Optimal Health Daily

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 2952: Heather Aardema shares how releasing diet culture and embracing intentional eating helped her cultivate a more peaceful, present, and trusting relationship with her body. Her story offers a compassionate path to nourishment grounded in curiosity, simplicity, and alignment with personal values. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/my-intentional-eating-journey/ Quotes to ponder: "I began to ask, ‘How do I want to feel in my body?’ rather than, ‘What should I eat?’" "I believe my body is trustworthy, that food is not the enemy, and that perfection is not the goal." "Peace has come in the form of choosing to befriend my body, to tune in and listen to her voice, and to respond with compassion." Episode references: Intuitive Eating: https://www.intuitiveeating.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi

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 2951: Stephen Guise challenges the common belief that motivation is required for action, revealing how it often traps us in cycles of inaction. By focusing on small, manageable behaviors instead of waiting to “feel like it,” we can sidestep the unreliable nature of motivation and build real, lasting progress through consistent action. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://minihabits.com/stop-waiting-for-motivation/ Quotes to ponder: "Every person is already motivated at all times, it’s just not always motivation to do the right things." "You want to do X, but you wish you wanted to do Y. You desire the desire!" "Some think that action follows motivation. The truth? Motivation follows action." 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 2950: Dr. Ashleigh Louis shares simple yet powerful ways to help children develop long-term self-care habits through consistent routines, outdoor activities, and shared moments of joy. Practicing these habits together not only builds your child’s emotional resilience but also strengthens the parent-child bond in meaningful, lasting ways. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/teach-kids-self-care-creating-healthy-habits/ Quotes to ponder: "Even if they are not currently stressed or upset, teaching kids to regularly take care of themselves will help ensure that they have the skills to manage future stressors in healthy and effective ways." "The important thing isn’t necessarily to get into great shape or to take on big athletic challenges, but to build a regular routine of physical self-care that maintains good health an

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 2949: Matt McLeod shares a practical and compassionate guide to keeping your fitness goals on track, even when life feels chaotic. By focusing on your core values, setting realistic expectations, and embracing support, you’ll learn how to stay consistent without the all-or-nothing mindset that often derails progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://mattmcleod.org/easier/ Quotes to ponder: "Getting in-shape WHILE dealing with the messiness of life is a skill. It can be learned." "You don’t need the perfect plan. You need consistent action." "Fat loss is not a value, it’s a goal. It’s also not very motivating." Episode references: 75 Hard Challenge by Andy Frisella: https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info Start With Why by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447 Learn more about your ad c

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 2948: Dr. Neal Malik breaks down how to choose safe, effective supplements in a largely unregulated industry. He explains why looking for third-party certifications like USP, NSF, and GMP can protect your health, and your wallet, by ensuring you're getting exactly what the label promises. Quotes to ponder: "One study found that 15% of protein supplements sold contain banned substances like amphetamines and anabolic steroids." "The more certifications we find on a supplement’s packaging, the better." "If you can find a product that has a USP, NSF, and GMP certification, then that’s a pretty safe purchase." Episode references: United States Pharmacopeia (USP): https://www.usp.org National Sanitation Foundation (NSF): https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/what-is-nsf-certification 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 2947 Amanda Wheeler reframes ROI as a powerful tool for evaluating how we invest our time, energy, and attention, not just our money. By treating daily choices like social media scrolling or skipping workouts as investments, she reveals how even small habits can generate big returns or long-term losses in our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://markfisherfitness.com/measure-your-life-roi/ Quotes to ponder: "Negative ROI in small choices permeates into everything else. It doesn’t stay contained." "Every choice we make has a return on investment. Very small amounts of time can reap largely negative or largely positive returns." "I’ve never left a gym session feeling like I had a negative return on investment. It’s positive 100% of the time." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad

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 2946: Bret Gornik and Jason Loebig offer a refreshing take on personal wellness by encouraging listeners to define their own "health anchors" simple, functional benchmarks that help you stay grounded in what feels good for you. They also share four powerful mindset shifts that turn everyday habits into empowering choices, reminding us that we get to move, eat well, think better, and give meaningfully. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livebetterco.org/how-to-create-personal-health-anchors-for-your-best-health/  & https://livebetterco.org/short-simple-sweet-daily-changes-perspective/ Quotes to ponder: "You don’t need to complete a marathon, do CrossFit, eat paleo, meditate 45 minutes each day, do 20 face peels, drink celery juice, and sleep 9 hours to live a healthy life." "An anchor is a state you know will bring you back to a feeling

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 2945: Rog Law explores the trap of perfectionism and how it often disguises itself as productivity, keeping us from taking meaningful action. He offers a powerful mindset shift to help you escape the loop of overthinking and finally start making consistent progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://roglawfitness.com/mail-bag-question-1/ Quotes to ponder: "Perfectionism is procrastination in disguise." "You’re not afraid of failure. You’re afraid of being seen trying." "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." Episode references: The War of Art: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Steven-Pressfield/dp/1936891026 The Slight Edge: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463 The Dip: https://www.amazon.com/Dip-Little-Book-Teaches-Stick/dp/1591841666 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg

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 2944: Nia Shanks shares practical, no-guilt strategies for staying active while traveling or on vacation, emphasizing flexibility over perfection. She encourages listeners to redefine consistency, making room for rest, spontaneity, and creative workouts that support long-term success. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://niashanks.com/how-to-train-when-youre-traveling-or-on-vacation/ Quotes to ponder: "Something is always better than nothing, and that includes workouts when you’re traveling or on vacation." "You don’t have to follow a structured plan, nor do you have to stick to a rigid schedule." "Think movement, not 'working out.' Think consistency, not perfection." Episode references: Girls Gone Strong: https://www.girlsgonestrong.com/ 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 2943: Leo Babauta explores how to transform exercise from a dreaded task into a joyful and sustainable habit by focusing on simplicity, mindfulness, and intrinsic motivation. He breaks down mental barriers and replaces rigid goals with self-compassion, making movement something you want to do, not something you have to. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://zenhabits.net/exercise-habit/ Quotes to ponder: "Instead of dreading exercise, we can learn to enjoy it." "If we focus on how good movement feels, we start to look forward to it." "Let go of the idea that you need to do it perfectly, or follow a strict plan." Episode references: The Power of Habit: https://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit Tiny Habits: https://www.tinyhabits.com Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a

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 2942: Chris Reining shows how a single, almost effortless habit can become the foundation for lasting personal transformation. By emphasizing the power of starting small, he makes a compelling case for how incremental change leads to big results over time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://chrisreining.com/little-habit/ Quotes to ponder: "That’s why I like starting with a little habit. Something so stupidly small that it’s impossible to say no." "It’s about putting in reps. It’s about showing up." "When you’re consistent the results show up." Episode references: Mini Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Habits-Smaller-Bigger-Results/dp/1494882272 Atomic Habits: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits 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 2491: Eric Leija shares practical, science-backed strategies to help you become a morning person, even if you’ve always considered yourself a night owl. Discover how waking up early can boost your focus, eliminate excuses, and support a healthier lifestyle through simple daily habits that anyone can adopt. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ericleija.com/how-to-get-up-early-and-why-you-should/ Quotes to ponder: "Skipping the snooze isn’t going to be an easy habit to break, but it will be worthwhile to reap all of the morning person benefits." "Natural, bright light early in the morning primes your brain and hormones for waking up." "Once you’re awake, the rest is easier to tackle." 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 2940: Dr. Neal Malik unpacks the truth about pink Himalayan salt and salt lamps, diving into the science behind their supposed health benefits. Learn why trace minerals may not be as impactful as advertised, how regular table salt could be the healthier choice, and what research really says about air-purifying salt lamps. Quotes to ponder: "Even more importantly in the case of some Himalayan salt specifically, plutonium has been found in some of these products." "Table salt is processed which removes many of these potential impurities and again gives it its white color." "Salt lamps are basically like they sound it's a clump of salt placed on top of a lightbulb. Unfortunately, we don't know if this actually happens." Episode references: American College of Sports Medicine: https://www.acsm.org/ USDA FoodData Central (for iodine sources): https://fdc.nal.u

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 2939: Jill Seladi-Schulman breaks down how dehydration doesn't just leave you parched, it can dangerously impact your blood pressure in both directions. Learn how fluid loss can lead to a drop in blood volume, trigger vasopressin release, and ultimately throw off your cardiovascular balance, plus get practical tips to stay safely hydrated. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydration-and-blood-pressure Quotes to ponder: "Dehydration can cause low blood pressure due to a decrease in blood volume." "High concentrations of vasopressin can also cause your blood vessels to constrict. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure." "Changes in blood pressure can occur due to dehydration." Episode references: Mayo Clinic - Water: How much should you drink every day?: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nut

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 2938: Ross Enamait highlights how adding movement to your jump rope sessions can drastically increase agility, coordination, and overall conditioning. By varying direction and intensity, you turn a simple tool into a dynamic workout that mimics real athletic demands while still keeping things fun, portable, and adaptable for all fitness levels. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://rosstraining.com/blog/2015/10/enhance-your-jump-rope-workout-routine/ Quotes to ponder: "Rather than perform a single turning style repeatedly, I’m constantly moving and varying the rope’s action." "You can’t just haphazardly move while skipping. Instead, you must be conscious of the rope with each step that you take." "Jumping rope is truly an exercise that you will never outgrow. You can always work harder, longer, or with new variations." Episode references: T

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 2937: Rachel Trotta explains how small, consistent movements throughout your day, known as non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), can significantly boost your metabolism, even more than formal workouts. By emphasizing low-intensity activity and strength training, she highlights a sustainable approach to maintaining a healthy metabolic rate, especially through hormonal shifts and aging. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.racheltrotta.com/making-the-changes-that-matter/how-does-your-metabolism-burn-calories/ Quotes to ponder: "You will make huge inroads in 'speeding up' your metabolism." "NEAT has the potential to vary your metabolic rate in the quadruple digits." "You must work with yourself, not against yourself." 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 2936: Rachel Trotta breaks down the truth about how your body burns calories, clearing up common myths about metabolism and fat loss. Through clear analogies and science-backed insight, she empowers listeners to take control of their health by understanding the key role of resting metabolic rate and the importance of daily energy expenditure even outside the gym. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.racheltrotta.com/making-the-changes-that-matter/how-does-your-metabolism-burn-calories/ Quotes to ponder: "Fear and worry thrive in an environment of innocent ignorance." "Your body takes energy just to maintain itself." "When you are taking in less food than your energy needs on a regular basis, your body begins to mobilize the calories stored in body fat to make up the difference in fuel." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon

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 2935: Sam Lynch unpacks what truly makes a training program effective: it’s not about the flashiest plan, but the one you can stick to, adapt, and personalize over time. He also breaks down how motivation can be cultivated through action, goal clarity, and a healthier mindset around failure reminding us that progress is built on consistency, not fleeting inspiration. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://fitnitiative.co.uk/2023/04/13/what-makes-a-good-training-programme/  &  https://fitnitiative.co.uk/2023/03/06/how-to-increase-motivation/ Quotes to ponder: "The program you can do consistently over a period of time is what will yield you the best results." "Taking action inspires motivation. Not the other way around." "Instead of seeing it as a negative, start seeing it as a learning experience - a time to reflect and get better - an inevi

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 2934: Marc Chernoff reminds us that giving up is often a story we tell ourselves, not a final truth. By shifting our mindset, learning from pain, and embracing life’s challenges, we create space for growth, resilience, and renewed hope. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.marcandangel.com/2012/11/02/9-things-to-think-about-before-you-give-up/ Quotes to ponder: "You have imprisoned yourself in your own mind by telling self-defeating stories." "Sometimes you must break a little so you can get a peek inside to see what an awesome powerhouse you are." "Your life may not be perfect, but it is good. And more good things are coming down the road as long as you keep moving forward." Episode references: The Power of Less: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Less-Leo-Babauta/dp/1401309704 Awaken the Giant Within: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Giant-W

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 2933: Elly McGuinness breaks down how mindful eating can transform your relationship with food turning every meal into an intentional act of nourishment, gratitude, and awareness. By slowing down, engaging your senses, and tuning into your body’s signals, you'll discover not only better digestion but also a deeper appreciation for what’s on your plate. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ellymcguinness.com/blog/mindful-eating/ Quotes to ponder: "Mindful eating takes time, and in a world filled with TV dinners and lunches behind the PC, you may feel there’s no way to fit it into your day." "You eat to sustain your mind, spirit, and body. You eat with intention and attention." "A moment’s reflection of feeling blessed to have a meal is worth the time." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices