Episode 346: Optimize Your Brain: Dr. Amen's Strategies for Peak Mental Performance

Have you ever wondered if there's a simple, effective way to boost your well-being, increase energy levels, and promote sustainable weight loss? The answer may lie in the age-old practice of fasting. In my Fitness Friday episode, I dive deep into the science behind fasting and explore how different fasting durations can provide a wide array of health benefits. Expert Dr. Mindy Pelz shares a fascinating insight: fasting for just 17 hours can trigger a process called autophagy, where your cells start to clean out toxins and repair themselves. From busting common fasting myths to providing practical strategies for incorporating fasting into your lifestyle, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in optimizing their health. Dr. Mindy Pelz is the Founder of Reset Academy, Best Selling Author, and Fasting Enthusiast. What we discuss:  Intermittent fasting and its initial effects on weight loss  Changes in energy levels and body composition after starting intermittent fasting  The role of diet vs. exercise in weight loss  Calorie restriction vs. fasting and the role of insulin in weight gain Comparing Weight Watchers to fasting and the importance of accountability and community  The benefits of different fasting durations (13-15 hours, 17 hours)  The benefits of longer fasting durations (24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours)  Addressing the myth of fasting putting the body into starvation mode  Tips for easing into intermittent fasting  The role of mitochondria in health and the benefits of becoming fat-adapted through fasting  Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off To learn more about Dr. Mindy Pelz:  Website - https://drmindypelz.com/  Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you sick of extreme diets, unnecessary restrictions, and the constant fear-mongering in the wellness world?  In today’s episode of The Habits & Hustle Podcast, I chat with Beth Wilkes Feraco, a strength and nutrition coach who's cutting through the crap and keeping it real. Beth's refreshing, no-nonsense approach to health and fitness is exactly what we need more of on social media. Our conversation delves into the fact that consistency beats intensity every time. Instead of chasing the latest fads or pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion, focus on building sustainable habits that you can stick with for the long haul. It's not about being perfect, it's about making progress. Beth gives insights on everything from intermittent fasting to the importance of walking. Her story of overcoming alcoholism and disordered eating to build a thriving online coaching business is truly inspiring.  At 42 years old, Beth Wilkes Feraco was 180 pounds and deep in an alcohol addiction. In the summer of 2015 she quit drinking and started running and weightlifting. Through her own recovery, she decided to help people lose weight, get strong, and accomplish things they never thought possible! What we discuss… (00:01) Inspiring Fitness Influencers Thriving Online (06:08) Navigating Diet Culture and Disordered Eating (12:05) Overcoming Addiction and Finding Balance (20:23) Fitness and Supplement Discussion (32:04) Fitness Coaching and Social Media Realness (39:24) Praise for Beth Fracco Fitness …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout.  BiOptimizers: Use code JC10 for 10% off and shop here: bioptimizers.com/jennifercohen Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Beth Wilkes Feraco: Website: https://bethferacofitness.com/ Instagram: @bethferacofitness

What does it take to turn childhood struggles into a legendary career? In memory of the man, the myth and the legend, Jerry West, I am publishing this episode of the Habits & Hustle podcast where I had the privilege of sitting down with Jerry for an inspiring conversation that talks deep into his tumultuous childhood, his rise to athletic greatness, and the enduring legacy he continues to build. As we trace Jerry's path to athletic success, we talked about his reflections on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of honesty and respect in all interactions and more! His candid discussion about his strongest and weakest traits offers a glimpse into the personal philosophy that has guided him throughout his life.  Tune in this episode to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the icon and the lessons we can all learn from his extraordinary journey. Jerry West was an American basketball player, coach, and general manager who spent four noteworthy decades with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). West is widely considered one of the sport’s greatest players and later was hugely influential as a coach and executive. Perhaps the greatest testament to his enduring impact on basketball is the fact that a photo of West serves as the model for the ubiquitous red, white, and blue NBA logo. What we discuss: (07:09) Perseverance and Mental Toughness (11:49) Growing Pains and Finding Balance (20:43) Talent vs Mindset in Sports (28:03) Impact of Free Agency in Basketball (33:03) Steve Ballmer (37:26) Organization Transparency and Accountability (51:02) The Power of Athlete Activism (54:50) Learning From People, Leaders vs. Individuals (01:00:55) Staying Grounded Amidst Fame Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off To learn more about Jerry West:  Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/officialjerrywest/ Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself confused by the countless diet trends and conflicting nutrition advice circulating online and in the media? If so, you're not alone. In a world filled with misinformation and pseudoscience, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction when it comes to healthy eating. That's why I’m excited to share with you my latest podcast episode featuring the brilliant Dr. Idrees, a medical doctor and nutrition expert who is on a mission to debunk diet myths and provide evidence-based insights. In this conversation, Dr. Idrees tackles some of the most controversial topics in nutrition, from the role of sugar and artificial sweeteners to the gluten-free craze and the cardio vs. strength training debate. If you're ready to clear up the confusion and gain a deeper understanding of the science behind healthy eating, then this podcast episode is a must-listen. Dr. Idrees Mughal (known as Dr Idz) is a UK trained Medical Doctor, with an additional Master’s degree in Nutritional Research and is Board-Certified in Lifestyle Medicine. On Jan 1st 2021, Dr Idz took it upon himself to directly respond to content creators and to call-out the harmful and inaccurate advice being given to the public. Since then, he has amassed over 1.5 million followers across the Tiktok and Instagram platforms and now gets tagged in over 200 videos a day from followers asking for his input. What we discuss… (00:00) Health Expert Debunks Nutrition Myths (08:08) Building a Social Media Health Platform (20:34) Social Media and Evidence-Based Information (25:49) Natural vs. Artificial Food Debunked (36:21) Debunking Nutrition Science Myths (49:28) Ultra-Processed Foods and Fortification (58:28) Debunking Myths About Sugar and Nutrition (01:08:51) Debunking Myths (01:17:49) Gluten-Free Marketing and Gut Health (01:24:42) Probiotics, Cardio, and Strength Training (01:38:38) The Nuances of Fitness Aspiration (01:46:12) Optimizing Health and Longevity …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout.  Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Dr. Idrees Mughal: Website: https://www.schoolofdridz.com/  Book: Saturated Fats: A Myth Busting Guide To Diet and Nutrition In A World of Misinformation Instagram: @dr_idz

Have you ever wondered if all calories are created equal? In the world of nutrition, there's an ongoing debate about whether the source of your calories matters for weight loss and overall health. In my Fitness Friday episode, renowned health journalist and author Max Lugavere shares a compelling insight: while calories in vs. calories out does matter for body composition, the quality and source of those calories is equally important. If you're striving to optimize your diet, understanding nuances like this is key. Max separates fact from fiction and provides practical, research-backed tips you can put into action today. To get the full scoop and take your nutrition knowledge to the next level, tune in now to this eye-opening episode. Max's insights are sure to change the way you think about calories and help you make more informed food choices. Max Lugavere is a Health and Science Journalist, Host of The Genius Life Podcast, Best-Selling Author.  What we discuss:  Why the quality of your calories matters The best source of protein Hot potato vs cold potato  Unhealthy foods that people think are healthy Not all sugar alcohols are bad Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off To learn more about Max Lugavere:  Max's Website - https://www.maxlugavere.com/  Max's Instagram -  @maxlugavere    Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Getting the Full Story on Israel?  Have you ever wondered about the complexities and misconceptions surrounding Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? In today's media, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction and gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground. In my latest podcast episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with the President of Israel for a candid conversation. The President shared valuable insights on the resilience and diversity of the Israeli people, the ongoing efforts to recover hostages, and the importance of fighting misinformation and anti-Semitism worldwide. To grasp the full depth and nuance of the President's perspective, I highly encourage you to listen to the complete podcast episode. Whether you have a long-standing interest in Israel or are just beginning to explore this topic, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the challenges, hopes, and complexities that shape this region. President Isaac Herzog is a public official who has been working in the service of the State of Israel and its society for over twenty years. He was born in 1960 to Aura and Chaim Herzog, later Israel’s Sixth President. For three years, Herzog served as the chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel. In July 2021, he was elected president by an unprecedented majority in the Knesset, and he entered office as the Eleventh President of Israel. What we discuss… (00:00) Global Misconceptions on Israel and Anti-Semitism (12:53) Israeli Ambassador Discusses Operation Rafah (17:10) Promoting Israeli Culture and Resilience (23:45) Positive Impressions of Israel …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from President Isaac Herzog: https://www.jewishagency.org/isaac-herzog-bio/

Did you know that creating the perfect sleep environment can dramatically improve your sleep quality and, in turn, boost your overall health? In today’s Fitness Friday episode we’re throwing it back to quarantine and the dark days of Covid. But the health tips Dr. Darshan gives apply today, so this episode is one you don’t want to miss. We discuss strategies for maintaining optimal health like sleep, getting steps in, and grounding. Have you ever wondered why the goal is 10,000 steps a day? Well the standard is revealed, and it’s not what you think! So tune in now and get the details.  From trauma surgery to reconstructive surgery, Dr. Shah has seen and done it all. Dr. Shah's belief in continual education and self-improvement has earned him alumni status at Harvard Business School, Singularity University, and other prestigious institutions. What we discuss:  How to optimize your health when you’re stuck at home The importance of getting sleep. Your sleep routine starts when you wake up A perfect sleep environment  Why get 10,000 steps? The effects of long term exercise  Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off To learn more about Dr. Darshan:  Dr. Darshan’s Website - https://www.drshah.com/  Dr. Darshan’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/  Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you starting to get dark circles due to difficulty achieving and maintaining quality sleep? Unlock the secrets to rejuvenating sleep and optimize your health with sleep expert Ana Marie Schick! Our enlightening conversation traverses the landscape of sleep fitness, a vital yet often neglected aspect of our well-being. We don't just talk about why a structured sleep routine is as crucial as our exercise and diet plans; we equip you with actionable strategies to improve your slumber quality and maintain it through the years. Delving into the practical steps to enhance sleep quality, we lay out a blueprint for you to craft a consistent sleep routine that adapts to the inevitable changes that aging brings. What we discuss: (03:31) Importance of Structure in Performance (07:12) Comparing Fitness Tracking Devices (13:37) Quality of Sleep and Sleep Patterns (22:30) Deep Sleep and Circadian Rhythm (25:20) Evolution of Temperature Contrast Therapy (30:36) Differences in Deep Sleep Stages (36:56) Breaking the Habit of Subconscious Peeing (46:59) Magnesium for Better Sleep (49:39) Effects of Gummies on Sleep Quality (53:46) Quality of Light Sleep Thank you to our sponsor: BiOptimizers: Want to try Magnesium Breakthrough? Go to https://bioptimizers.com/jennifercohen and use promo code JC10 at checkout to save 10% off your purchase. To learn more about Ana Marie Schick:  Website: https://sleep.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-marie-schick-744613217/ Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements

Want to build muscle and lose fat effectively?  In my Fitness Friday episode, Ebenezer Samuel, the Fitness Director of Men’s Health and Head of Training Innovation at FlexIt Fitness, discusses the myth of toning and getting shredded. We also discuss the concept of "calories in; calories out" and what it gets right and wrong. Tune in for actionable diet and muscle-building tips!  Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health in 2017, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News. What we discuss:  Intermittent fasting  Calories in vs calories out  Society needs more fiber Brown rice vs white rice How to build muscle as we age Toning isn’t a real thing Thank you to our sponsor: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off To learn more about Ebenezer Samuel:  Ebenezer’s Instagram -  @ebenezersamuel23   Ebenezer’s Articles - https://www.menshealth.com/author/217...   Find more from Jen: Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagements Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what threads connect the world of dog shows to the fabric of psychological well-being? Don Sturz, president of the Westminster Dog Show, joins the podcast today to share incredible tales weaving these seemingly disparate threads into a cohesive narrative. We discuss the precision and passion behind every decision that crowns a canine as the crème de la crème in the competitive dog show arena. Overall we discuss the profound effects our canine companions have on children's emotional health and the unique role pets play in developing young minds. This conversation with Don Sturz takes us through the transformative power of dogs in shaping social skills, boosting self-esteem, and instilling responsibility.  Don Sturz serves as the President of the Westminster Kennel Club and is Vice-President of the Poodle Club of America. He is a member of the Westchester Kennel Club and the Bull Terrier Club of America. He was honored with ROM judging status by the Bull Terrier Club of America. Join us for this fascinating episode where love for dogs and respect for their impact on our lives sit, stay, and win Best in Show in our hearts. What we discuss… (00:01) Westminster President Discusses Dogs and Psychology (06:40) Impact of Pets on Children's Wellbeing (13:03) Preparing Show Dogs for Westminster (26:32) Westminster Dog Show Overview …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to bioptimizers.com and use code JC10 for 10% off Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Don Sturz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/don.sturz/  Twitter: @donsturz