A few great health & fitness podcasts and Instagram accounts
When setting new goals, especially when it comes to health and fitness, it’s important to do research and immerse yourself in the topic.
However, it can be a double-edged sword — there is an overabundance of information, some great, and a lot not-so-great.
I have learned that the easiest and least time-consuming way to accomplish immersion is by listening to podcasts, and populating my Instagram with quality sources.
I like podcasts because they’re dual-purpose — you can listen while you’re in the car, at your desk, or while you’re working out.
When I was seriously focused on health and fitness during my fat-loss year (I lost 18.6% of by body weight in 2017), I found a few really trustworthy, interesting, or useful podcasts and Instagram accounts that helped keep me motivated to meet my diet and exercise goals.
PODCASTS
Shortcut to Slim
Shortcut to Slim is a scientific and researched-based podcast on diet and nutrition.
The host, Lindsay Nixon, has been a leader in the plant-based movement for over a decade, and she also runs a meal prep company called Meal Mentor.
The mini-series podcast explains the science and psychology of weight loss and helps you learn the facts and myths behind many diet and health trends.
Lindsay is relatable, entertaining, and informative. I can’t recommend it enough. You can also get the blueprint book that goes along with the podcast that includes meal plans, recipes, and helps with snacking and eating out.
The best part? Each episode is less than thirty minutes (often around twenty minutes), so it’s easy to listen to and not get bored or distracted partway through.
The Model Health Show
The Model Health Show is a podcast hosted by Shawn Stevenson, a sleep, fitness, and wellness expert. What I like about it is its variety — every episode is a totally different topic but the end result is the same — bettering yourself and your life in a sustainable and balanced way.
The topics range from defeating anxiety, sleeping better, and tips for meal prepping. Seriously, anything you want to learn more about that is related to health and fitness... you can find in The Model Health Show.
Living a healthier lifestyle is not just about cutting calories and hitting the gym more often. It’s about a holistic approach, where every element of your life matters to the others.
The only thing I find a little frustrating about it is that it’s usually well over an hour in length, sometimes approaching the hour and a half mark.
Optimal Health Daily
Another one of my favorite health and fitness podcasts is Optimal Health Daily.
The idea behind it is genius — they don’t create their own content — all they really do is select one quality article for the day, and read it to you. It’s like subscribing to the audio version of an email newsletter.
It covers a lot of health advice from many different experts and can pretty much answer any questions you have. It’s really motivating and can help you at any stage in your journey… and is typically about 15 minutes long.
By the Book
Okay, so this one isn’t really that motivating, but it’s just fun. By the Book is “is half reality show, half self-help podcast, and one wild social experiment”, and one of my favorite podcasts. The hosts pick a different self-help book each episode and lives by those rules for two weeks. It really reveals which ones are duds and which ones could actually help change your life.
The podcast is kind of like a reality show and is just hilarious. I highly recommend this podcast for some entertainment and education on health and wellness.
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS
Amanda Meixner has a nice balance of fitness, diet, and wellness info — presented in fun ways. Her Stories are always fun to watch as her enthusiasm for wellness is infectious!
Carter’s full-time job now is being a nutrition and wellness coach, and it’s easy to see why he’s been able to do it. Unlike a lot of tough-talk influencers, or people who push unattainable lifestyles, Carter emphasizes healthy habits in everyday life — knowing that there are times when you’ll mess up, not feel like it, or have extenuating circumstances.
Ferdinand Beck (@vegainsfood)
There are very few people as obsessed with the topic of nutrition as Ferdinand. He’s a nutrition student in Berlin and quite simply, one of the most inspirational people to follow.
He’s an unapologetic vegan and fitness fanatic, and lives a lifestyle that’s totally in line with his beliefs. It’s incredibly inspiring!
Overall, I highly recommend immersing yourself in health and wellness media if that’s your goal. Having constant reminders of these things, and continually educating yourself, helps keep you motivated even after the initial burst of energy has worn off.
What health and fitness podcast or social media accounts do you like? How do you keep yourself motivated?
