Well Beyond 40

"Once we fully collapse the belly fat, visceral fat, then we find the metabolism does become more fast and efficient." - Dr. Ashley Lucas In this episode, Dr. Ashley Lucas—former professional ballet dancer turned PhD in sports nutrition—breaks down the surprising science behind visceral fat. She reveals how this type of fat acts like its own organ, secreting hormones that actively resist your weight loss efforts. Drawing from her clinical work and success as the founder of PhD Weight Loss, Dr. Lucas challenges the common advice to “eat everything in moderation” and explains why it might be setting you up for failure. Tune in for a paradigm-shifting discussion on how understanding the true role of visceral fat is key to sustainable weight loss, especially for women over 40. What you'll learn: Why visceral fat acts like a "tumor" in your body and how it sabotages your metabolism The surprising truth about carbohydrate tolerance and why it's different for everyone How to identify and manage your personal food triggers for lasting success Why the habits needed for maintaining weight loss are different than those for losing it The critical mindset shifts required for sustainable transformation How stress perception impacts your ability to lose belly fat The reason you need to "collapse" visceral fat completely to prevent regain  Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/ashley   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I dive deep into the fascinating world of stress-fighting foods that can naturally lower your cortisol levels. As women navigating midlife, managing stress becomes increasingly crucial for our overall well-being and weight management goals. I’ll share my personal strategies for incorporating these powerful foods into daily life, from my morning ritual with dark chocolate (yes, chocolate can be healthy!) to simple ways to sneak stress-busting greens into your meals. You’ll discover how specific nutrients work to calm your body’s stress response and learn practical tips for making these foods a regular part of your routine. Whether you’re facing midlife hormonal changes, career pressures, or family responsibilities, these natural solutions can help you find more balance and peace in your busy life. What you'll learn: The surprising connection between specific foods and cortisol reduction Which everyday snacks can actually help calm your nervous system How to properly use dark chocolate as a stress-management tool The vital role of specific nutrients in supporting adrenal health Simple ways to incorporate stress-reducing foods into your daily routine Why gut health is crucial for managing your stress response Key evening rituals that combine nutrition and relaxation Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/lowercortisol     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Good energy is fundamentally about giving your body what it needs to thrive. When we do this, our cells work better, our hormones balance, and we feel absolutely incredible." - Dr. Casey Means In this eye-opening episode, I sat down with Dr. Casey Means, Stanford-trained physician, #1 New York Times bestselling author of "Good Energy," and co-founder of Levels, to unpack the truth about America's metabolic health crisis—and more importantly, how we can naturally optimize our body's energy systems. As women over 40, understanding our metabolic health is crucial not just for weight management, but for sustained energy, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Dr. Means shares groundbreaking insights about how we can naturally boost our body's production of key hormones like GLP-1 (the same hormone in popular weight loss medications) through simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Her approach proves that we don't need expensive prescriptions to feel our best—we just need to work with our body's natural wisdom. What you'll learn: Why 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy and what this means for your health The three key factors of "bad energy" that drive metabolic dysfunction Natural ways to boost your body's production of satiety hormones without medications Simple food combinations that help stabilize blood sugar and increase energy How continuous glucose monitoring can help you personalize your diet and lifestyle The surprising power of post-meal movement for blood sugar control Key tests to request from your doctor to understand your metabolic health Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/goodenergy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the transformative power of a personal supplement routine tailored for women over 40. Learn about vital nutrients like vitamin D, fish oil, and collagen that support overall health and muscle recovery. Find out how to tackle pesky issues like brain fog and night leg cramps. Explore cutting-edge supplements that act like 'exercise in a bottle' and how they can boost your energy and vitality. Plus, get insights on fueling workouts as your body evolves with age!

"Sometimes at midlife, we stop doing the things we think we should be doing, and start focusing on what we truly want to do. That's when we find that inner peace." - James Davis Are you navigating the complex waters of midlife relationships? In this enlightening episode, I sit down with James and Claire Davis, founders of Midlife Mentors, to explore the transformative journey of relationships after 40. Having met in their late thirties/early forties and now running a successful business together, they bring a unique perspective on finding love, maintaining connections, and reinventing ourselves during this pivotal life stage. As someone who found my own love story at 52, I was particularly moved by their insights on how our values shift during midlife and why this period can become our greatest opportunity for growth and authentic connection. James and Claire share their personal journey of maintaining intimacy while working together, including their courageous decision to seek marriage counseling—proving that investing in our relationships is just as crucial as investing in our careers. What you'll learn: Why midlife isn't a crisis but an opportunity for reinvention and deeper self-discovery How hormonal changes affect both men and women's relationships and what you can do about it The surprising truth about friendship transitions during midlife and why they're actually healthy Key strategies for maintaining intimacy and connection while navigating major life changes Why investing in your relationship is crucial and how to do it effectively How to handle when one partner starts making healthy changes and the other feels threatened The truth about dating apps and finding love later in life   Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/midlifereset Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this game-changing episode, I'm tackling one of the most confusing topics for women over 40—what type of exercise actually works for maintaining a healthy weight, strong bones, and vibrant energy as we age? Drawing from both my personal journey and decades of research, I'm exposing the outdated myths about cardio and weight training that might be holding you back from your best health. You'll discover why the conventional wisdom about endless treadmill sessions could be sabotaging your results and learn about the surprising connection between grip strength and longevity. If you're frustrated with your current fitness routine or worried about maintaining your independence as you age, this episode is your roadmap to building a stronger, more resilient body that keeps up with your vibrant life. What you'll learn: The shocking truth about muscle loss after 40 and what it means for your metabolism Why your grip strength could be the most important health metric you're not measuring The game-changing research about VO2 max and longevity How to combine cardio and weights for optimal results at any age Simple strategies to prevent bone loss and maintain independence The most effective exercise sequence to transform your fitness routine Why the old "cardio-first" approach might be working against you Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/cardiovsweights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The silence around menopause has to end – we deserve better information and support." – Tamsen Fadal   After 30 years as an award-winning news anchor, Tamsen Fadal experienced her menopause journey in the high-pressure, public-facing world of broadcast journalism. This sparked a complete career reinvention, leading her to become a powerful advocate for menopause awareness and workplace equality. In this candid conversation, we dive deep into Tamsen's personal transformation from experiencing hot flashes on air to producing groundbreaking documentaries and writing essential guides for women navigating this life transition. Her journey from suffering in silence to becoming a vocal champion for women's health perfectly captures what's possible when we embrace change and turn our challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're approaching menopause, in the thick of it, or want to better support the women in your life, Tamsen's insights will forever change how you think about this powerful life phase.   What you'll learn: - Why understanding hormone therapy options is crucial for making informed decisions about your health - How workplace culture needs to evolve to better support women through menopause - The unexpected ways menopause affects your whole body—from dental health to brain function - Why the right exercise and nutrition strategies are essential during this transition - How to transform your mindset from seeing menopause as an ending to viewing it as an opportunity for reinvention - The importance of breaking the silence around menopause and creating supportive communities - Why it's never too late to pivot your career and pursue your passion   Don't miss Tamsen's groundbreaking PBS documentary, "The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause," and pre-order her upcoming book "How to Menopause"—your girlfriend-vetted guide to thriving through this transition. Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/tamsen   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready for some myth-busting about metabolism after 50? While many of us blame our slowing metabolism entirely on age, I'm here to share some exciting news: there are powerful, science-backed ways to fire up your metabolism during perimenopause and beyond. In this essential episode, I'm diving deep into the real reasons your metabolism might be struggling (hint: it's not just your age!) and sharing 5 of my favorite game-changing strategies that can help rev up your metabolic engine. From the surprising truth about protein timing to the unexpected power of hydration, I'm breaking down exactly what you need to know to feel energized, strong, and metabolically healthy in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. What you'll learn: The three key components of metabolism and which one you have the most control over Why protein timing matters more than you think (and how to get it right) The unexpected connection between hydration and fat storage How coffee and tea can be powerful allies for your metabolism Simple daily movement strategies that impact your metabolism more than intense exercise The truth about spices and metabolism (plus an easy drink recipe to try) Why muscle mass is crucial for women in perimenopause and beyond Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://www.jjvirgin.com/metabolismmyths   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Annette Bosworth, an internist and author, shares her transformative journey from traditional medicine to advocating for ketogenic diets. She discusses how ketosis can combat chronic diseases like cancer and enhance cognitive performance. Dr. Boz breaks down the science behind this dietary approach, emphasizing its potential for cellular repair and longevity. She also offers practical tips for starting a ketogenic lifestyle and highlights the importance of community support in achieving health goals. This conversation is a compelling mix of personal stories and groundbreaking nutritional insights.

In this eye-opening episode, I'm sharing my top strategies to build unbreakable bones and age powerfully. From surprising supplements to simple exercise tweaks, I'm breaking down the science-backed ways to keep your skeleton strong well into your golden years. Whether you're approaching menopause or already there, you'll learn how to take control of your bone health and avoid becoming a scary statistic. Don't wait for a fracture to wake you up—tune in now to discover how to build a body that's truly built to last! What you'll learn: The shocking link between hip fractures and mortality rates in older adults Key nutrients beyond calcium that are crucial for bone strength How protein intake affects your bone health (it's not just for muscles!) The unexpected supplement that could supercharge your bone-building efforts Simple, low-impact exercises to stress your bones in all the right ways Why menopause is a critical time for bone health and what to do about it How to work with your doctor to optimize hormones for stronger bones Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/healthybones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices