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If you want a deep dive into intermittent fasting (IF) this episode is it!
It is an eating pattern focused on meal timing—not a diet—and outlines three common methods (16/8, 5:2, and eat-stop-eat), including what’s allowed during fasting windows. They describe key physiology (lower insulin, fat burning, and autophagy) and potential benefits like weight loss, reduced insulin resistance, and improved focus, while emphasizing food quality and noting common side effects.
I'm answering questions on fasted workouts, the host advises timing workouts near the end of a fast if muscle gain is a priority, discusses post-workout nutrition (protein/carbs or BCAAs), highlights gut-brain and fiber/SCFA links, and cautions that combining fasting with intense training can increase stress and potentially impair immunity.
Time Marker
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
01:10 What Intermittent Fasting Is
03:07 Popular IF Methods Explained
04:47 What Happens When You Fast
06:12 Benefits Limits and Safety
07:35 Fasted Workouts and Refueling
10:28 Gut Brain Axis and Fiber
14:02 Training Intensity and Stress
16:50 Immunity Claims and Overdoing It
18:51 Wrap Up and Listener Qs
Research Studies Referenced:
Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting: a narrative review
Exercise Training and Fasting: Current Insights
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🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
In this episode I’m talking with chiropractic physician and author, Dr. Michael Guadagnino, about building strength and reducing pain at every age without unnecessary drugs or surgery. We’re discussing common misconceptions about aging and fitness—especially feeling it’s too late to start— comparing yourself only to yourself, setting written goals, and reverse-engineering small daily steps.
Dr. Guadagnino explains sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), the role of resistance training in maintaining muscle and bone health (including Wolff’s law), and how free weights and proprioception work can improve balance and reduce fall risk. We’re also covering nutrition, sleep and recovery, CoQ10 and mitochondrial energy, and adapting movement for injuries or chronic illness, ending with his advice to “never settle.”
You can learn more about Dr. Guadagnino with the links below:
Michael Guadagnino's Website
https://drguad.wpcomstaging.com/fitness-over-50-60-70-and-beyond/
⏱️⩇⩇:⩇⩇ Time Markers
00:00 Welcome and Theme
01:32 Meet Dr Michael
05:17 Mindset to Start
07:19 Write Goals Down
10:26 Restarting After Break
12:24 Sarcopenia Explained
17:26 Stop Muscle Loss
19:08 Training Frequency Plan
21:36 Mobility and Balance
22:45 Nutrition for Strength
26:50 Movement Beats Pain
30:29 Inspiring Patient Story
32:23 Never Settle Advice
34:43 Book and Wrap Up
📚📖Books Mentioned
59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot
The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
The People Equation: Cultivating Relational Wellness in the Workplace with Dr. Paul White
In this episode of the 9 to 5 Wellness Podcast, Aesha Tahir sits down with workplace culture expert and bestselling author Dr. Paul White to explore the power of relational wellness at work. Together, they discuss why employees often feel disconnected in today's workplace, how authenticity builds trust, and why appreciation—not just recognition—is the key to stronger teams, higher retention, and healthier workplace cultures.
Dr. White, co-author of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, shares practical strategies leaders and employees can implement immediately to reduce relational friction, increase psychological safety, and create environments where people feel genuinely valued.
Key Takeaways
✅ Appreciation is different from recognition.
✅ Employees want to be valued as people, not just for their productivity.
✅ Authenticity requires psychological safety and trust.
✅ The Five Languages of Appreciation can transform team relationships.
✅ Workplace appreciation improves retention, engagement, and profitability.
✅ Strong workplace relationships are becoming a competitive advantage.
Time Markers
00:00 Welcome and Episode Focus
01:49 Meet Dr Paul White
03:13 Origin Story and Mission
04:54 Workplace Friction Explained
07:53 Authenticity and Safety
11:07 Taking Small Sharing Risks
12:23 Policies and Being Seen
14:50 Five Languages at Work
18:50 Personalized Appreciation Matters
21:02 Team Implementation Playbook
23:43 Appreciation Drives Results
25:52 Leader Misconceptions
28:09 Building Appreciation Culture
30:06 Remote and Hybrid Appreciation
32:29 Keep People Through Connection
33:30 Simple Habits and Wrap Up
34:14 Where to Find Dr White
35:08 Final Thanks and Sign Off
Resources Mentioned
Connect with Dr. Paul White
Website: AppreciationAtWork.com
Email: [email protected]
Social: Search "Dr. Paul White" or "Appreciation at Work" on your preferred social platform
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
In this episode of 9 to 5 Wellness, I'm interviewing exercise physiologist and movement professional Lucas Denham about how performance training metrics can extend health span and support longevity. We're defining longevity versus health span as quantity versus quality of life, then discuss key markers including VO2 max, grip strength, body composition and bone density via DEXA, strength/power, and movement quality (mobility, stability, and compensation).
Lucas explains grip strength as a proxy for neuromuscular “hardware and software,” and details VO2 max testing, substrate utilization, and metabolic flexibility—shifting between fat and carbohydrate use across intensities. You'll learn about practical training approaches (zone 2, HIIT, aerobic intervals), including the Norwegian 4x4 protocol, noting as little as 3–8 minutes per week in zone 5 can improve VO2 max. We're also connect muscle mass and power to glucose regulation, fall prevention, and functional aging, and emphasize unstructured “play” as a sustainable, enjoyable driver of lifelong movement.
00:00 Performance Meets Longevity
01:57 Meet Lucas Denham
02:57 Longevity vs Healthspan
05:15 Key Longevity Metrics
07:30 Why Grip Strength Matters
09:38 VO2 Max Explained
18:03 Metabolic Flexibility
21:17 Zone Training and Protocols
36:37 Muscle Mass and Aging
42:25 Move Well Move Often
47:50 Bring Back Play
53:30 Where to Find Lucas
55:34 Final Thanks and Wrap
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
I'm diving into the strength-training concept of time under tension (TUT)—the time muscles stay under resistance—and why it drives muscle growth, strength, and endurance by increasing metabolic stress and mechanical fatigue.
Using a bicep curl example, they compare slower, controlled reps (longer TUT) to faster reps (shorter TUT) and research from The Journal of Physiology and Harvard Health suggesting slower tempo increases muscle protein synthesis and keeps muscles engaged longer. They then translate TUT into workplace strategies: work in short, focused 25-minute bursts without distractions, take 5–10 minute active pauses to prevent burnout, use a tactical STOP method and diaphragmatic breathing before reacting under pressure, and delay reactions to difficult people for 5–10 seconds to choose a better response. You can learn about some of my personal goals and how I use TUT to reframe obstacles as constructive resistance.
Time Marker
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
00:14 Gym Lessons for Life
01:51 What Is Time Under Tension
03:20 Science and Bicep Curl Example
05:55 Apply TUT at Work Focus Blocks
07:54 Active Pauses to Prevent Burnout
08:24 STOP Method Under Pressure
10:16 Handling Difficult People Calmly
11:39 My 3 Goal Strategies This Year
15:01 Wrap Up and Subscribe
🔬🧪👩🔬Research Studies Referenced
Muscle protein sub-fractional synthetic with TUT
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7485021/
Go slower for strength training gains
https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/9/1/9
📚📖Books on the Topic
Time Under Tension: Tactical Training
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
Maintaining strong and healthy bones is a crucial aspect of overall wellness, particularly as we age. In this episode of the 9 to 5 Wellness Podcast, host Aesha Tahir sat down with Dr. Renee Fogelberg, an expert in women’s health, to discuss the importance of bone health throughout life, especially for women entering midlife and beyond. Here, we distill their conversation into actionable advice, so you can take steps toward better bone health today.
Some of the things you will learn in this epsiode are:
Understanding the importance of bone health becomes vital as we age, particularly for women nearing menopause. Dr. Renee Fogelberg emphasizes that bone health should not be considered an issue only for the elderly. It’s a silent health crisis often ignored until significant damage occurs.
In this epsiode we're exploring the major challenges surrounding bone health and talking about practical tips that you can implement readily to improve your bone health.
⏱️⩇⩇:⩇⩇ Time Markers
00:00 Bone Health Overview
01:40 Meet Dr Renee Fogelberg
03:49 Her Osteopenia Wake Up Call
06:19 Silent Bone Loss Signs
09:05 Perimenopause Estrogen Drop
11:00 Risk Factors Weight Ethnicity
16:01 Genetics and Family History
17:06 Nutrition and Medications
25:53 DEXA and FRAX Screening
30:38 FRAX vs Spine Scores
31:33 T Scores Explained
32:43 Why Hip Fractures Matter
33:55 Spine Loss Prevention
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🎙️🎙️🎙️About Our Guest
Dr. Renee Fogelberg grew up in San Francisco completing her training and professional career at Kaiser Permanente for over 26 years. She was the Chair of Patient Education with a focus on online resources, educational tools and classes to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. Dr Fogelberg is both Board certified in obesity medicine, and a menopause certified practitioner treating women during their perimenopause and menopause transitions, enhancing their quality of life through lifestyle medicine and medical therapy. She is AssociateClinical Professor at California NorthState Medical College. Her passion is her children/family, cooking, traveling and she volunteers with the San Francisco Bouquet to Arts Auxiliary group.
You can learn more about her:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-fogelberg-md-facog-dipl-abom-6abb83286/
🔬🧪👩🔬Research Studies Referenced
Bone Health- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7485021/
Peak bone mass in young women- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7639106/
Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6279907/
Correlation of Muscle Mass and Bone Mineral Density - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9524880/
📚📖Books on the Topic
Great Bones: Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis
The Osteoporosis Breakthrough
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
In this epsiode Coach Brian Parana is helping us demystify MACROS- our nutritional building blocks. Together, we're discussing the importance of macros, their roles, and how tracking them can lead to a healthier lifestyle without the stress of militant diet tracking.
Here's what you'll learn by tuning in:
What are Macros?
Role of each Macro: Protein, Fats, and Carbohydrates
What's the starting point to balance all three?
What's the differnce between tracking Macros and tracking Calories?
Tips to track Macros?
⏱️⩇⩇:⩇⩇ Time Markers
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
02:12 Macros Defined Simply
03:12 What Each Macro Does
05:39 Calories vs Macros Explained
11:47 Finding Your Macro Ratio
15:37 Workout Fueling and Timing
18:35 Easy Macro Tracking Options
27:18 Best Tracking Apps to Use
28:44 Final Thanks and Wrap Up
🎙️🎙️🎙️About Our Guest
You can learn more about Coach Brian Parana on the following platforms:
Brian Parana's Website
https://instagram.com/coachbrianparana
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachbrianparana/
🔬🧪👩🔬Research Studies Referenced
The macronutrients, appetite and energy intake
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4960974/
Effect of Macronutrient Composition on Short-Term Food Intake https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322009279
📚📖Books on the Topic
The Everything Guide to Macronutrients
Unlock Your Macro Type
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
A Journey of Growth and Going All In
Welcome to a milestone episode of the 9 to 5 Wellness Podcast! As we hit the remarkable 150th episode mark, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned. Whether you're a long-time listener or just tuning in, there's a wealth of insights here that can help you in your own personal and professional journey. Let’s dive in!
The Power of Perseverance:
The Importance of Reflection and Breaks:
Shifting Perspectives:
Consistency is Key:
Bottom Line:
This journey to 150 episodes is a testament to perseverance, growth, and the incredible support from listeners like you. I’m grateful for every moment shared and excited for what the future holds. Keep trusting your process, allow yourself to grow, and remember, more is always on the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to the 9 to 5 Wellness Podcast, and leave a review if you enjoy it.
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
Dark Chocolate - From Bean to Your Health
Chocolate has long been a favorite indulgence for many around the world, but how much do we truly know about it? From the history-rich cacao pods to the sophisticated science of chocolate-making. We are taking a voyage into the world of dark chocolate: from bean to bar! We’re diving into intricate details of how chocolate is made, its ancient history, and the many benefits and considerations of this beloved treat. Sharing her insights is our guest, Netty Atkisson, a chocolate educator.
The Rich History of Chocolate
Chocolate-Making: From Bean to Bar
Nutritional Insights and Benefits
Craft Chocolate: The Superior Choice
The Journey From Bean to Your Health
From its beginnings in ancient civilizations to the shelves of your local store, chocolate has an incredible story. A journey enriched with cultural significance, complex processes, and modern-day science. Pursuing high-quality, carefully produced chocolate not only enhances the gastronomic experience but can also provide some health benefits.
In the words of our guest, Nettie Atkinson,
"There's so much joy in understanding and experiencing the art and science of chocolate."
You can learn more about Nettie Atkisson on IG - https://www.instagram.com/the_chocolateconnection
And LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nettieatkisson
Whether you're a fellow chocolate enthusiast or just someone with a sweet tooth, there's always more to discover about this delightful indulgence.
Dive deeper by listening to the full podcast episode for more intriguing insights and delicious inspiration.
00:00 Welcome and Episode Setup
00:55 Why Dark Chocolate Today
03:02 Meet Chocolate Educator Nettie
04:17 Netty’s Chocolate Origin Story
05:54 Cacao as Culture and Currency
07:11 Ancient Evidence and Trade Routes
09:56 Spain to Europe and Mass Adoption
11:31 Ceramic Vessels and Theobromine Clues
12:44 Cacao Pod to Nibs Explained
15:37 From Harvest to Chocolate Bar
17:51 Dutching Teaser and Next Topic
18:33 Van Houten Origins
19:34 Dutch Process Explained
21:12 Polyphenols Soil Terroir
24:04 Cacao Nutrition Compounds
26:35 Buying Better Chocolate
28:05 Tasting Ancient Chuncho
31:39 Craft Chocolate Movement
32:43 Book Workshops Farewell
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
Have you ever struggled with chronic, unexplained symptoms that leave even doctors baffled?
In this episode we're talking about mold toxicity and its subtle but significant impact on health. Our guest Dr. Diana Stafford, a physician specializing in mold toxicity, is discussing this invisible yet powerful threat.
Understanding Mold Exposure
Dr. Stafford explains that mold isn’t just the fuzzy growth on spoiled food; it’s pervasive in our environments, from homes to workplaces. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in moist conditions, leading to a range of health issues, from respiratory and neurological symptoms to immune system dysfunction.
Key Steps to Address Mold Toxicity:
You can learn more about Dr. Diana Stafford at https://www.doctorstafford.com/
Send us Fan Mail
🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at: https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟
My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!
🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com
Follow me on IG and LI to learn more
https://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/
From the publisher's feed
Do you have the knowledge you need to help your organization get the best return on the time and capital invested in employee wellbeing? Are you a busy professional or C-suite leader looking to…
🌟 What has helped their organizations gain a competitive advantage?
🌟 How they see the future of employee wellbeing?
🌟 Misunderstandings that are out in the corporate market today
🌟 Advice to other leaders to create a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace
Our guests are C-suite leaders, and wellness innovators across the value chain: HR managers, wellness champions, community wellbeing ambassadors, service vendors, and wellness consultants.