Well Beyond 40

Holistic health hacker TJ Anderson joins JJ in today's episode to reveal his top secrets to elevate your health and build habits that matter. Listen as TJ shares his personal story of taking responsibility for his physical and emotional health, plus the 3 simple things he does every day that make the biggest difference in his life. Find out how to take action to upgrade your habits and create the change you desire, including the five "P's" of health hacking and how they can help you take your health into your own hands for good!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get TJ Anderson’s free Health-Hacker Habit-Stacker Worksheet and the first chapter of The Art of Health Hacking by going to JJVirgin.com/healthhacker   Main Points From Today’s Episode The world needs different messages about health and fitness. T.J.’s personal journey inspired him to empower others to take back their health. TJ shares the 5 “P’s” of health hacking: performance, prevention, progress, preparation, and presence. Find out how to implement the 5 “P’s” to take your health into your own hands. If you optimize your habits, you’ll optimize your health. TJ explains how to take action in small, doable steps with habit stacking.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:11] TJ Anderson’s career briefing. [2:35] TJ’s personal story of healing. [6:40] How did TJ become interested in health hacking? [8:00] What holistic health means to TJ. [12:02] The ketogenic diet can be powerful medicine in the right circumstances. [12:41] The Art of Health Hacking: a self-coaching guide for the modern day health-conscious consumer. [14:49] The five “P’s” of health hacking: performance, prevention, progress, preparation, and presence. [17:26] What is habit stacking? [18:51] TJ’s top 3 habits that make the biggest difference: getting sunlight first thing in the morning, walking outside and staying hydrated. [22:30] Get TJ’s Health-Hacker Habit-Stacker worksheet and the first chapter of his book for free. [25:46] Find out which sugars to choose and which to lose in JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet. [26:35] Listener’s question: I’m ready to lose weight and take back my health. Where do I start?   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/healthhacker JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet The Art of Health Hacking: A Personal Guide to Elevate Your State of Health and Performance, Stress Less, and Build Healthy Habits that Matter, by TJ Anderson JJ Virgin 7-Day Challenge JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Max Lugavere's mother began displaying symptoms of memory loss at a young age, he decided to learn everything he possibly could about how to optimize brain function. In today’s podcast episode, Max shares his invaluable insights into the power of nutrition in improving brain power, including the genius foods you should be adding to your menu and the foods you should be avoiding at all costs. Don’t miss Max’s research-backed tips to help you boost your brain health and reduce your risk of disease, one bite at a time!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Max Lugavere’s free Genius Guide to Hacking Restaurants and Supermarkets by going to www.jjvirgin.com\maxl   Main Points From Today’s Episode 1. Most of the time, dementia begins in the brain decades before the first symptom of memory loss. That can be 30 to 40 years earlier, and by some accounts, even earlier than that. 2. The consumption of dark leafy greens has been linked to reduced brain aging by up to eleven years. Max recommends eating a large, fatty salad every day with a base of dark leafy greens. 3. Avocados are the ultimate genius food. They’re packed with multiple forms of vitamin E, carotenoids, potassium, and healthy fats, all of which benefit brain health.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:45] Max Lugavere’s career briefing. [2:55] How did Max become interested in nutrition for optimal brain function? [4:20] Max’s mother began to display symptoms of memory loss at a very young age. [6:17] After going from hospital to hospital, Max’s mother was given a diagnosis. [10:42] Genius foods: the best choices for boosting brain function and reducing the risk of disease. [12:20] Avocados are the ultimate genius food. [13:18] The consumption of dark leafy greens has been linked to reduced brain aging by up to eleven years. [14:09] Why iceberg is the “junk food” of lettuce. [15:12] Grass-fed beef and other healthy animal protein sources contribute to brain growth. [17:02] Fatty fish like wild salmon contain the healthy fat DHA, which is one of the most critical brain building blocks. [18:42] Egg yolks contain all the ingredients required to grow a healthy brain. [19:56] Which foods should be avoided? [20:07] How sugar can wreak havoc on your brain health. [23:01] The dangers of polyunsaturated grain and seed oils. [25:30] Dietary emulsifiers that are added to processed foods can be highly disruptive to the bacteria in your gut. [29:51] Can dementia be prevented? [31:43] Get the free Genius Guide to Hacking Restaurants and Supermarkets. [33:08] Fact: the true cause of weight gain is food intolerance. Discover the 7 foods most likely to cause food intolerance by visiting jjvirgin.com/books. [34:06] Listener’s question: I live in the country and it’s not easy to get fresh fruit and vegetables. Should I choose canned, jarred, dried, or frozen?   Mentioned in this episode: Genius Food www.jjvirgin.com\maxl The Virgin Diet book jjvirgin.com/books JJ Virgin Paleo Inspired Protein Shake JJ Virgin Challenge JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Allison Schaaf has a unique skill set as a personal chef, culinary nutritionist, and registered dietitian. She's also the founder of PrepDish.com, a gluten-free and Paleo meal planning-service. In today's episode, Allison joins JJ to talk about how to make tasty, nutritious meals for your family that are fast and easy. Listen as Allison shares her favorite go-to meals and top tips to make meal prepping easier, plus how to help your kids develop healthy eating habits and try new foods. Allison takes the stress out of meal planning and gives you the tools you need to bring back family dinners!     Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Allison Schaaf’s free meal plan by going to JJVirgin.com/prepdish   Main Points From Today’s Episode Allison has a unique skill set as a personal chef, culinary nutritionist, and registered dietitian. She has a wealth of knowledge on how to create tasty, healthy meals. Spending 1-2 hours prepping your meals in advance saves you time during the week. Knowing what you’re going to be eating and having your ingredients ready is a big help when it comes time to making dinner. You can’t put a price tag on being able to sit down and enjoy meals as a family! Allison give you the tools you need to bring back family dinners.   Episode Play-By-Play: [:37] Allison Schaaf’s career briefing. [2:38] Allison’s unique skill set as a personal chef, culinary nutritionist, and registered dietitian. [6:02] The system that Allison uses to make healthy cooking fast and easy. [7:30] Spending 1-2 hours prepping your meals in advance saves you time during the week. [9:10] You can’t put a price tag on being able to sit down and enjoy dinner as a family. [10:33] Involving your family in the kitchen and eating together helps your kids develop healthy eating habits. [11:13] You don’t need fancy kitchen equipment to prep your meals. [12:26] Allison’s favorite meals vary by season. [15:30] Spices to add to your meals. [16:51] Allison’s advice on which oils to use. [19:02] Pre-chopped vegetables make meal prepping easier. [21:12] Getting quality sleep makes a big difference for Allison. [22:19] Your breakfast sets the pace for your entire day. Start your day out right with JJ’s All-In-One Shakes! [23:04] Listener’s question: I want to eat healthy, but it seems too expensive. What can I do? [24:55] You’ll actually save money by unprocessing your diet.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/prepdish Prepdish JJ Virgin Shakes JJ Virgin 7-Day Challenge JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holistic health practitioner Sarah Anne Stewart joins JJ to talk about the power of mindfulness and meditation in helping to achieve permanent weight loss. Listen as Sarah shares her inspiring story of how she used meditation to overcome her struggle with an eating disorder and yo-yo dieting, plus find out why your emotions could be blocking you from losing weight and how meditation can help. Learn everything you need to know to get started with meditation so you can break your subconscious patterns, improve your relationship with food, and lose stubborn weight for good!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Sarah Anne Stewart’s Holistically Slim Empower Pack by going to JJVirgin.com/slim   Main Points From Today’s Episode Meditation and mindfulness can rewire your brain and help you break subconscious patterns around food. Research shows that meditation is a powerful tool for helping you improve your relationship with food. Emotional issues can impact weight loss. Your emotions could be blocking you from losing weight. The easiest way to start meditating is by regulating your breath. Focusing on breathing can also increase your energy levels, making you more motivated to work out.   Episode Play-By-Play [:44] Sarah Anne Stewart’s career briefing and personal story. [2:48] How did Sarah Anne become interested in health and nutrition? [5:20] Meditation and mindfulness can rewire your brain and help you break subconscious patterns around food. [6:11] Meditation is a powerful weight loss hack. [7:58] The rates of obesity in the United States have increased dramatically. [8:42] Despite being more informed, Americans continue to gain weight. [9:23] Dieting can cause stress and anxiety. [10:45] There’s lots of research showing that meditation helps with weight loss. [12.17] Emotional issues impact weight loss.  [15:15] What is a good way to get started with meditation? [16:27] Regulating your breath is the first step. [16:55] Get Sarah Anne’s free 21-day program to start shifting your mindset around food. [17:20] Tracking your emotions while you eat can help you recognize patterns. [18:08] Looking at your subconscious patterns around food can help you overcome them. [20:05] Sarah Anne keeps track of the mindful actions that help her on a daily basis. [22:45] If you’re struggling with gas and bloating, food intolerances, or any other digestive unrest, check out JJ’s Leaky Gut Support formula! [23:29] Listener’s question: I have terrible cravings every afternoon, and I always give in to them. What can I do? [25:30] Helpful strategies to use as a pattern interrupt.     Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/slim JJ Virgin leaky gut support formula JJ Virgin Challenge Group JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Ziva meditation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Norm Robillard, microbiologist and founder of Digestive Health Institute, joins JJ in this fascinating episode to talk about the surprising underlying cause of digestive issues like acid reflux and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Listen as Dr. Robillard explains the connection between issues absorbing carbohydrates and the bacteria in your gut, signs of SIBO and methods of testing, and how to tell if carbohydrate malabsorption is a problem for you. Don’t miss Dr. Robillard’s recommendations on fiber intake, plus find out which foods are most likely to trigger uncomfortable digestive symptoms and how you can optimize your diet to feel better fast!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get a free sample of Norm Robillard’s Fast Tract Diet by going to JJVirgin.com/norm   Main Points From Today’s Episode Dr. Robillard became interested in digestive health after discovering that a low-carb diet helped relieve his acid reflux symptoms. That led to the connection between carbohydrate malabsorption and gut bacteria. Carbohydrate malabsorption leads to an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria, resulting in increased pressure that drives acid reflux. Dr. Robillard talks about how to know if carbohydrate malabsorption is a problem for you and which foods are most likely to trigger digestive symptoms. Dr. Robillard explains how diet and lifestyle changes can make a positive impact on your gut health. Simple shifts like chewing your food slowly can make a big difference.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:03] Dr. Norm Robillard’s career briefing [2:32] How did Dr. Robillard become interested in acid reflux? [4:54] Carbohydrate malabsorption leads to an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria, resulting in increased pressure that drives acid reflux. [7:42] What is SIBO? [10:06] Symptoms of SIBO [12:43] How can you tell if carbohydrate malabsorption is an issue for you? [13:58] The ins and outs of breath testing. [16:45] Dr. Robillard’s Fast Tract Diet [18:33] Dr. Robillard’s recommendations on fiber [22:34] How to know if you should limit your fiber intake [27:05] Simple shifts like chewing your food slowly can make a big difference. [29:05] Food intolerance can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, bloating, and lack of energy. Discover the 7 foods most likely to cause food intolerance in The Virgin Diet. [29:42] Listener’s question: I’m chronically constipated. What can I do? [31:50] Increase the amount of fiber in your diet gradually. [32:45] Taking vitamin C and magnesium before bed can help with constipation.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/norm Lose 7 pounds in 7 days JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cynthia Pasquella-Garcia, nutritionist and founder of the Institute of Transformational Nutrition, joins JJ in today's episode to help you discover what you're truly hungry for. Listen as Cynthia explains why it's key to discover your purpose and reconnect with yourself, plus find out how Cynthia's five-step process can help you create your personalized action plan. Cynthia's novel approach combines the science, psychology, and spirituality of nutrition to help you not only heal your body, but also your heart. Get started on your transformation today!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Cynthia Pasquella-Garcia’s free two-week Discover Transformational Nutrition course by going to www.jjvirgin.com\itn   Main Points From Today’s Episode The biggest challenge when it comes to getting healthy is not taking an active role in your health care. It’s key to take personal responsibility for your health. For true health and transformation, you need to combine the science, psychology, and spirituality of nutrition. All three components make a big impact. Trusting yourself and listening to your body is key. No one knows your body better than you!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:44] Cynthia Pasquella-Garcia’s career briefing. [3:18] What is the number one challenge for people when it comes to getting healthy? [5:42] It’s important to listen to your body and understand what works for you. [6:46] The Institute of Transformational Nutrition teaches people how to reconnect with themselves. [7:00] For true health and transformation, you need to combine the science, psychology, and spirituality of nutrition. [8:07] How quickly can you start to make a shift in your health when you bring in all 3 components? [8:35] Awareness is the first step toward change. [11:27] Knowing your purpose determines your success. [13:07] The connection between the mind, the body and healing, [14:05] Cynthia’s five-step process helps you create a personalized action plan. [14:55] What is Transformational Nutrition? [16:21] The hunger for connection. [17:33] Trusting yourself is key. [19:38] Get started with Cynthia’s free two-week Discover Transformational Nutrition course. [26:37] Want to lose weight even faster? Here’s the secret: JJ Virgin’s Extra Fiber. [27:56] Listener’s question: I have stopped and started The Virgin Diet 5 times. How do I get myself to see this through? [28:48] It’s critical to figure out your “big why.”   Mentioned in this episode: Institute of Transformational Nutrition. www.jjvirgin.com\itn JJ Extra Fiber JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ welcomes Cavin Balaster to the podcast to share his amazing story of recovery after suffering a severe traumatic brain injury. Given less than a 10 percent chance of survival, Cavin explains how he used nutritional therapy and alternative medicine to defy the odds and heal his brain and body. Brain injury can occur in many different ways, and you never know when it might happen to you or a loved one. Listen as Cavin offers his top tips on how to repair your brain from injury, plus helpful strategies to optimize your brainpower every day!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get access to Cavin Balaster’s Feed a Brain interview series by going to JJVirgin.com/feedabrain   Main Points From Today’s Episode After suffering a severe traumatic brain injury, Cavin was given less than a 10 percent chance of survival. He spent 12 days in a coma and months in the hospital. Optimal nutrition and alternative medicine played a major role in Cavin’s recovery. Removing toxins and introducing the right nutrients into Cavin’s diet helped him heal his brain and body. You don’t have to hit your head in order to sustain a brain injury. Your brain can get hurt in many other ways, and it’s crucial to take steps to protect your brain health.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:25] Cavin Balaster’s personal experience with a severe traumatic brain injury. [4:40] Hospitalizations and care during Cavin’s recovery. [5:23] Waking up after spending 12 days in a coma. [6:49] Common ingredients in hospital feeding tubes. [8:05] Clarity for Cavin came after a functional neurologist discovered he wasn’t absorbing the nutrients he was eating and placed him on a leaky gut protocol. [10:52] Emergency care is critical in the acute phase, but there are many “alternative medicine” strategies that can make a big impact in the long run. [14:30] You don’t even need to hit your head to sustain a brain injury. [15:25] The steps that Cavin took to heal his brain and body. [16:29] Chemicals that can affect your health. [17:30] How removing toxins and introducing the right nutrients into Cavin’s diet made a big difference in his recovery. [19:38] Cavin takes time to meditate and show appreciation every day.  [21:57] The Feed a Brain interview series. [25:45] Discover the number one resource for fast and lasting fat loss by visiting jjvirgin.com [26:22] Listener’s question: I know you’re a big fan of fish oil. Can I get the same benefits from the omega-3s in flax, hemp, and chia seeds? [27:14] Plant-based omega-3s vs. omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/feedabrain How to feed a brain, by Cavin Balaster Join JJ Virgin’s community. Omega 3 Index test JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling author and functional medicine pioneer Dr. Mark Hyman joins JJ in today’s episode to clear up the confusion about healthy eating once and for all! Find out the real truth behind what the food industry is telling you about nutrition, plus how to know which foods truly nurture your body and which can do real harm. Listen as Dr. Hyman breaks down the latest research to give you clear advice on foods like dairy, meat, fruits, and veggies so you can optimize your diet and take back your health!   Key takeaways: [1:08] Dr. Mark Hyman’s career briefing. [2:45] Why is everyone so confused about what to eat? [3:46] Manipulation of data by the food industry contributes to the confusion around food. [7:14] The similarities between a Paleo and vegan diet, plus what it means to be “Pegan.” [9:31] It’s key to unprocess your diet. [9:55] Dr. Hyman’s new book, Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? reveals which foods protect your health and which foods can do real harm. [11:19] If a food is packaged or processed by the food industry, it’s probably bad for you. [12:05] Dr. Hyman’s story about the influence of the Dairy Council. [15:34] There are a number of issues with the studies that claim meat causes heart disease and cancer. [17:40] What kind of meat should you be eating? [19:11] Be sure to eat plenty of non-starchy veggies. [20:10] We’re in the era of personalized medicine, and bio-individuality matters. [23:27] Get Dr. Hyman’s free toxicity quiz to connect the dots between what you’re eating and how you feel. [24:30] Food is the most powerful medicine! [28:11] Start by changing your diet. [30:04] Starting your day off with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for your day. The perfect way to do this is with JJ’s All-In-One Paleo-Inspired Protein Shake! [30:55] Listener’s question: How do I know the amount of carbs, protein, and fat I should be eating? [31:23] It’s crucial to become your own personal health detective!   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/food JJ Paleo Shake The JJ Virgin Biome Test The Pathway Fit JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Robyn O'Brien's daughter had a severe allergic reaction to eggs, Robyn set out to learn everything she could to keep her daughter safe. But when she discovered the alarming rates of food allergies and intolerances, she knew she had to dig deeper to figure out the cause. Listen as Robyn shares how she used her skills as a financial and food industry analyst to reveal the shocking secrets about America’s food supply, plus the truth behind GMOs and their connection to health issues. Don’t miss Robyn’s inspiring story, plus the steps you need to take to protect your family from hidden toxins in food! Key takeaways: [:48] Robyn O’Brien’s career briefing [2:50] Robyn’s background in business and finance. [6:08] How Robyn’s life changed after her daughter’s severe allergic reaction to eggs. [9:04] The rates of food allergies and intolerances have dramatically increased. [10:30] The relationship between chronic inflammation and food allergies. [12:07] When Robyn reached out to a group based in Washington D.C. to try to build awareness, she was met with push-back. [12:38] Robyn discovered that Monsanto and Kraft were involved with a non-profit food allergy awareness organization. [14:04] Do genetically engineered foods cause food allergies? [15:01] When Robyn dove deeper into research, she learned that GMOs had been in America’s food supply for 10 years and consumers hadn’t been informed of their existence. [16:32] When GMOs aren’t labeled, there’s no traceability, liability, or accountability. [18:29] There’s a similarity between the tobacco science that the industry funded and the science behind Monsanto’s Roundup Ready crops. [21:49] How Robyn revealed the truth behind the food industry to the world. [28:45] Robyn realized self-care was essential in order to be able to continue her mission. [33:10] Food security is about nutrition. [34:20] Be open to change -- little things like seeing how you feel when you drop dairy or gluten can make a big difference. [38:56] Your breakfast sets the pace for your entire day! Start your day right with JJ’s All-In-One Protein Shake. [39:50] Listener’s question: I want to eat organic, but I’m on a food budget. What should I do? [40:16] Tricks for eating healthy when on a budget Mentioned in this episode: The Unhealthy Truth Robyn O’Brien Podcast JJVirgin.com/theunhealthytruth JJ’s Breakfast Shake. The Environmental Working Group Butcher Box JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ welcomes the amazing Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo to deep dive into insulin resistance and blood sugar balance. Find out what insulin resistance is and how to tell if you have it, plus why it's crucial to take action early to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and protect your health. If you’re struggling with blood sugar issues and stubborn belly fat, you don’t want to miss Dr. Ritamarie’s top diet and lifestyle tips to reverse insulin resistance and feel better fast!    Key takeaways: [1:25] Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo’s career briefing. [2:50] Issues with blood sugar are the underlying cause of so many health issues. [3:49] Dr. Ritamarie’s personal experience with high blood sugar [6:13] Early detection is key.    [7:13] What is insulin resistance? [9:40] Early signs and symptoms of insulin resistance [10:47] How is belly fat connected to insulin resistance? [12:19] It’s not just the food! Exercise, stress management, and good sleep habits are critical. [14:04] Grazing keeps your insulin levels elevated. [17:40] What role does genetics play in insulin resistance? [21:01] It is possible to reverse insulin resistance! [22:30] The right type of exercise can make a huge impact. [24:33] The one thing that makes a big difference for Dr. Ritamarie. [25:49] Take Dr. Ritamarie’s free quiz to find out your risk of insulin resistance and what to do about it. [27:19] Get better quality of sleep while also calming your brain with JJ’s Sleep Candy. [27:58] Listener’s question: What’s a sweet snack I can have before bed? [28:51] It’s not just what you eat, it’s also when you eat.   Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo JJVirgin.com/ir JJ Virgin Sleep Candy Challenge Yourself for Free JJ Virgin at Facebook JJ Virgin at Instagram jjvirgin.com/challenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices