

Well Beyond 40
JJ Virgin
Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives. It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty. Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully. Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives. At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!” For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self. In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil. Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey. JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook. JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium. Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life. Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! - Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review - Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 - Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 24min
Why Your Workout Isn't Working: A Revolutionary Approach to Menopause with Dr. Bill Campbell
"What I've learned as I've studied menopause and fat loss research is that protein is the menopause nutrient. Everything that menopause introduces to our bodies, protein helps with." - Dr. Bill Campbell Dr. Bill Campbell, professor and director of the only Physique Enhancement Lab in the country, joins me to reveal why he's dedicating his research career to understanding menopause, metabolism, and body composition. After witnessing his wife's challenging menopause transition despite her fitness-focused lifestyle, Bill recognized a critical gap in research connecting exercise science and menopause. His groundbreaking work examines how resistance training, protein optimization, and strategic exercise timing can help women thrive through hormonal changes. We dive deep into the science of maintaining muscle mass, managing body composition shifts, and why many traditional approaches fall short for women in midlife. What you'll learn: Why protein requirements increase during menopause and how to optimize intake for better body composition The truth about cortisol, fasted workouts, and exercise timing for women over 40 Essential resistance training protocols that preserve muscle mass and boost metabolism How high-intensity interval training impacts visceral fat and metabolic health The critical connection between estrogen, muscle function, and insulin sensitivity that most doctors miss Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/menopauseweightgain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 23, 2025 • 18min
My Diet As A Nutritionist Expert To Build Muscle and Lose Weight - For Women Over 50
Diving deep into the science of eating for optimal health after 50, I share my proven strategies for maintaining energy, building lean muscle, and managing weight through strategic meal timing and food choices. From the crucial "first meal effect" that sets your metabolic tone for the day to the surprising truth about wine consumption and sleep quality, this episode delivers the exact blueprint you need to fuel your body for vitality and strength. Drawing from both cutting-edge research and decades of clinical experience, I break down why protein timing, circadian eating, and post-dinner habits can make or break your health goals - and how to implement these changes starting with your very next meal. Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/eatinggreatover50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 19, 2025 • 42min
Protecting Your Brain Starts in Your Gut with Dr. Partha Nandi
Dr. Partha Nandi, a board-certified gastroenterologist and bestselling author, explores the fascinating link between gut health and brain function. He emphasizes that a healthy gut can protect cognitive abilities well into old age. Listeners learn how stress and inflammation affect brain health, while simple dietary changes can foster a healthier gut-brain connection. Dr. Nandi also advocates for community, spirituality, and movement as essential components of overall wellness. His insights could transform how you view aging and brain protection.

10 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 28min
The Best Kept Secret About Aging Powerfully
Explore how a positive mindset can add 7.5 years to your life while challenging traditional views on aging. Resistance training is crucial for women over 40, but those small weights may not be enough. Discover the power of high-intensity interval training and the surprising benefits of creatine HCL for cognitive and physical health. Learn the shocking protein needs for aging women and the importance of recovery in a holistic approach to aging powerfully. Uncover the hidden challenges for postmenopausal women and take proactive steps for better health!

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 17min
Transform Your Metabolism: The Mind-Body Connection You Can't Ignore with Ben Azadi
In this enlightening conversation, Ben Azadi, a health entrepreneur and bestselling author, shares his journey from obesity to becoming a wellness influencer. He emphasizes the crucial role of mindset in achieving physical transformation and explains the concept of metabolic flexibility, urging listeners to switch from sugar-burning to fat-burning for better health. Ben demystifies ketosis, presents a revolutionary approach to exercise, and highlights how thoughts can influence cellular health. Prepare to rethink eating and wellness!

10 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 28min
GLP-1s / Ozempic vs. “Natural” Weight Loss - What's The Better Path For Women Over 40?
Recent discussions reveal the surprising benefits of GLP-1 medications, from reducing inflammation to boosting mood. For women over 40, preserving muscle mass is crucial for health and metabolism. Effective weight loss strategies focus on protein intake, resistance training, and alternative ways to enhance natural GLP-1 production. It’s emphasized that tracking body composition is more meaningful than just scale weight. Interestingly, adopting slower, steady weight loss yields more sustainable results than quick fixes.

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 27min
Creatine Reimagined: A New, US-Based Product for Strength, Energy & Longevity with Mark Faulkner
Mark Faulkner, a pioneer in creatine research and America's sole creatine manufacturer, discusses the transformative potential of creatine for women's health, particularly during midlife. He reveals how common creatine forms can cause bloating and introduces his innovative creatine HCL for better absorption. The conversation highlights creatine's benefits beyond muscle growth, including cognitive support and immune function. Faulkner underscores the importance of quality American manufacturing and rigorous testing in supplements for safety and efficacy.

Feb 2, 2025 • 25min
Forget Cardio! Strength Training Is The Real Fountain of Youth After 40!
Discover why resistance training is your ultimate fitness ally after 40, surpassing cardio for fat loss and heart health. Learn about myokines and their brain-boosting benefits. Explore effective at-home exercises, proper form, and how to measure your progress. Uncover the truth about muscle building in women and why concerns about becoming 'bulky' are misguided. Get practical tips for safely advancing from beginner to advanced levels, and find out how to integrate strength training into your daily routine for lasting results.

Jan 29, 2025 • 53min
Conscious Dance: The Science of Movement Medicine with Jennifer Joy Jimenez
"When I was a professional dancer, I felt the worst in my body when I probably looked my best to the outside world. That's when I knew something had to change." - Jennifer Joy Jimenez In this energizing episode, I sat down with Jennifer Joy Jimenez, transformational leader and founder of the Brave Thinking Institute's health and wellbeing division, to explore how conscious movement can revolutionize both physical and emotional wellbeing after 40. Jennifer shares her powerful journey from professional dancer battling body shame to pioneering Transcendance, an innovative blend of movement, mindfulness, and energy healing. The science is clear - social dance can decrease Alzheimer's risk by up to 76% while flooding our bodies with mood-boosting hormones. We dive deep into how incorporating just minutes of mindful movement daily can transform stress, unlock creativity, and reignite joy at any age. Jennifer reveals practical strategies for breaking free from rigid exercise mindsets and embracing movement as medicine for both body and soul. What you'll learn: How conscious dance can activate happy hormones and reduce stress in just minutes a day The profound mind-body connection and its role in healing trauma Why movement is essential for maintaining cognitive function and reducing dementia risk Simple ways to incorporate playful movement into your daily routine The science behind using dance for emotional and physical wellbeing How to break free from perfectionist exercise patterns Practical strategies for connecting with your body's innate wisdom Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 26, 2025 • 29min
How To Get Rid of Menopause Belly Fat the Fastest & Simplest Way
In today's deep dive, I'm breaking down the science of menopause belly fat and sharing game-changing strategies that actually work. As women enter perimenopause, the triple threat of low estrogen, elevated insulin, and high cortisol creates the perfect storm for accumulating dangerous visceral fat around our organs. But armed with the latest research, I'm revealing why your daily movement patterns matter more than you think, the surprising impact of protein timing on fat loss, and how simple strategies like cold exposure can help activate fat-burning pathways. I'm also sharing critical insights about hormone replacement therapy and why it could be the missing piece in your metabolic puzzle. If you're ready to understand and tackle menopause belly fat with science-backed solutions that work, this episode is your roadmap to success. What you'll learn: The crucial difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat, and why location matters for your health How the triad of hormones (estrogen, insulin, and cortisol) impacts belly fat storage during menopause The science-backed sweet spot for HIIT training that specifically targets visceral fat Why protein timing and amount can make or break your fat loss efforts The surprising connection between hydration, stress, and your body's fat-storing mechanisms Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/menopausebellyfat 7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst Oxiline bioimpedance scale: https://oxiline.shop/product/scale-x-pro/?ref=mza2ntv Kooru Cold Plunge: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP500 for $500 off. Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/JJVirgin use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off. Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/3wQw4Q2 TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+: https://trxtraining.sjv.io/EKrvrP Dry Farm Wines: dryfarmwines.com/jjvirgin Study: Visceral Fat: What Is It?: https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-visceral-fat Study: Adipose tissue in health and disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7776562/ Study: Adipose Tissue Distribution, Inflammation and Its Metabolic Consequences, Including Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2020.00022/full Study: Is the goal of 12,000 steps per day sufficient for improving body composition and metabolic syndrome? The necessity of combining exercise intensity: a randomized controlled trial: https://consensus.app/papers/is-the-goal-of-12000-steps-per-day-sufficient-for-improving-chiang-chen/676d54b152e25c6b80e07f6a12b02fc0/ Study: Physical activity and healthy ageing: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal cohort studies: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/physical-activity Study: Physical Activity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/physical-activity Study: Body Fat Percentage: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/body-fat-percentage Study: A reduced ratio of dietary carbohydrate to protein improves body composition and blood lipid profiles during weight loss in adult women: https://consensus.app/papers/a-reduced-ratio-of-dietary-carbohydrate-to-protein-layman-boileau/01653d342eab51adbb319a1a1b45079f/ Episode Sponsors: Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices