

Optimal Health Daily - Fitness and Nutrition
Optimal Living Daily | Dr. Neal Malik
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...
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2025 • 12min
3075: The Truth About Body Recomp, Fat Loss, and Muscle Gain: Why You’re Spinning Your Wheels (And How To Fix It) by Eric Bach
Explore the challenges of body recomposition as Eric Bach explains why most struggle to lose fat and gain muscle simultaneously. Discover who should pursue cutting or bulking for better results. Learn the importance of clarity and focused goals in fitness progress. Unpack common myths and set realistic expectations to enhance your journey. Get ready for practical strategies to avoid that frustrating metabolic no-man's-land!

9 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 10min
3074: [Part 2] 10 Reasons You’re Not Making Progress In The Gym by Jordan Syatt with RogLaw Fitness
Explore ten surprising reasons why your workouts aren’t yielding results, from mindset issues to common training mistakes. Learn how proper techniques and the significance of incremental weight increases can revitalize your progress. Discover why motivation alone isn’t enough and why discipline and consistency are key. This insightful discussion encourages reassessment of your training strategies for effective and safer workouts.

4 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 11min
3073: [Part 1] 10 Reasons You’re Not Making Progress In The Gym by Jordan Syatt with RogLaw Fitness
Jordan Syatt uncovers the top reasons that might be holding you back in the gym. He discusses the importance of self-assessment and confronting ego in fitness journeys. Proper goal-setting and tailored training plans take center stage, along with the necessity of a solid nutrition strategy. Essential compound movements and the critical nature of warming up are highlighted. The value of tracking progress and maintaining accountability is emphasized, encouraging listeners to cultivate better fitness habits.

Aug 4, 2025 • 11min
3072: The Zen of Running, and 10 Ways to Make It Work for You by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits
Running can transform into a moving meditation, bringing peace and clarity. Leo Babauta shares ten mindful practices to make running rewarding and sustainable. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on breathing and the rhythm of your steps. Discover how cultivating awareness can enhance your running experience while offering insights on finding focus through rhythmic movement. This episode encourages you to embrace running not just as exercise, but as a therapy and a time for contemplation.

4 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 10min
3071: How To Lose Muscle While Dieting By JC Deen of JCDFitness on Nutrition Advice
Learn how to strategically lose muscle while dieting, especially for athletes in weight-class sports. Discover common myths about muscle loss and effective methods to achieve a leaner physique. Hear personal experiences highlighting the importance of nutrition and rest in preserving muscle mass. Explore the balance of calorie intake and macronutrients critical for healthy weight loss, along with key insights on maintaining muscle through thoughtful dietary and training choices.

Aug 3, 2025 • 9min
3070: Staring Down the Barrel of Loss: Your Dreams, Yourself, or Someone Else by Greg Audino on Mindfulness Advice
Greg Audino, host of Optimal Relationships Daily and a keen writer, dives deep into the subtle nature of loss, discussing how it permeates our dreams and identities. He emphasizes that grief can quietly dwell in our lives, often unnoticed. Audino offers compassionate reminders that healing isn’t merely about moving on, but about making space for our pain and acknowledging the parts of ourselves we've left behind. His insights encourage a mindful approach to navigating loss and finding empowerment amid grief.

4 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 10min
3069: Cheat Meals, Cheat Days, Cheat Lives by Mark Fisher of Mark Fisher Fitness on Healthy Discipline
In this engaging discussion, the importance of cheat meals and cheat days is highlighted as a strategy for balancing pleasure and discipline in dieting. The speaker emphasizes self-awareness when choosing a method for indulgence to enhance enjoyment without guilt. There's a focus on the idea that willpower can be developed like a muscle, requiring rest and moderation. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their favorite foods occasionally, warning against extreme healthy eating, and promoting a fulfilling lifestyle.

10 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 13min
3068: What are the Best Supplements to Help Build Muscle and Improve Workout Performance
Discover the truth about workout supplements, from the benefits of creatine to the misconceptions surrounding glutamine and beta-alanine. Learn how whole foods can outperform many supplements when it comes to muscle growth and recovery. The importance of safety and quality in supplement choices is emphasized, alongside evidence-based tips for optimizing workout performance. Also, practical advice for beginners and older adults navigating the world of fitness nutrition is shared.

7 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 11min
3067: Food Guilt by Jessi Kneeland on Redefining Self-Care and Nutrition Advice
Dive into the toxic roots of food guilt and explore how diet culture shapes our eating habits. Discover the impact of societal fears surrounding fatness on our mental health. Jessi Kneeland challenges the narrow definition of healthy eating, advocating for self-acceptance and body diversity. By redefining self-care, she encourages listeners to break free from shame and restrictions surrounding food, paving the way for a more positive relationship with nutrition.

4 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 13min
3066: Nutrition for Fighting Fatigue by Nadia Mazari with Ideal Nutrition on How to Improve Energy Levels
Explore how strategic nutrition can help fight fatigue with tips on meal timing and hydration. Learn the importance of pairing carbs with protein for sustained energy. Discover how maintaining balanced iron and magnesium levels can enhance mental clarity. Additionally, find out why starting your day with a healthy breakfast is crucial for stable blood glucose. This insightful discussion highlights how low-GI diets and addressing nutrient deficiencies are key to combating tiredness.