
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

Jun 7, 2025 • 11min
3005: How to Help Sore Muscles by Eric Leija on Active Exercise Recovery
Dive into the science of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and learn how to manage it effectively. Discover the benefits of active recovery techniques, like foam rolling, to minimize post-workout pain. Epsom salt baths make a surprise appearance as a soothing remedy. Explore the crucial role of magnesium in muscle recovery and energy management. Plus, find out why staying still may actually prolong soreness. These insights empower listeners to optimize fitness gains and speed up recovery!

7 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 13min
3004: Exercise Recovery Days - How Often Should I Take A Break from Workouts
Explore the crucial role of recovery days in fitness routines. Discover how listening to your body's signals can optimize your performance and prevent injuries. Learn that lighter activities can be more beneficial than full rest days. Understand the importance of quality sleep and how it impacts recovery. Plus, insights into adjusting workouts based on delayed muscle soreness add humor and relatability. Get practical tips on balancing activity with rest to enhance your overall health!

8 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 14min
3003: Four Ways To Train Longer and Harder by Eric Bach of Bach Performance on Fitness Training Advice
Discover innovative strategies to elevate your workout game! Learn four effective methods to boost stamina and break through fitness plateaus. The discussion emphasizes the balance between intensity and recovery for optimal performance. Nutrition also takes center stage, highlighting its vital role in enhancing training endurance. Plus, hear about the journey from heavy lifting to adaptable bodyweight workouts, showcasing personal challenges and transformations along the way. It's all about training smarter for lasting success!

6 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 11min
3002: Why Should You Care About Corrective Exercise by Harold Gibbons with Mark Fisher Fitness on Physical Wellbeing
Explore the transformative power of corrective exercise in enhancing movement quality and preventing injuries. Discover how addressing muscular imbalances and postural issues can lead to better fitness outcomes. Learn the importance of individual assessments and gradual progress, emphasizing that the journey is about continuous improvement rather than perfection. Gibbons inspires listeners to embrace corrective methods as a means to support lifelong health and well-being.

5 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 14min
3001: Distance Running - How Can I Run Longer and Farther by Josh Anderson of DIY Active on How to Build Athletic Endurance
Unlock your potential in distance running with key strategies for endurance and stamina. Discover how pacing and breathing can help you avoid burnout and maximize your runs. Explore the mental aspects of running, emphasizing the importance of a strong mindset. Learn the distinctions between treadmill and outdoor running, including how to engage different muscle groups. Finally, find out how a 1% incline can better simulate outdoor challenges, making your training more effective.

Jun 2, 2025 • 16min
3000: How Much Caffeine in a Cup of Coffee? A Detailed Guide by Adda Bjarnadottir with Healthline
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 3000:
Discover how caffeine content can vary widely between different types of coffee, from espresso shots to instant blends. Written by experts, this guide helps you understand how brewing methods, serving sizes, and bean types affect your caffeine intake - empowering smarter choices for your energy and health.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee
Quotes to ponder:
"An average 8-ounce (240-ml) cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine."
"Espresso has more caffeine per volume than regular coffee, but the serving size is usually much smaller."
"The caffeine content of coffee depends on many factors, such as the type of coffee bean, the roast style, how the coffee is prepared, and the serving size."
Episode references:
U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
Mayo Clinic Caffeine Content Chart: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 1, 2025 • 12min
2999: Changing Your Body Image Once and for All by Dr. Lisa Firestone of PsychAlive on Self Judgement and Acceptance
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 2999:
Dr. Lisa Firestone exposes the deep-rooted origins of negative body image, showing how early life experiences and internalized shame distort our self-perception. Learn how to confront your critical inner voice and reclaim confidence by replacing self-judgment with self-acceptance.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/changing-your-body-image-once-and-for-all/
Quotes to ponder:
"People’s views of their bodies are not only cruel but inaccurate."
"Our bodies are often the biggest target of our critical inner voice."
"It’s about stripping yourself of years of self-hatred, shame and misplaced criticism that just doesn’t belong in the here and now."
Episode references:
The Wizard of Oz: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 1, 2025 • 10min
2998: Does How We Look Make Us More or Less Lovable by Allison Carmen on Authentic Self-Acceptance
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 2998:
Allison Carmen challenges the belief that physical appearance determines our lovability, inviting us to replace body shame with gratitude and self-compassion. By reframing critical thoughts and embracing our bodies “as is,” we open the door to greater peace, joy, and authentic self-acceptance, no matter our age.
Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.allisoncarmen.com/does-how-we-look-make-us-more-or-less-lovable/
Quotes to ponder:
"I learned a long time ago that there are thoughts that take us right to pain and misery, and 'I’m not happy with my body' is one of them."
"The only peaceful thought any of us can have is that we love our bodies 'as is' in this moment."
"Isn’t suffering less and accepting ourselves the ultimate in self improvement?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 snips
May 31, 2025 • 12min
2997: Think For Yourself - Part II by Ross Enamait of RossTraining on Fitness Routine Experimentation
In this insightful discussion, the speaker challenges the one-size-fits-all fitness myth. Emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, he encourages listeners to trust their instincts and experiment with their routines. The talk highlights that true progress comes from action rather than passive reading. With a focus on personalized strategies, athletes are urged to recognize their unique strengths while crafting tailored nutrition and fitness plans for lasting success. Critical thinking in training is celebrated as a pathway toward improvement.

4 snips
May 30, 2025 • 11min
2996: Menopause Nutrition Tips - Macronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals
Navigating menopause requires thoughtful nutrition adjustments. Hormonal changes affect metabolism, bone density, and heart health. Focusing on protein intake and essential micronutrients is crucial. Incorporating strength training and soy products can alleviate symptoms like hot flashes. There’s also an emphasis on the importance of vitamins like D and minerals such as magnesium to support overall well-being during this transition. Learning how to optimize these elements can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.