Well Beyond 40

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, JJ discusses how many hours of sleep we really need, and what other factor is just as important. She’ll also review tips on how you can get a better night’s sleep every night. Listen in today for this information-packed podcast!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:45] How many hours of sleep do you really need? [1:00] What’s more important than sleep quantity? [2:00] Supplements that can help you get to sleep [3:05] Techniques & products that contribute to a better night’s sleep           Mentioned in this episode: Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Sleep Candy Tempur Pedic Eye Mask Samina Mattress Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Susanne Bennett joins JJ as they discuss the incredible benefits of traditional Korean kimchi, a fermented food easily made. Dr. Susanne Bennett is a holistic chiropractic physician, specializing in allergies, detoxification, gut health and anti-aging medicine and a #1 bestselling author. She explains the benefits of kimchi, and its effect on our health, including how it can help heal your gut, reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and help with diabetes and insulin resistance. We get the run-down of how to make it, how much to consume daily and how long it lasts in your fridge. Tune in for this entertaining and enlightening episode!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Susanne’s free “The Magic of Kimchi” Guide and Cucumber Kimchi recipe by going to jjvirgin.com/kimchi.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Kimchi is a valuable source of good bacteria that can support a healthy gut. Fermented foods have a much higher percentage of bacterial strains than probiotic capsules. Kimchi is easy to make. The vegetables chosen for your kimchi can be customized to your taste. Kimchi strengthens the gut, which helps with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It also contributes to healthy skin, digestion and fights obesity.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:15] Introduction to today’s episode [1:41] Dr. Susanne Bennett’s career briefing [2:22] Listener shout-out [4:09] Welcoming Dr. Susanne to the show [5:55] How Dr. Susanne became interested in kimchi [6:30] History of how kimchi is made [7:00] Kimchi is vegetables combined with fermentation, which increases good bacteria. [7:34] Fermented foods play a major role in the health of our gut microbiome. [8:40] Even with the westernization of Korea, the people there are still lean & healthy. [10:20] After a visit to Korea, Dr. Susanne saw everyone eats kimchi in addition to large amounts of food that would be traditionally considered high calorie, high fat, high sugar. [11:30] She recommends incorporating kimchi using different veggies, building your system up. [12:57] Any kind of veggie can be turned into kimchi with these few ingredients. [13:30] Kimchi strengthens the gut, and therefore, can help people who suffer from leaky gut-induced autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. [14:20] A certain type of bacteria found in vegetables in kimchi has anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects. [15:55] Overcoming challenges when first incorporating kimchi into your diet [16:50] The benefits of garlic in kimchi   [18:11] Do you need to use a starter when making kimchi? [18:55] How to make kimchi - 4 easy steps [21:30] The difference between sauerkraut and kimchi [21:53] Can you get kimchi at the grocery store? [22:55] Over-the-counter probiotics have 5 to 10 strains of bacteria. Kimchi has 1000’s. [23:15] How kimchi can help reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and help with diabetes and insulin resistance [24:28] How quickly someone may notice the benefits of kimchi [24:47] Start by gradually including kimchi in your diet, with 1 to 2 tbsp per day at first. [25:20] Shelf life of homemade kimchi is 2 to 3 months. [27:52] It’s all about health by addition: adding one superfood. [28:04] JJ’s challenge: What one thing can you add every single day to make yourself healthier?     Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube The Kimchi Diet Collagen Face Mask Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today JJ talks about the incredible benefits that consuming just a little bit of high quality dark chocolate every day can make in your health. Listen to find out how dark chocolate can help with everything from improved brain function and a healthier heart to increased insulin sensitivity and better skin. What kind of chocolate and how much should you eat? Tune in and find out, plus learn about JJ's favorite ways to incorporate dark chocolate into her routine!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Chocoholic Recipe Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/darkchocolate.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Chocolate has incredible health benefits. It can help with your heart, your brain and your skin, just for starters. You should eat dark chocolate every day. Here’s what to look for and how much to eat. Make sure to stay away from sneaky sugar in your chocolate. JJ recommends a few ways you can get more dark chocolate into your diet.   Episode Play-By-Play [3:50] Eat dark chocolate every day, but look for these qualities. [4:55] How much chocolate should you eat every day? [5:11] You’re going to be amazed at some of chocolate’s benefits. [10:29] Dark, not milk. Keep the sugar and milk out of your chocolate. [11:00] Higher cacao count is better because you get more of this [11:50] Suggestions for getting more dark chocolate in your diet [14:02] If you add in foods that are good for you like dark chocolate, it may keep you from eating things that aren’t so great for you.     Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Soma Chocolatemaker Sunlove Protection by Annamarie Gianni Chocolate Avocado Mousse Recipe Lily’s Dark Chocolate Bulletproof Dark Chocolate The Virgin Diet Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! JJ talks about potatoes in today’s Q&A episode. Recent studies show that potatoes are healthier than previously thought, high in resistant starch, and helpful with gut bacteria. Want to know JJ’s favorite way to prepare potatoes? Make sure you listen to today’s podcast to find out.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:01]  Potatoes are nature’s diet pill [1:16]  JJ used to consider them high sugar impact, but now are medium-sugar impact, because of this. [1:25] What is resistant starch, and how do you make potatoes the right way to get more of it? [2:00]  JJ’s favorite recipe to prepare potatoes, and serving suggestions for getting the most resistant starch out of them. [2:50]  Resistant starch means food resists digestion, & inhibits the rise in glucose and insulin that easy-to-digest carbohydrates cause. [3:00]  Potatoes are good for gut bacteria and help you burn more fat. [3:25]  Don’t get greedy...Only eat one cup for a serving.      Mentioned in this episode: Recipes at jjvirgin.com Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Gut Health Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danna Bowman and Ginny Mahar, two thyroid patient advocates, came up with an idea for using technology to make the journey easier for other thyroid patients than it had been for them. This revolutionary wellness game, THYROID30, helps you hit the refresh button on your diet and lifestyle choices so you can feel better again. Listen as Danna and Ginny explain how their innovative wellness adventure can help you achieve your health goals by collecting all different avenues of help into one location and creating a supportive community for those with thyroid issues. They’ll also talk with JJ about the 8 daily rituals of a thyroid-healthy lifestyle that can help you optimize your thyroid function and improve your quality of life.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Danna and Ginny’s free quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/8rituals.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Thyroid disease is difficult to diagnose. Even after a diagnosis and medication, it’s a challenge to find help with diet, exercise and mindset from the medical field. Finding support for symptoms may be a challenge. This ‘invisible’ disease is hard for others to see physical evidence; THYROID30 offers a community of others who share the struggle. Incorporating the 8 rituals into a daily routine will help. These 8 R’s offer a reminder of simple adjustments to make living with a thyroid condition easier.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:45] Incorporating 8 rituals a day that will help you get better results for thyroid issues [2:15] Community is really important in this ‘invisible’ disease. [3:45] What inspired Danna and Ginny to develop this program [5:19] After getting a diagnosis and medication, incorporating diet, lifestyle and mindset changes makes a huge difference. [8:55] Some things to look for if you think you might have a thyroid issue [10:18] Once diagnosed, what are some things you should do? [11:40] Start with the 8 Daily Rituals. Number one is Remember. Did you remember to take your medication and supplements? [11:58] Number two is Refuel, which is everything you consume (food or drink). [12:25] Number three is Reactivate. This one is about movement, staying active and listening to your body. [13:27] Number four is Repair - healing the gut [13:44] Five is Rejuvenate, or daily self-care of some kind. Coping with, and managing stress is a powerful aspect of healing. [15:33] Number six is Reducing heavy metals and environmental toxins in our homes and bodies. [16:00] Seven is Relishing small victories, finding support and allowing yourself to be supported. Connecting and celebrating our victories along the way, no matter how small. [16:22] Eight is Recharge, which is sleep. A good night’s rest is foundational. [16:58] JJ talks about how big a role sleep plays in your health, tone of your skin, losing weight, energy, focus, and more. [17:42] One of the things JJ values most and has in common with Danna and Ginny is the importance of community. [20:58] Thyroid30 is a 30-day wellness app that uses gamification technology. They made it fun for thyroid sufferers to pursue a healthier lifestyle. [23:17] Another thing Thyroid30 does is bring together all the different elements of everything you should be doing and puts them all in one place. [Action Step] Download the quiz and the 8 rituals. [Action Step] Don’t skip the ritual of rejuvenate! What is your self-care routine and what can you do to take that up a notch?   Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Thyroid Strong by Dr. Emily Kiberd Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Telemedicine through Dr. Alan Christianson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s enlightening podcast episode, JJ tells listeners how shopping smart and stocking up with these essentials means you can afford to eat according to The Virgin Diet and Sugar Impact Diet. You’ll learn JJ’s secrets for getting high-quality, clean food in your pantry for no more than you already spend, and hints for how to make your food dollars stretch.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free worksheet by going to jjvirgin.com/budget.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Eating healthy on a budget is achievable. It may even be cheaper than buying processed food. Keep these 7 essentials in your pantry. These ingredients are the basis for many different recipes. Watch for sales and stock up. Buy in bulk when the high-quality food you love is discounted.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:45]  How can I eat healthy on a budget? [1:30]  How do healthy, Virgin Diet- and Sugar Impact Diet-approved foods compare cost-wise to a family’s average foods? [2:15]  What foods to keep in your kitchen [3:40]  What to avoid to stay under budget [6:00]  7 essentials to keep in your pantry [7:30]  Watch for sales and stock up. [11:30] Buy organic fruit when it’s on sale and freeze what you don’t immediately eat. [17:05] Subscribe & Save is a super easy way to make sure you’ve always got this staple on hand.   Action Steps Stock up on good food when it’s on sale. Make food once, use it multiple times throughout the week If your fresh food is starting to look a little wilted, throw it in the freezer. Invest in glass storage containers.     Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Vital Choice Thrive Market So Delicious Coconut Milk on JJ’s Amazon Influencer page Paleo Treats Dr. Kelly Ann Petrucci Chocolate Cherry Chia Protein Shake Chicken Zoodle Stir Fry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, JJ discusses how sugar impacts our body, and whether alternatives to sugar are safe and healthy to consume. She explains that honey contains fructose, and how that impacts your body. JJ also shares her top options that you should add into your diet to replace sweeteners. Plus, she suggests the best alternative sweeteners to use in declining amounts. Listen in today for this information-packed podcast!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:32] 2 questions being addressed today. Is organic stevia safe? And, is natural honey okay? [1:00] JJ describes sugar in general and how our body uses it. [1:20] If you want to use a sweetener, make sure it helps the body and doesn’t hurt it. [1:35] JJ addresses honey and tells what the effects are on the body. [2:13] Honey contains both fructose and glucose. Fructose doesn’t raise blood sugar, which is a problem because of this reason. [2:45] You can make sugar slowly from foods that are high in this ingredient. [2:50] Some of my favorite high fiber foods are squash, non starchy veggies and berries. [3:18] When is it okay to use a small amount of honey? [4:00] Here are JJ’s sweetener recommendations. [4:50] Even for these sweeteners, you should be using them in decreasing portions. [5:00] Instead of sugar, follow these guidelines and condition your body to need less and less sweet. [6:05] Artificial sweeteners are the worst for your body by changing these functions, plus they trigger caloric disruption.     Mentioned in this episode: Recipes at jjvirgin.com Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Gut Health Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL football player, speaker and leadership coach, Bo Eason joins JJ today to discuss the importance of having big dreams. He explains the difference between setting goals and declaring yourself, and why declarations are so much more powerful. Declarations are long term and inform every aspect of our lives. They’ll talk about how important creating a successful environment is, including surrounding ourselves with people with common ambitions. Bo and JJ discuss how setbacks are just part of the process, and how overcoming obstacles makes us even stronger.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Download the first chapter of Bo’s book There’s No Plan B for Your A-Game by going to jjvirgin.com/bo   Main Points From Today’s Episode To be successful, you need to make a declaration. A goal is short term but a declaration informs everything we do in our lives. One of the major components to this is creating an environment for success. You must surround yourself with people who are on the same page as you are. When you fall off track, you just have to do some course correcting. The important thing is to let go of any shame and stay focused on that declaration.   Episode Play-By-Play [5:22] Bo discusses what inspired his determination to become the best NFL safety in the world. [7:28] Even though it’s very inspirational, there are listeners who may not want to become football players...How can you apply these lessons to yourself? [8:04] JJ shows how you can use Bo’s example and lessons to become the healthiest you. [8:40] Why the word declaration instead of goal? Bo explains the difference between a declaration and a goal. [10:54] If you live like a healthy, lean person, you will become that, over time. [11:05] Bo explains how he made his declaration at 9 years old. He wasn’t going to be the best safety at 9 years old, but he began living like he was. [11:50] Why you should get rid of your goals, and make a declaration instead. [12:20] One of the major components to this is creating an environment for success. You can’t lose weight if you are surrounded by people who don’t care about what is important to you. [13:40] Bo gives an example of one of his friends who is the 7th fastest recorded runner. Who do you think he hangs out with? [15:08] You get to decide if you want to be super healthy, or to stay mediocre and keep the body you have now. Once you make your declaration, watch the magic happen! [16:49] When you go off track, you just have to do some course correcting. [18:00] What we can learn from a plane’s automatic pilot mechanism [18:50] Bo explains why he loves obstacles. [20:55] How JJ’s friend Nicole overcame her body image issues [22:00] When you give yourself a big obstacle, one of the positive side effects is how much confidence and self worth you gain just from the daily process of overcoming challenges. [25:00] How instant gratification can hurt us [25:24] The big things that you look back on in your life are the things that took a lot of work. [25:50] To help you begin, Bo has a new book, There’s No Plan B for Your A-Game and he’s offering the first chapter free. Just go to jjvirgin.com/bo to download. [27:48] Why are so many successful people super healthy? [28:41] JJ’s challenges for you: (1) Make a declaration rather than a goal. (2) Give yourself realistic timelines. (3) Create a no-fail environment.   Mentioned in this episode: Subscribe to the JJ Virgin Lifestyle Show Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Ben Hardy, Willpower Doesn’t Work Bo Eason, There’s No Plan B for Your A-Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, JJ reveals the truth about snacking! Listen to find out how snacking can work against you, as well as how to manage your meals to keep the munchies in check. JJ also explains when to make exceptions for snacking, including healthy snack options that won’t derail your eating plan. Plus, find out JJ’s top tips to help you conquer your cravings once and for all!    Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Are You A Sugar Burner or Fat Burner Quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/snack.   Main Points From Today’s Episode When you’re snacking throughout the day, you train your body to expect food all the time. That means your body doesn’t have a reason to access stored fat for fuel. The key to staying full between meals is to include clean, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber at every meal. JJ likes to call this trio of nutrients the “satiety trifecta.” Often when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually thirsty. Studies have shown that drinking a glass of water cuts hunger 100% of the time.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:33] JJ’s invitation to join Frito Lay’s snacking council [1:10] Introduction to today’s episode [1:40] JJ’s experience with snacking when working as a personal trainer [2:55] Listener shout-out [4:57] Should you or shouldn’t you snack? [5:25] Snacking raises your blood sugar. [5:28] The drawbacks of chronically elevated blood sugar and insulin levels [7:08] The era of snacking on low-fat foods [8:25] How can you tell if you’re a sugar burner? [9:28] When you’re metabolically flexible, you can go longer between meals. [10:30] Why JJ likes the phrase, “Hunger equals younger” [11:00] Strategies to stop snacking [11:15] Step one: improve your food quality [12:02] What is the second meal phenomenon? [12:30] The benefits of clean, lean protein [13:22] How healthy fats keep you full [14:27] The advantages of fiber [16:35] More strategies for extending the time between meals [17:18] Often when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually thirsty. [17:42] L-glutamine can help fight cravings. [17:58] JJ always carries her bars with her when she’s on the road. [20:05] JJ’s key takeaways and action steps from today’s episode   Mentioned in this episode: Find healthy snack options in this post: The Powerful Truth About Whether You Should Snack How to Build A Balanced Meal: The Sugar Impact Plate JJ Virgin L-Glutamine Powder JJ Virgin Bars Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! Today, JJ answers the question what are good reasons to drink kombucha. JJ suggests figuring out why you want to add it into your diet, suggests guidelines for choosing a good quality product, and offers some alternative foods that will provide similar effects.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Question #1: What are your reasons for drinking kombucha? [1:00] What are you hoping to accomplish by incorporating kombucha?   [1:22] If you drink kombucha, here are some guidelines on how to select a good one. [1:35] JJ’s recommendation [2:10] If you’re drinking kombucha for the pre- and/or probiotics, JJ offers additional food sources. [2:55] JJ suggests taking any new food into your diet should be done gradually as your body adjusts.     Mentioned in this episode: Gut Health Guide Recipes at jjvirgin.com Reignite Wellness 365 membership Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices