from diet culture during challenging times. Learn the importance of balance between health and enjoying life's pleasures, emphasizing diverse interests for a fulfilling lifestyle.

8 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 12min
3047: What Would Your Future Self Thank You For? by Marc Bilodeau of Fit Trend on Building Daily Habits
Imagine your future self five years from now and reflect on how today's small habits shape that reality. The discussion emphasizes taking consistent, intentional actions rather than striving for perfection. Shifting to an 'always something' mindset can lead to meaningful progress in achieving health goals like energy and confidence. The podcast highlights the value of patience and gradual habit formation, pushing you to make one small positive change today for a healthier tomorrow.

9 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 12min
3046: Realizing I'm Really Going to Die Someday by Shelby Forsythia on The Beauty of Living
Shelby Forsythia, an author and podcaster known for her poignant explorations of grief and loss, dives deep into the beauty of living in the face of mortality. She shares how recognizing the inevitability of death can awaken urgency and a rich appreciation for life. With personal anecdotes that shift her worldview, Shelby emphasizes that true living involves emotional honesty and being present. By embracing impermanence, she inspires listeners to reflect on their own priorities and values, urging a more authentic existence.

5 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 13min
3045: What to Know About Blood Sugar Spikes by Danielle Omar of Food Confidence on Long-Term Metabolic Health
Sudden blood sugar spikes can make you feel foggy or drained, leading to long-term issues like insulin resistance. Practical strategies are shared to stabilize glucose levels without ditching your favorite carbs. It's all about smart pairings—combine carbs with healthy fats and proteins to minimize spikes. Plus, apple cider vinegar can be a game changer for managing blood sugar effectively. Discover how to enjoy a balanced diet while maintaining metabolic health!

Jul 11, 2025 • 11min
3044: Pernicious Anemia and Shots vs Supplements - The Importance of the B12 Vitamin
Dive into the world of pernicious anemia and its impact on vitamin B12 absorption. Learn how this autoimmune condition poses health risks and why managing it effectively is crucial. Discover the debate between B12 injections and supplements, with evidence suggesting injections are usually more reliable. The podcast also emphasizes the significance of vitamin B12 for various populations, especially the elderly and those on plant-based diets, urging listeners to consult healthcare professionals for proper management.

8 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 13min
3043: [Part 2] Exactly How To Figure Out What Diet Is Right for You by Ben Greenfield on Traditional Diets
Explore the fascinating link between genetics and diet in understanding what nutrition works best for you. Discover how traditional diets focus on fat-soluble vitamins while steering clear of processed foods. Learn about the role of genes like APOE in health and how individual variations impact your dietary needs. Dive into the complexities of vitamin A conversion and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't apply to nutrition. Embrace personalized eating strategies that consider your ancestry and unique genetic blueprint.

9 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 13min
3042: [Part 1] Exactly How To Figure Out What Diet Is Right for You by Ben Greenfield on Weston Price Diet Research
Ben Greenfield discusses the myth of a universal diet, emphasizing that nutrition must be personalized. He pulls from Weston Price’s research to showcase how traditional diets vary widely—from Swiss rye and raw dairy to Eskimo organ meats—highlighting the importance of individual biological makeup. Listeners learn that various dietary practices fueled vibrant health across cultures and that what works for one person may not for another. The episode encourages self-reflection on personal health journeys and the exploration of diverse food sources.