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 2985: Brittney daCosta reminds us that our bodies are constantly sending signals, through cravings, fatigue, emotional swings, and more, but our fast-paced, to-do-list-driven lives keep us from listening. By recognizing subtle physical cues and emotional responses, we can stop running on autopilot and start giving our bodies the nourishment and care they truly need. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-signs-you-dont-know-what-your-body-needs/ Quotes to ponder: "Autopilot had taken over my life, and not to mention, my body’s energy, luster, and shape." "Your body’s ravenous afternoon cravings are a message. They’re screaming at you, 'I need nutrients! I need fuel!'" "Every ache, pain, symptom, and craving is a gift in its own way." Episode references: Women Who Run With the Wolves: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Who-Run-Wolves-Archetypes/dp/0345396812 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 2984: Leigh Peele challenges the rebranded face of diet culture, revealing how the mantra “strong is the new beautiful” often masks the same harmful behaviors in a new form. She advocates for a compassionate approach to health that prioritizes mental well-being, intuitive choices, and strength rooted in self-respect rather than societal pressure. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://niashanks.com/strong-new-beautiful-disordered-new-diet/ Quotes to ponder: "‘Strong is the new beautiful’ quickly turned into another way for women to feel like they’re not good enough." "This new message came with a different disguise, but the same rules: restrict, control, be smaller, do more." "You can train because you love your body, not because you hate it." Episode references: Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon: https://www.amazon.com/Health-At-Every-Size-Surprising/dp/1935618253 Beauty Redefined: https://www.morethanabody.org Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch: https://www.intuitiveeating.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 2983: Laure Carter offers a grounded, practical guide to navigating the often confusing world of clean eating by prioritizing local, organic, and non-GMO foods. With clear insights rooted in Ayurveda and supported by sobering research on chemical exposure, she empowers listeners to make informed choices that benefit both personal health and the environment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.laurecarter.com/tips-for-buying-clean-and-healthy-food/ Quotes to ponder: "Industrial pollution begins in the womb." "Our gut bacteria changes along with the seasons, allowing us to digest properly the foods that grow during that season." "Buying whole grains is always a good idea because it’s more nutritious. However, you should only buy organic whole grains." Episode references: EWG Dirty Dozen List App: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/mobile/ Environmental Health Perspectives - UW Study on Pesticides: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/ehp.8418 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 2982: Steve Pavlina explores how present-day actions shape our long-term well-being, urging us to nurture a conscious relationship with our past and future selves. By reframing hard work and self-discipline as gifts to our future selves, we can tap into a deeper source of motivation and create a more meaningful, growth-oriented life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2020/05/strengthening-your-future-self/ Quotes to ponder: "Everything I do today affects my future self in some way." "You’re basically being a jerk to your future self." "What I want from my past self isn’t an easier life. I want him to help me gain access to new growth experiences that currently seem out of reach." 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 2981: Lea Genders explores the parallels between learning to use her non-dominant hand and retraining her running technique, emphasizing that efficiency often requires unlearning old habits. By embracing discomfort and revisiting foundational skills, runners can prevent injury and unlock improved performance over time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.leagendersfitness.com/news/back-to-the-basics-running-edition Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes you have to take a step back and relearn the basics in order to move forward." "Just because you can run fast does not necessarily mean you don’t have poor or inefficient movement patterns." "Running is a skill. While we all may be born to run, if we want to run more efficiently, it makes sense that we might have to set our egos aside and take two steps backward before we can run forward." Episode references: The Running Revolution: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Revolution-Technique-Performance-Injury-Free/dp/014312319X 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 2980: Dr. Neal addresses a listener's question about optimal macronutrient breakdown for weight loss and muscle preservation, offering realistic protein intake ranges based on body weight and training level. He explains why moderate carbs and healthy fats should not be feared, advocating for a sustainable, balanced approach to eating for long-term health and success. Quotes to ponder: "Instead of avoiding fat, the key is to choose fats that help us feel our best." "You could split the difference and see how you feel. So, you could consume somewhere between 175 grams and 240 grams of protein per day." "We do need carbohydrates to help digest and metabolize protein, so having balanced meals and snacks is the best option." Episode references: Dietary Guidelines for Americans: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov 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 2979: Emma Hogan offers a refreshingly realistic approach to sustainable weight management, emphasizing small, joyful dietary shifts over rigid dieting. Drawing insights from fitness experts like Bas Hollander and Diana Archer Mills, this guide outlines six empowering steps, from mindful eating to embracing vibrant, whole foods, that help you reconnect with your body and make lasting, feel-good changes. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lesmills.com/fit-planet/nutrition/forget-dieting/ Quotes to ponder: “What’s more, over half of all those who did manage to lose the weight initially, gained weight in the next two years, often ending up heavier than they were in the first place!” “It just means that as fitness professionals, we need to realize that losing weight can be much harder than we sometimes make it seem.” “A lifetime of good nutrition comes down to finding what works for you, and setting eating patterns that feel great and bring you joy.” Episode references: Healthy Nutrition Guidelines (U.S.): https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/ 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 2978: Matt McLeod breaks down four science-backed strategies to ensure you're shedding fat, not muscle, while pursuing a healthier physique. From tracking strength progress and waist measurements to prioritizing protein intake and a sustainable fat loss pace, his advice equips you to build a lean, strong body that lasts. Quotes to ponder: "You can’t fully control tissue storage and breakdown. But these tips will give you the best chance possible at creating the outcomes we’re after." "A high-protein diet prevents muscle breakdown and encourages other energy sources to be used for fuel." "Taking waist measurements is another tool I’ve found extremely helpful in reassuring my clients that they’re losing fat, not muscle." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore three vital habits for achieving your dream physique: ample high-quality protein intake, prioritizing recovery, and embracing compound movements. Gabriel Zhañay cuts through the fitness clutter with straightforward, science-backed strategies. He emphasizes that effective training goes beyond hard work—it's about training smart like an athlete. Discover how these often-overlooked practices can optimize your performance and drive lasting results in your fitness journey.

Exploring the connection between hydration and weight loss, the discussion highlights how drinking water can aid metabolism and reduce appetite. While it's clear that staying hydrated supports healthier habits, the podcast notes that merely increasing water intake isn't a guaranteed solution for significant weight loss. Replacing sugary drinks with water may boost benefits further, but a comprehensive approach that combines hydration with other healthy lifestyle changes is recommended for effective weight management.