Well Beyond 40

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is an internationally recognized speaker and author, and an expert in the area of wheat sensitivity and autoimmune disease. He's back on the podcast by popular demand to share how to optimize your brain function and feel your very best! Listen to find out how wheat can trigger an inflammatory response in your body and the symptoms that can manifest in your brain, as well as the effect that electromagnetics and other toxins can have on your brain health and how to reduce their impact. Plus, you don't want to miss Dr. O'Bryan's top tips on how to stock your pantry full anti-inflammatory, brain-boosting foods. Get ready to say goodbye to issues like brain fog and fatigue for good!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Tom O’Bryan’s free Pantry Guide by going to  www.jjvirgin.com\drtomspantry.   Main Points From Today’s Episode For every one person with a wheat sensitivity who has gut problems, there are eight people who have problems somewhere else in the body. The most common system of the body that's affected is your brain. 2. Brain fog can happen because of 13 different mechanisms. The most common one is a lack of blood flow to the brain, and Dr. O’Bryan’s book gives you strategies to improve your brain’s clarity. Be kind to yourself: allocate one hour a week to work on reducing your toxic load. As you reduce toxicity, your resistance gets stronger.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:20] Dr. Tom O’Bryan’s career briefing [2:55] The inspiration behind Dr. O’Bryan’s latest book, You Can Fix Your Brain [4:25] Wheat is a primary initiator of inflammatory mechanisms in the body.  [5:35] The connection between wheat and autoimmune disease [6:43] Symptoms of wheat sensitivity can manifest in your brain.  [9:21] Who can benefit from Dr. O’Bryan’s book? [9:58] What are some signs that your brain is not where it should be? [12:35] Electromagnetics and your health [15:22] Strategies to reduce the impact of electromagnetics [16:40] Toxins that are lurking all around [18:10] Be kind to yourself: allocate one hour a week to work on reducing your toxic load [20:35] Dr. O’Bryan’s pantry list includes plenty of anti-inflammatory foods [24:35] Your breakfast sets the pace for your entire day! That’s why JJ created the All-In-One Shakes to start your day out right. [25:18] Listener’s question: What can you do to help heal your brain?   Mentioned in this episode: All-In-One Shakes JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Vital Choice Omega Ultra (fish oil) The Virgin Diet Sugar Impact Diet   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bree Argetsinger is known by her fans as "The Betty Rocker" for her mad cooking skills and rockstar personality. She joins JJ in today's podcast episode to explain how you can achieve your goals and rock your life with healthy food, accessible workouts, and plenty of self-love and compassion. Listen as Betty Rocker shares her food philosophy and how she healed her own adrenal issues with nutrition, plus find out why millions of folks are raving about Betty Rocker's free Exercise Challenge and how you, too, can get fit fast with her simple, effective workouts. Betty Rocker explains that a strong, positive mindset is the foundation of everything, and her tips and tools will help transform you from the inside out!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Betty Rocker’s free Make Fat Cry Challenge by going to JJVirgin.com/bettyrocker   Main Points From Today’s Episode Betty Rocker uses whole foods and simple recipes that will help you feel satisfied and nourished. JJ still remembers the Turkey Pumpkin Spice Chili that Betty Rocker served her for dinner! Betty Rocker combines high-intensity, short duration workouts with resistance training using gravity and your own body weight. Almost 2 million people have participated in Betty Rocker’s free exercise Challenge and their inspirational stories have brought her to tears. Mindset and self-worth are the foundation of everything. Betty Rocker overcame her own negative self-talk and she provides tips and resources to support your personal growth.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:45] Bree Argetsinger’s career briefing [4:13] What’s behind the name “Betty Rocker”? [6:14] How Betty Rocker healed adrenal fatigue using whole foods [8:52] Betty Rocker’s food philosophy and what she served JJ for dinner [13:16] You won’t feel deprived when you follow Betty Rocker’s recipes and way of eating. [13:51] Mindset and self-worth are the foundation of everything. [16:49] The Betty Rocker’s workouts make fitness accessible. [17:34] When it comes to exercise, what works for you is what you can do sustainably. [18:07] The Betty Rocker combines high-intensity, short duration workouts with resistance training using gravity and your own body weight. [21:37] Gratitude helps set the course for Betty Rocker’s day. [23:21] Want a better quality of sleep while also calming your brain? Check out JJ Virgin’s Sleep Candy! [24:14] Listener’s question: I’ve gotten my diet dialed in and I’m ready to start exercising. Where do I begin? [24:31] Start by moving more and incorporating high-intensity interval training into your routine. [26:16] Next, add in resistance training to build muscle, keep your bones strong, boost your metabolism, and improve insulin sensitivity.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/bettyrocker Betty Rocker on Instagram Fast Fitness Online Program Sleep Candy 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Naomi Whittel has traveled the world to find the most powerful anti-aging ingredients, and she joins JJ in today's podcast to talk about the groundbreaking science of autophagy. Listen as Naomi explains exactly what autophagy is and how this cellular detoxification process can help restore your energy and renew your youth, as well as the simple steps you can take to stimulate autophagy today. Find out why the timing of your meals matters and the “powerphenols” that can boost your health, plus how to figure out your circadian rhythm so you can activate autophagy at night. You’ll also get Naomi’s simple recipe for Autophagy Tea that will have your skin glowing from the inside out!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Naomi Whittel’s free Glow 15 Cookbook by going to JJVirgin.com/glow15.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Autophagy is the process by which cells remove toxins and repair damage. Naomi explains how to boost autophagy so you can look and feel your best. Timing matters: what you do is important, but when you do it is equally as important. Naomi recommends starting your day with fat and saving your carbs for later in the day. Naomi’s autophagy tea contains powerful ingredients that help keep your cells healthy. Those include citrus bergamot Earl Grey tea, EGCG from green tea, and cinnamon.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:02] Naomi Whittel’s career briefing [3:44] What is autophagy? [6:23] What was the inspiration behind Naomi’s book, Glow 15? [8:28] Simple steps you can take right now to stimulate autophagy [9:03] Timing matters – start your day with fat and save your carbs for later in the day. [11:10] Why Naomi is a fan of intermittent fasting and protein cycling [13:58] 30 minutes of interval training or resistance training every other day can promote autophagy. [14:56] Knowing your circadian rhythm and what type of sleeper you are helps to activate autophagy at night. [17:30] Naomi’s autophagy tea contains powerful ingredients that help keep your cells healthy. [19:10] Naomi’s favorite supplements include “powerphenols.” [20:44] Meditation is the one thing that Naomi does every day that makes the biggest difference. [22:14] Get Naomi’s free Glow 15 Cookbook with plenty of yummy, de-aging recipes. [25:11] Listener’s question: I’ve always been told you should have 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. What’s wrong with that advice?   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/glow15 JJ Virgin on YouTube Sleep Candy 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Teri Cochrane's son began to struggle with major health issues at a young age, Teri left her career in the corporate world to find the solution to his health crisis. Today, Teri's son is a thriving young adult, and Teri is an integrative practitioner with a wealth of knowledge to share on how to heal your body by eating the right foods! Listen as Teri explains how The Wildatarian Diet can help you build a diet and lifestyle that's customized according to your bio-individual needs, including the quiz you can take to figure out which Wildatarian type you are, how to tell if you have issues with protein, fat, or sulfur malabsorption, as well as the foods you should and shouldn't be eating according to your unique genetic blueprint. Plus, you don’t want to miss the foods that Teri eats in a typical day!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Teri Cochrane’s free Wildatarian Quiz by going to JJVirgin.com/wildatarian   Main Points From Today’s Episode Teri became interested in integrative health and nutrition when she was told that her son would suffer from seizures and other health issues. Teri helped her son heal by changing the major food groups he was eating, and today he is a thriving young adult. The Wildatarian Diet is based on your unique, bio-individual needs. The first step is to take the quiz to figure out which type of Wildatarian you are. The Wildatarian diet is rooted in what Teri calls "the big three": protein, fat, and sulfur malabsorption. Teri discovered that many of us are not breaking down these 3 big molecules.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:35] Teri Cochrane’s career briefing [3:21] How did Teri shift from working in the corporate world to the integrative health field?  [5:12] The foundation of the Wildatarian program [7:20] The first place to start is with Teri’s book, The Wildatarian Diet: Living as Nature Intended.  [9:28] Your body changes over time, which is why Teri teaches you how to become a body interpreter. [11:12] Signs that you’re not breaking down fat well [12:40] How to tell if you’re having difficulty digesting protein [14:18] Sulfur-rich foods that are commonly eaten to support detoxification [15:33] A widely-used herbicide called glyphosate may be inhibiting your body’s ability to break down sulfur. [17:31] How can you tell if you have issues processing sulfur? [18:31] Genes are our tendency, not our destiny. [20:25] What Teri eats in a typical day [24:38] Teri checks in with her thoughts every day and is a firm believer that we manifest what we think. [25:48] Want a better quality of sleep while also calming your brain? Try JJ Virgin’s Sleep Candy! [26:25] Listener’s question: Menopause hit me like a tornado. What can I do? [29:35] Estrogen is nature’s antidepressant for women.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/wildatarian Sleep Candy Designs for Health Femguard+Balance (Enter the code 20DFH2018 at checkout to save 20% on your first purchase) Designs for Health DIM-Evail (Enter the code 20DFH2018 at checkout to save 20% on your first purchase) JJ Virgin on Youtube 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook Page JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is the star of the hit BBC One series, Doctor in the House, and he joins JJ in today's podcast episode to explain why making disease disappear is simpler than you think! It all starts with what Dr. Chatterjee calls “the 4 pillars of health”: eat, sleep, relax, and move. Listen as Dr. Chatterjee explains how his accessible 4 Pillar Plan can help you live a longer and healthier life, plus the simple shifts you can make in your daily routine, such as adding in “me time” and 5-minute kitchen workouts, that can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Being healthy doesn’t have to be complicated – Dr. Chatterjee gives you practical, easy-to-implement tips and tools to help you take back control of your health!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s free “Increase Your Energy in 5 Days” video series by going to JJVirgin.com/disappear   Main Points From Today’s Episode The 4 Pillar Plan involves how to eat, sleep, relax, and move your way to a longer, healthier life. These are the 4 areas of health that Dr. Chatterjee has found we have the most control over and that have the most impact on how we feel. Relaxation is potentially the most undervalued pillar of health, but it can make a big difference. One of Dr. Chatterjee’s patients was able to reduce her symptoms of Crohn’s disease by 50% just by adding in relaxation. Eating your food within a 12-hour window is a great way to improve your health. Research shows that following a compressed eating window can help with blood sugar control, weight loss, and immune system function.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:04] Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s career briefing [3:08] The inspiration behind Dr. Chatterjee’s new book, How to Make Disease Disappear [4:32] Dr. Chatterjee stars in the hit BBC One series, Doctor in the House. [7:45] The four pillars of health: eat, sleep, relax, and move. [9:59] What’s different about Dr. Chatterjee’s approach is that it’s very accessible. [11:31] Suggestions for improving the 4 pillars of health in your life [12:02] Scheduling in “me” time every day can make a big impact on your health. [15:06] Chronic stress can cause your body to hang on to excess weight. [16:38] Dr. Chatterjee’s 5-minute kitchen workouts make it easy to include movement in your routine. [20:35] Eating your food within a 12-hour window is a great way to help with blood sugar control, weight loss, and immune system function. [23:20] Beware of the “itchy mouth”! [25:35] Get Dr. Chatterjee’s simple tips on how to increase your energy in just 5 days. [26:53] If you’re over age 35 or under stress, you might not be digesting protein well. Metabolic Digestive Balance is a boost of enzymes to help you better digest your food and prevent the absorption of some carbs. [27:28] Listener’s question: I travel all the time. What are some tips to stay fit on the road?   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/disappear Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin on YouTube Fast Fitness Online Program 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Raphael Kellman is known around the world as the Microbiome Doctor, and for good reason! He joins JJ in today's podcast episode to explain why the bacteria in your gut are your greatest ally, and how maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora can help with everything from reducing inflammation and improving brain function to jumpstarting your metabolism and boosting weight loss. Listen to find out the microbiome superfoods you should be including in your diet and the worst foods that you should be avoiding at all costs, as well as the long-term effects of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors on your gut health. Plus, get plenty of tasty, gut-friendly recipes with Dr. Kellman’s free Microbiome Recipe Guide!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Raphael Kellman’s free Microbiome Recipe Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/drkellman   Main Points From Today’s Episode The bacteria on Earth are greater in mass than all the fish in the sea and the animals on the planet. The same power of bacteria that we see in nature is also within us. Your gut bacteria have a profound connection with your brain. They produce even more serotonin and dopamine than your brain does. Eating the right types of foods for your gut microbiome helps to boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and overcome insulin resistance. Microbiome superfoods include jicama, asparagus, other vegetables, as well as fermented foods and certain fruits.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:50] Dr. Kellman’s career briefing [3:13] How did Dr. Kellman become interested in the gut microbiome? [5:01] The powerful impact of bacteria on the Earth [6:45] The bacteria in your gut are your greatest ally when it comes to boosting your metabolism and losing weight. [8:17] How do you know if you need to work on your gut microbiome? [9:37] The connection between brain fog and your gut microbiome [14:26] How to take care of your friendly gut flora [15:32] Microbiome superfoods include jicama, asparagus, other vegetables, as well as fermented foods and certain fruits. [18:18] Processed foods wreak havoc on your gut microbiome. [19:17] Eating the right types of foods for your gut microbiome helps to boost your metabolism, reduce inflammation, and overcome insulin resistance. [20:24] A compound called butyrate that’s made by the bacteria in your gut while digesting prebiotic fiber has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. [21:05] The effects of antibiotics, and when you should and shouldn’t take them. [24:50] If the future, we may be using bacteria to overcome infectious diseases. [25:11] Proton pump inhibitors are worse for the gut microbiome than antibiotics. [27:20] Work with a functional medicine doctor to start the healing process. [30:10] If you want to lose weight even faster, here’s the two-word secret: Extra Fiber. [31:33] Listener’s question: Do I need probiotics? [32:01] The first step is to stop hurting your gut microbiome. [32:45] Diet, supplement, and lifestyle strategies to heal your gut.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drkellman http://kellmancenter.com/ The Whole Brain: The Microbiome Solution to Heal Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Fog without Prescription Drugs, by Dr. Raphael Kellman The Microbiome Diet: The Scientifically Proven Way to Restore Your Gut Health and Achieve Permanent Weight Loss, by Dr. Raphael Kellman Extra Fiber Dark Chocolate Coconut Fiber Bars Microbiome Balance Summer Bock’s website JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At the age of 30, Elle Russ began struggling with a host of uncomfortable symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and hair loss. After being misdiagnosed by multiple doctors, Elle decided to take her health into her own hands and heal her own thyroid condition. Listen as Elle shares what you need to know about thyroid testing and how reverse T3 issues can impact your health, plus the diet and lifestyle strategies that made the biggest difference for Elle, including a Primal/Paleo eating plan. Elle has compiled everything she's learned throughout her healing journey into a free, comprehensive Thyroid Resource Guide so you, too, can take personal responsibility for your health and feel better again!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Elle Russ’s free Thyroid Resource Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/paleothyroid   Main Points From Today’s Episode For years, Elle struggled with uncomfortable symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and hair loss. When she started working for Mark Sisson and adopted a Paleo/Primal paradigm, she discovered connections that hadn’t been made before. You should only be attempting keto if your metabolism is functioning properly. It’s crucial to have the proper baseline in order for ketosis to work. During her healing journey, Elle invested $15,000 and visited dozens of endocrinologists. She’s compiled everything she’s learned in a free Thyroid Resource Guide so you have the tools you need to take back your health.   Episode Play-By-Play [3:35] How did Elle Russ become a thyroid expert? [5:34] Elle’s personal struggle with uncomfortable symptoms, and not getting the help she needed from doctors. [6:05] What is reverse T3? [9:05] Your body is trying to protect you in any given moment, and your thyroid responds to the messages your body is sending. [10:45] Going too fast in life can affect your adrenals in a negative way. [11:45] Elle’s experience with a low-carb, keto diet, and how it affects your adrenals and thyroid. [16:21] You should only be attempting keto if your metabolism is functioning properly. [18:01] It’s important to consider the mechanism of action for each diet and if it’s appropriate for you based on your individual biochemistry and needs. [20:41] When you chronically cut calories and over-exercise, your metabolism suffers. [23:04] The hamster wheel of carbohydrate dependency [24:43] Elle’s free gift includes tools and resources to help you get your thyroid back on track.   [27:33] Hypothyroidism is a fixable situation! [28:21] It’s crucial to learn about your diagnosis and take personal responsibility for your health. [28:55] When you make a small change to something you do every day, the impact over time can be huge. That’s why JJ created the Plant-Based All-In-One Shake to start your day out right! [29:33] Listener’s question: What’s the best way to test your adrenals?   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/paleothyroid JJVirgin.com JJ’s All In One Plant Based Shake Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold Brave Resilience, JJ Virgin Miracle Mindset movie Adrenal testing Tapping ebook  7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geneen Roth is a bestselling author, international speaker, and one of JJ's long-time personal sheroes! She joins JJ today to talk about how to heal your relationship with food and live your life to the fullest. Listen as Geneen explains the steps you need to take to break free from emotional eating and achieve permanent weight loss, including why it's important to listen to your body and create personal boundaries for yourself. Don't wait until your life is "in order" to make a change – life is messy, and Geneen shares how that messiness can be used as a doorway to magnificence!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Geneen Roth’s free guide, The Breaths I Have Left, by going to JJVirgin.com/Geneen (plus a free Women, Weight, and Power class with the purchase of Geneen’s book, This Messy, Magnificent Life)   Main Points From Today’s Episode Don't wait until your life is "in order" to live fully. Messiness is a part of life, and it can be used as a doorway to the magnificence. It's important to understand how your weight is serving you on an emotional level. Knowing that helps you make the shift toward healthy eating patterns. The Red String Project is a powerful exercise that Geneen uses at her retreats. It helps women overcome shame that has been internalized and create their own personal boundaries.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:18] Geneen Roth’s career briefing [3:18] JJ first discovered Geneen’s work with the release of her book, When Food Is Love. [4:03] The premise of Geneen’s new book, This Messy Magnificent Life [6:31] Geneen’s method to helping you change your life starts with listening to your body. [7:50] What to do about the “crazy aunt in the attic” (the self-critical voice in your head) [10:56] Geneen’s open secret to permanent weight loss [11:40] It’s important to understand how your weight is serving you on an emotional level. [13:32] How do you shift from eating to feed your emotions to eating to fuel your body? [15:48] It’s helpful to ask yourself what you’re eating for. [16:44] Retreats with Geneen [17:28] The Red String Project: a powerful exercise in creating boundaries [20:04] Geneen’s free gift for the audience: how to live fully with no regrets [23:26] The true cause of weight gain is not calories, it’s food intolerance! Check out The Virgin Diet to discover the sneaky 7 foods that are holding your weight and your health hostage. [24:21] Listener’s question: I’m great during the day, but my evil twin comes out at night, and I want to eat everything in sight. What should I do?   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/Geneen The Virgin Diet JJVirgin.com JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin on Facebook JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for some wisdom bombs to drop in today's podcast episode! NYT bestselling author and naturopathic physician Dr. Alan Christianson joins JJ to talk all about how to lose weight with thyroid disease, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share. Listen as Dr. C explains how to tell if your thyroid could be to blame for a lack of weight loss and why not all thyroid medications are created equal, as well as the best foods to eat with a thyroid condition. Plus, you don't want to miss the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about thyroid health, including the amount of iodine you need and how your thyroid and adrenals are connected!    Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Alan Christianson’s free Thyroid Symptom Quiz by going to JJVirgin.com/drc   Main Points From Today’s Episode One of the main ways to tell if your thyroid could be responsible for a lack of weight loss is if your weight bounces up and down more than a pound a day. That can be a sign that something is off with how your body is regulating your metabolism. Not all thyroid medications are created equal. One study found that patients burned a difference of between 300-400 calories per day depending on which thyroid medication they were taking. Cholesterol tests were first used as thyroid tests. That’s because there’s a strong connection between your thyroid function and cholesterol levels.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:12] Dr. Alan Christianson’s career briefing [4:38] If you’re struggling with your weight, how do you know if your thyroid is to blame? [6:21] Not all thyroid medications are created equal. [7:23] Common signs that your thyroid medication isn’t working for you [8:28] Cholesterol tests were first used as thyroid tests. [10:05] How much iodine do you need? [12:22] Dietary recommendations with thyroid disease: vegan, Paleo, or in between? [16:09] Wet and dry carbs: the difference between the two.  [18:18] How are your thyroid and adrenals connected? [19:10] The role of adrenals in weight loss [22:56] The one thing that makes the biggest difference for Dr. C. [24:15] Take Dr. Christianson’s free quiz to find out your thyroid symptom score! [27:44] Scary, but true: sugar is hiding everywhere! Find out which sugars to choose and which to lose in the Sugar Impact Diet. [28:17] Listener’s question: How do you know if you have adrenal issues? [29:05] Adrenal testing and what your results mean   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/drc jjvirgin.com/books Adrenal testing: https://ua175.isrefer.com/go/MML/jjvirgin/ Adrenotone: jjvirgin.com/dfh (enter the discount code 20DFH2018 at checkout) JJVirgin.com JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin Facebook Official JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Ph.D candidate in the field of psychology and the adoptive father of three wonderful children, Ben Hardy learned from traumatic experiences early on in his life that the key to creating permanent change lies in your environment. He joins JJ today to explain why relying on willpower isn't the answer to reaching your goals and how to alter your surroundings to set yourself up for success. Listen as Ben shares the steps you need to take to invest in yourself and live your very best life!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Ben Hardy’s free journaling course by going to JJVirgin.com/willpower   Main Points From Today’s Episode Willpower is individualistic and a finite resource. If you rely on willpower to overcome an addiction, it's actually going to make the addiction worse. If you don’t create your environment, your environment creates and controls you. The most powerful choice you can make is to control your surroundings. Choose design over willpower! You need to remove the things in your environment that conflict with your commitment, and set yourself up for success.   Episode Play-By-Play [3:05] How Ben Hardy became interested in the concept of willpower [4:35] Ben's traumatic experiences and the humanitarian mission that changed his life [5:54] Ben’s role as a foster parent, and now adoptive parent, helped him to realize how important creating your environment is. [8:30] Willpower is individualistic and a finite resource. [9:01] The opposite of addiction is connection. [9:51] Your environment shapes you: the most powerful choice you can make is to create and control your surroundings. [11:05] How do you shift your environment? [12:48] The first step is being mindful and realizing that you can create the context you’re in. [15:27] It’s important to become clear on the “why” of your decision. [15:40] When you start investing in your goals, you become more committed. [17:55] You have to remove everything in your environment that conflicts with your commitment. [19:02] Research shows that obesity and weight loss are contagious. [20:13] Design over willpower: how to set yourself up for success [22:53] Ben’s journaling course teaches you how to use your journal to shape your subconscious patterns and achieve your goals. [27:26] Learn how to transform your life and be part of a supportive community by heading to jjvirgin.com [27:40] Listener’s question: I can give up gluten and dairy, but I can’t seem to quit sugar. What should I do? [28:38] Start by checking your environment and getting the enemy out of the house.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/willpower JJVirgin.com https://jjvirgin.com/bciqs JJ Virgin Sleep Candy JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin Facebook Official page JJ Virgin on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices