Well Beyond 40

Why do so many people struggle with weight gain and obesity? Here’s one reason: A biological switch in our bodies designed to protect us from starvation can become stuck in the “on” position. This is a hidden source of weight gain, heart disease, insulin resistance, and other health challenges. But it’s not a life sentence; this switch can be turned off. In this episode, JJ talks with one of her heroes, Dr. Richard Johnson. He’s a practicing physician and an internationally recognized medical scientist researching obesity and diabetes, with a special interest in the role of sugar, especially fructose. Dr. Johnson explains why fructose is so different from other sugars and why it can be so problematic. You’ll learn why fructose can encourage fat storage, how this switch is being activated when we’re not in survival situations, the types of foods that can activate the switch and the behaviors that can turn things around. They also discuss leaky gut and its relation to food allergies, the role of fructose in damaging gut health, and how this sugar may be associated with dementia. This conversation gives you specific things you can do to help prevent this survival switch from causing weight gain and other health challenges in the long run.  Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/impactoffructose Listen to JJ’s previous podcast episode with Dr. Richard Johnson: What Causes Obesity?: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/what-causes-obesity-with-dr-richard-johnson-ep-490/ Read JJ’s book The Sugar Impact Diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book Read Dr. Johnson’s book, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat: The Surprising Science Behind Why We Gain Weight And How We Can Prevent—And Reverse—It: https://amzn.to/3QExPps Read Dr. Johnson's book, The Sugar Fix: The High Fructose Fallout Is Making You Fat: https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Fix-High-Fructose-Fallout-Making/dp/143910168X Read Dr. Johnson’s book, The Fat Switch: https://amzn.to/3H0XEgb Learn more about Dr. Richard Johnson: https://drrichardjohnson.com/ I use Extra Fiber to keep my gut, and thyroid, happy: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/extra-fiber Find out how much protein you need daily by using my protein calculator: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst Learn how to build the perfect plate:  https://jjvirgin.com/eat-by-the-plate/ Read the Study: Cerebral Fructose Metabolism as a Potential Mechanism Driving Alzheimer's Disease: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33024433/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Wherever you stand on the keto diet, this is a conversation worth hearing. In this episode, JJ talks with Dr. Steven Gundry, a cardiothoracic surgeon who became a nutrition geek, about his book, Unlocking the Keto Code: The Revolutionary Science of Keto That Offers More Benefits Without Deprivation. First, Dr. Gundry talks about how he became interested in nutrition and lifestyle for heart health. Then, they delve into the common misuses of the keto diet and how it can be upgraded for optimal results. Ketones are NOT a miraculous fuel for the brain, as many people believe. After explaining why the body can’t run on ketones and fats alone, Dr. Gundry explains the concept of uncoupling and what it means for your health. You don’t have to restrict carbs to reap the benefits of ketosis. In fact, he explains how you can use other methods, as well as plant compounds called polyphenols to “unlock” the process of uncoupling for losing weight and better health. This fascinating conversation also touches on heart health: the truth about cholesterol and why it might not actually be the sole cause of plaque and heart disease. Sign up for Dr. Gundry’s Free Newsletter to receive regular tips to improve your health, happiness, and longevity by making simple changes to your diet. https://drgundry.com/ Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/DrGundry Learn more about Dr. Steven Gundry:  https://drgundry.com/ Read Dr. Steven Gundry’s book Unlocking the Keto Code: The Revolutionary Science of Keto That Offers More Benefits Without Deprivation: https://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Keto-Code-Revolutionary-Deprivation/dp/0063118386 Read my blog Yes or No to Keto? How to Tell If a Keto Diet Is Right for You: https://jjvirgin.com/quick-question-ketogenic-diets/ Read Dr. Steven Gundry’s book The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in “Healthy” Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain:  https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Paradox-Dangers-Healthy-Disease/dp/006242713X Read Martin Brand’s paper Uncoupling to survive? The role of mitochondrial inefficiency in aging: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556500001352?via%3Dihub I recommend Dr. Dispenza’s meditations:  https://drjoedispenza.com/collections/healing-collection-for-healthcare-professionals[…]e=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6914154.37386a Dr. Gundry’s telehealth program Gundry Health: https://gundryhealth.com/telehealth-platform/ Study: Virgin Olive Oil and Health: Summary of the III International Conference on Virgin Olive Oil: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770785/#:~:text=The%20PREDIMED%20trial%2C%20an%20intervention%20with%20a%20MedDiet,follow%20a%20low-fat%20diet%20%5B%2011%2C%2012%20%5D. I love to cold plunge, use code JJVIP500 for $500 off: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ I use Sunlighten Saunas, use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off: https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a Try Stephen Gundry olive oil:  https://gundrymd.com/food/olive-oil/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of feeling defeated by the numbers on the scale? You can take control of your health and weight in your 40s and beyond, and in this episode, JJ explains how body composition is key. How do you measure it exactly, and what are the best (and worst) tools for the job? You’ll learn the metrics that matter, because when you have the right information, you can take the right action. And, when you address what your body needs, you’ll naturally—and effortlessly—start to lose fat. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/bodycomposition I recommend using a bioimpendance scale at home: Tanita’s Body Composition Scale: https://amzn.to/3PqZcBf Learn more about a DEXA scan, which I recommend one to two times per year: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/10683-dexa-dxa-scan-bone-density-test How to measure your waist-to-hip measurement plus a chart: https://www.healthline.com/health/waist-to-hip-ratio Evaluating your waist-to-height ratio is another important measurement: https://www.mdapp.co/waist-to-height-ratio-whtr-calculator-433/ Using BMI to help you evaluate your goal weight: http://jjvirgin.com/docs/ft/Setting_Your_Weight_Loss_Goals.pdf I recommend Tanita’s Segmental Body Composition Scale: https://amzn.to/3uNCewe The ideal body fat percentage from the American Council on Exercise:  https://woman.thenest.com/american-council-exercise-body-fat-percentage-16636.html JJ’s podcast episode What’s a Loaded Smoothie and How to Make One:  https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/whats-a-loaded-smoothie-how-to-make-one-ep-410/ Try my All-One-One Protein Shakes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes Try my Collagen Peptides Powder to add to your protein smoothies: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exercise and burning belly fat get harder as women age. Plus, a lot of outdated myths exist, so you might be doing things wrong. Debra Atkinson has helped 250,000+ women flip their second half of life with vitality and energy. She's the best-selling author of You Still Got It, Girl! The After 50 Fitness Formula for Women and Navigating Fitness After 50. In this episode, JJ and Debra reveal the best exercises for women over 50, with tips and truths you need to know. Debra gives her number one thing women of this age need to work on, and why. The truth is, yoga and Pilates are good, but they’re NOT enough. She discusses what building muscle does for women metabolically and why the old way of determining flexibility isn’t enough. Then, they talk about core exercise: why it’s important and myths surrounding this important type of exercise. Doing it right will help you lose belly fat and be stronger. Visceral fat is a killer, so you want to learn how to address this. You won’t want to miss the five specific exercises that women over 50 should do and how to do them from Debra. They are super short and doable, leaving you with more energy. If you’re not strengthening your body the right way, your health and your metabolism will suffer, so this is a conversion every woman over 50 needs to hear. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/flip Get Debra’s 5-Day Flip (5 short workouts over 5 days): https://www.flippingfifty.com/5dayflip Watch Debra’s TED Talk: What Women in Menopause Learned About Exercise May Be A Lie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5IzLZ1mP94 Listen to The Peter Attia Drive Podcast: https://peterattiamd.com/podcast/ Read my Top 10 Ground Rules To Be The Best Fat Burner: https://jjvirgin.com/top-10-ground-rules-fast-lasting-weight-loss/ Read more from Mark Sisson about High-Intensity Repeat Training: https://www.marksdailyapple.com/hiit-vs-hirt/ Listen to my podcast with info about a DEXA body scan: The Best Way to Measure Body Fat: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/the-best-way-to-measure-body-fat-ep-509/ Learn more about Debra Atkinson:  https://www.flippingfifty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Going through menopause can be challenging. So many changes are happening in your body, including hormone shifts and weight gain. In this episode, JJ talks about stress and weight gain during and after menopause, along with effective ways to manage them. She also discusses how to do an elimination diet as a vegetarian. Lastly, she provides strategies to lose belly fat, find your healthy weight, and manage the stress levels that can lead to weight gain. Whether your goals include managing menopause, weight loss, lowering stress, or feeling better, you don’t want to miss this fun, actionable-packed episode. Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/3questions Support healthy digestion, weight management, blood sugar control and more with my DefendZyme supplement: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/defendzyme Learn how to use a body fat scale in this podcast episode: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/how-do-you-assess-body-composition-ep-480/ Listen to my podcast episode about Trauma Responses with Dr. Aimie Apigian: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/trauma-responses-with-aimie-apigian-ep-466/ Read my blog for 10 Ways to Lower Stress & Lose Weight: https://jjvirgin.com/10-ways-to-lower-stress-lose-weight/ Learn more about Dr. Joe Dispenza’s meditations: https://drjoedispenza.com/ For supporting your body’s ability to fall asleep faster and stay asleep, I use Sleep Candy: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/sleep-candy   I use Magnesium Body Calm to help with sleep:  https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/magnesium-body-calm Listen to my podcast episode about Bioidentical Replacement Therapy During Menopause: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-during-menopause-yes-or-no-397/ Watch my YouTube video about The Best Way to Measure Body Fat, including using a DEXA body scan:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9g_05bd0uA Read my blog on How to Use a Continuous Glucose Monitor: https://jjvirgin.com/how-to-use-a-continuous-glucose-monitor/ Try my plant-based All-In-One Shakes to help you get enough protein as a vegetarian: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes The Virgin Diet teaches you how to test your own food intolerances:  https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/the-virgin-diet-paperback The Virgin Diet Cookbook has vegan and vegetarian recipes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/the-virgin-diet-cookbook Find more vegetarian and vegan recipes on my website: https://jjvirgin.com/recipes/ Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to make a loaded protein smoothie:   https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/whats-a-loaded-smoothie-how-to-make-one-ep-410/ Try my Collagen Peptides Powder as another way to add more protein to your diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Listen to this podcast episode How Tapping Can Relieve Stress and Anxiety: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/how-tapping-can-relieve-stress-and-anxiety-nick-ortner-393/   I use Sparkling C Powder for lowering cortisol and stress: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/sparkling-c-fizz Read my blog to learn how to eat by the plate for a balanced meal: https://jjvirgin.com/eat-by-the-plate/ I recommend the Nutrisense continuous glucose monitor: https://www.nutrisense.io/?code=JJ25&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=jj.virgin Learn more about cold water therapy in my Facebook video:    https://www.facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial/videos/1162287960917877/ Listen to my podcast with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz: Redefining Menopause: Why We Need a New Narrative:  https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/redefining-menopause-why-we-need-a-new-narrative-with-dr-suzanne-gilberg-lenz-ep-529/ I like to use Sunlighten Sauna, use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off: https://get.sunlighten.com/j748h5w7er2a Listen to my podcast with Dr, Amie Hornaman: Uncovering the Facts of Hyperthyroidism: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/uncovering-the-facts-of-hypothyroidism-with-dr-amie-hornaman-ep-551/ Listen to my podcast with Dr. Alan Christianson: How to Lose Weight with Thyroid Disease: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/thyroid-disease-dr-christianson-219/ I like the Kooru cold plunges, use code JJVIP500 for $500 off: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body keeps score. And if you don’t learn ways to release trauma from your body – whether it’s from death or the loss of anything else – this can lead to chronic stress, decreased immune function, difficulty in regulating metabolism, weight gain, and even contribute to cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health problems. But, we’re not taught to navigate grief in our culture. How do we properly heal, balance, and reset our nervous systems? In this episode, JJ talks with Dr. Sherry Walling, a clinical psychologist, speaker, podcaster, author, and mental health advocate. Dr. Walling was catapulted into the world of grief and darkness after she lost her dad to cancer and her brother to alcohol addiction and depression. She needed to find a way to honor the grief and loss, while also staying in the fullness and beauty of life. In our culture, we’re taught to numb out or to get back up and go on with our lives. But we need to learn to grieve better because time doesn’t heal all wounds. “If we don't actively grieve, we're going to passively grieve,” says Dr. Walling. “And that creates a lot of complication for us in our body's systems.” Dr. Walling starts with the simplest place to start navigating grief. Then, she moves into deeper ways to move through our grief actively. When you do address your grief, it can lead to amazing shifts in your physical, mental, and emotional health – and we’re all navigating some type (or types) of grief in our lives. Don’t miss this empowering, uplifting conversation that we all need to hear! Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/sherry Read Dr. Walling's book Touching Two Words: A Guide for Finding Hope in the Landscape of Loss: https://www.amazon.com/Touching-Two-Worlds-Finding-Landscape-ebook/dp/B09JRSQC12 Read Dr. Gabor Mate’s book, When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection:  https://www.amazon.com/When-Body-Says-Understanding-Stress-Disease/dp/0470923350 Listen to my podcast: When Stored Trauma Is Driving Our Health & Our Life with Aime Apigian: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/trauma-responses-with-aimie-apigian-ep-466/ Learn more about Dr. Sherry Walling: https://www.sherrywalling.com/ Learn more about Dr. Joe Dispenza’s programs:  https://drjoedispenza.com/ Listen to Dr. Sherry’s playlist to soothe and encourage you in the darkest moments of grief. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0D54J2QG6HRw4UooIv7XxJ?si=a92a802155694506 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting enough protein is essential to good health. But how do you know how much you need daily? And what do high-protein meals actually look like? In this episode, JJ answers these questions. She talks about why collagen is important and how to use it, along with how these peptides support muscle maintenance. She also provides her top tips and tools for losing belly fat. Whether you’re curious about how to get more protein or collagen into your diet, you’ll want to tune into this short, informative episode! Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/optimizeprotein Try this Body Weight Calculator:  https://healthyeater.com/ideal-body-weight-calculator Read My Blog: How Much Protein Should You Eat In A Day?:  https://jjvirgin.com/how-much-protein/ Listen To My Podcast: What’s A Loaded Smoothie, And How To Make One: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/whats-a-loaded-smoothie-how-to-make-one-ep-410/ Get The Nutrition You Need With My Protein Shakes: Paleo-Inspired And Plant-Based: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes Try My Collagen Peptides Powder: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Learn How To Use A Continuous Glucose Monitor: https://jjvirgin.com/how-to-use-a-continuous-glucose-monitor/ Learn How To Use A Body Fat Scale:  https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/i-use-a-body-fat-scale-every-day-but-what-the-heck-do-all-the-different-numbers-mean-ep-317/ Listen To My Podcast Why You Want Brown Fat & How To Get It: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/why-you-want-brown-fat-how-to-get-it-ep-433/ Learn More About Dr. Joe Dispenza’s Programs: https://drjoedispenza.com/ Read The Virgin Diet:  https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/the-virgin-diet-paperback Outsmart Sneaky Sugars With My Book Sugar Impact Diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book Read My Blog To Learn How To Eat By The Plate For A Balanced Meal: https://jjvirgin.com/eat-by-the-plate/ Use code JJVIP1000 for $1000 off the Kooru Cold Plunge: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ Study: Resistance Training Combined with Collagen Supplementation:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32164702/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to healthy aging, many women forget to build muscle. However, according to fitness physician Dr. Eric Fete, that component is critical. Muscle building helps you look and feel better, but it’s also for everything else related to your health, too, including metabolism. Muscle is the foundation, the framework, to help you move and function and exercise and live a good life. And as we all get older, we all lose it. When you focus on building muscle, you’ll help support your blood sugar, insulin function, brain health, and more. In this conversation with JJ, Dr. Eric Fete shares his tips and how-tos for building muscles and having strong bones. He gives ideas for newbies, along with an easy, travel-friendly fitness hack that JJ swears by. Then, they discuss the role of nutrition in fitness and healthy aging. Their tips are simple and doable – but they aren’t what many women are focusing on. After that, Dr. Eric gives a quick primer on peptides – a great additional strategy for many health solutions. Peptides can enhance the body’s function in many ways; however, the foundation is nutrition and fitness. Just start with the basics, and then build from there for your best health possible, in your 40s and beyond! Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a muscle-building newbie, you’ll want to tune into this information-packed episode! Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/dreric Get Dr. Eric’s FREE PRIME-X Muscle Guide and learn the basics of muscle growth: https://drericprimex.com/muscleguide Learn How To Make The Perfect Protein Shake in my blog: https://jjvirgin.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-protein-shake/ Listen to my podcast for The Best Exercises for Aging: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/the-best-exercise-to-protect-you-as-you-age-ep-461/ I recommend the TRX Trainer:  https://www.amazon.com/TRX-Suspension-Training-System-Travel/dp/B01LXL27XI/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=YFZGX245L1 Dr. Eric’s video: Tactics to Avoid Sarcopenia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaeipKiFR84 Try my Collagen Peptides Powder: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Learn more about Dr. Eric Fete: https://drericprimex.com/ Learn now to Live Longer with Peter Attia: https://peterattiamd.com/ I use the Oura Ring to track my sleep: https://ouraring.com/ I use an Apple watch: https://www.apple.com/watch/ Camp Yoga in Tampa: https://www.welovecamp.com/yoga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, JJ touches on four topics. First, how do you choose fats that are good for you? JJ explains why you might already be getting healthy fat in your diet, and how to choose the healthiest sources. She also gives guidance on taking supplements while doing a clean fast, answers a community member’s question about controlling blood sugar and insulin, and shares how to choose a healthy nut butter (or how to easily make your own!). Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/healthyfats How to Build A Balanced Meal: Eat by the Plate: https://jjvirgin.com/eat-by-the-plate Support your body’s natural ability to sleep better with Sleep Candy™: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/sleep-candy Monitor your blood sugar with the continuous glucose monitor, I recommend: Nutrisense: https://jjvirgin.com/nutrisense How to Use A Continuous Glucose Monitor: https://jjvirgin.com/how-to-use-a-continuous-glucose-monitor/ Measure your body composition accurately with this Tanita® scale: https://amzn.to/3BNPJ2z Get all your foundational nutrients with Daily Essentials Multi + Omegas: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/daily-essentials-multi-omegas What to Eat and When for Muscle Mass: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/what-to-eat-when-to-eat-and-why-for-muscle-mass-ep-494/ Track your sleep and other health factors with an Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com/ Apple Watch: https://www.apple.com/watch/ Garmin: https://jjvirgin.com/main-podcast/what-supplements-do-you-suggest-for-my-not-perfect-nutrition-regimen-ep-486/#:~:text=Apple%20Watch-,Garmin,-Click%20here%20for Recipe: Berries with Cacao-Nut Butter Spread: https://jjvirgin.com/recipe-berries-cacao-nut-butter/ Recipe: Fresh Fruit with Cinnamon Almond Butter: https://jjvirgin.com/recipe-fresh-fruit-cinnamon-almond-butter/ I get a DEXA body scan twice a year: https://dexascan.com/ I take Reignite Wellness­™ Magnesium Body Calm: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/magnesium-body-calm Try Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar: https://amzn.to/3JIXpHp Try Designs for Health Berberine Synergy, a Metabolic, Cardiovascular + Liver Support Supplement: https://amzn.to/43NiSGu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices