Well Beyond 40

Double board-certified psychiatrist and ten-time New York Times bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen joins JJ in today’s episode to share how the end of mental illness begins with a revolution in brain health! Listen as Dr. Amen shares why labeling someone as having a “mental illness” is not only inaccurate but also harmful, as well as how reframing the discussion from mental health to brain health changes everything. Dr. Amen also reveals his revolutionary BRIGHT MINDS approach to treating brain health issues, including the eleven major risk factors that can steal your mind and what you can do to take back your health. Plus, find out how to get the first chapter of Dr. Amen’s new book, The End of Mental Illness, and his BRIGHT MINDS chart for free!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get the introduction and first chapter of Dr. Amen’s new book, The End of Mental Illness, plus his BRIGHT MINDS chart for free by going to jjvirgin.com/endofmentalillness.   Main Points From Today’s Episode 85% of psychiatric drugs are prescribed by non-psychiatric physicians in 7-minute office visits. Once you start these drugs, they’re really hard to stop because they’re insidious. Dr. Amen explains why labeling someone as having a “mental illness” is not only inaccurate but also harmful. His new book, The End of Mental Illness, explains how neuroscience is transforming psychiatry and helping prevent or reverse mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, addictions, PTSD, psychosis, personality disorders, and more. If you want to keep your brain healthy or rescue it, you have to prevent or treat the eleven major risk factors that steal your mind. Dr. Amen shares his BRIGHT MINDS approach to treating brain health issues.     Episode Play-By-Play [0:35] How Dr. Amen has helped JJ’s son, Grant [1:11] Dr. Amen’s career briefing [3:20] Listener shout-out [4:34] Welcoming Dr. Amen to the show [4:57] The inspiration behind Dr. Amen’s new book, The End of Mental Illness [6:11] The stigma around mental illness [7:21] What is the new hope for those who are suffering right now? [8:15] 85% of psychiatric drugs are prescribed by non-psychiatric physicians in 7-minute office visits. [9:11] How the pharmaceutical companies are creating chronic illness [10:10] JJ shares a story about her son’s experience at the psychiatrist’s office. [12:05] Dr. Amen asks, “Why aren’t we looking at the brain?” [12:10] Why neurologists look at the brain and psychiatrists typically don’t [13:25] The risk of depression and obesity in football players due to damaged frontal lobes [14:38] You hit your head, you hurt your brain. [15:13] Every year, 2 million new people in the United States have a brain injury. [15:38] What are the frontal lobes in your brain and what happens when they get damaged? [17:07] Why we need a new paradigm when it comes to mental health [17:31] If you want to keep your brain healthy or rescue it, you have to prevent or treat the eleven major risk factors that steal your mind. [18:05] Dr. Amen’s BRIGHT MINDS approach [18:02] B is for blood flow. The link between low blood flow and conditions like Alzheimer’s schizophrenia, depression, and ADHD [19:04] R is for retirement and aging. When you stop learning, your brain starts dying. [19:34] I stands for inflammation. Dr. Amen talks a lot about omega-3 fatty acids and gut health in his book. [20:17] G is for genetics, but we have genetics all wrong. [20:47] H is for head trauma, which has been previously discussed in this episode. [20:49] T is for toxins, including drugs, alcohol, mold, and more. [21:49] M stands for mind storms, which means abnormal electrical activity in the brain. [22:09] How would someone know if they were experiencing overfiring in the brain? [22:41] I is for immunity and infection. [23:20] Dr. Amen shares a story about a girl who experienced hallucinations and ended up being diagnosed with Lyme disease. [25:08] N is for neurohormone issues. [25:29] D stands for diabesity, As your weight goes up, the size and function of your brain goes down. [26:37] S is for sleep. Children who sleep just an hour less on average than their peers have a higher incidence of depression and suicide. [26:48] Why labeling someone as having a “mental illness” is not only inaccurate but also harmful [28:48] The creation of mental illness in today’s American society [30:41] The shift from “mental illness” to brain illness [31:45] How to get the introduction and first chapter of Dr. Amen’s new book, The End of Mental Illness, for free, and what’s included [33:32] JJ gives thanks to Dr. Amen for everything he has done for her son. [34:21] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode and next steps     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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve heard the recent buzz about the benefits of apple cider vinegar and you’re wondering if it’s true, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s podcast episode, JJ explains exactly what apple cider vinegar is, as well as the advantages of this incredible multitasker. Listen as JJ shares how apple cider vinegar can support gut health and fight infection, plus help balance blood sugar levels and insulin levels. And learn easy, yummy ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routine!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get  JJ’s free Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Tea recipe by going to jjvirgin.com/acv.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Apple cider vinegar is a health food that’s been around for ages! It’s made by taking crushed apples through a fermentation process to create probiotics and enzymes that are healthy for the gut. Vinegars, including apple cider vinegar, help balance your blood sugar and insulin levels. In fact, vinegar almost acts like a natural form of metformin, a drug that helps lower your insulin response to a meal. One easy way to incorporate apple cider into your routine is to use it in salad dressings. Another easy way is to make JJ’s Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Tea!   Episode Play-By-Play [:31] Introduction to today’s episode [1:30] Listener shout-out [3:25] What exactly is apple cider vinegar? [4:05] How apple cider vinegar supports a healthy gut microbiome  [4:59] Enzymes in apple cider vinegar can help break down your food.  [5:24] The fat-burning benefits of apple cider vinegar [5:57] How apple cider vinegar helps suppress your appetite  [6:42] Vinegars, including apple cider vinegar, help balance your blood sugar and insulin levels. [7:28] The powerful antimicrobial benefits of apple cider vinegar  [7:48] How antibiotics can damage your gut  [8:46] Summary of the benefits of apple cider vinegar   [9:00] How much apple cider vinegar should you consume each day?  [9:37] How to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your routine  [10:52] Highlights from season 2 of the podcast        Mentioned in this episode: Top 5 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Subscribe to the podcast 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

In today’s Q&A, JJ answers a question from a community member who is wondering if she should opt for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Listen as JJ shares her thoughts on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, as well as the top diet, supplement, and lifestyle shifts that can go a long way toward balancing your hormones. Find out how to restore hormonal balance in your body so you can feel like yourself again!   Main Points From Today’s Episode One of the hormones that typically starts to decrease first during menopause is progesterone. Low progesterone levels can interfere with your sleep. All of your hormones are interconnected, which is why it’s important to be sure that your thyroid and adrenal glands are functioning well. Things that can help with adrenal function include burst training, tapping, vitamin C, and adrenal glandulars. JJ recommends strategies that you can try before considering BHRT. She shares the top herbs and supplements that can help restore hormonal balance.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:28] Listener’s question: I’m going through the change. BHRT or not? It’s hard to sleep right now. [0:55] BHRT stands for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. [1:13] One of the first hormones that typically starts to decrease first during menopause, and how that can interfere with your sleep [1:35] When you may want to consider doing a trial of supplemental, over-the-counter progesterone [1:51] It’s important to make sure that your thyroid and adrenal glands are functioning well. [2:31] Things that can help your adrenals: burst training, tapping, vitamin C, and adrenal glandulars [2:57] JJ recommends consulting a functional medicine provider to be sure your thyroid is functioning optimally. [3:00] Why you should optimize your vitamin D levels [3:30] The connection between blood sugar balance and sleep [3:52] JJ’s Sugar Impact Diet and Breakthrough Carb Intolerance Online Program can help with blood sugar balance. [4:02] Vitamin D and fiber can also help with blood sugar balance. [4:10] Fish oil can help with insulin sensitivity and hormone production. [4:19] Why you need to be sure you’re digesting your protein well [4:45] The benefits of phytoestrogens and top sources [5:04] Herbs that have been shown to help with hormone balance [5:24] What you should keep in mind if you opt for BHRT [5:48] Things that can help with detoxing the bad estrogens: calcium-d-glucarate, broccoli, sprouts, and DIM [6:17] Tips to help prepare yourself for a good night’s sleep [6:48] Links to search for a functional medicine doctor in your area: The Institute for Functional Medicine (https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117) and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (https://www.a4m.com/directory.html) [7:02] How to submit questions for Friday Q&A’s   Mentioned in this episode: How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally with JJ Virgin Free eBook on Tapping JJ Virgin Vitamin D Plus JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet Breakthrough Carb Intolerance Online Program JJ Virgin Extra Fiber JJ Virgin Omega Ultra (fish oil) Reignite Wellness Safety Net Plus JJ Virgin Sleep Candy Designs for Health FemGuard+Balance (enter the discount code 20DFH2018 to save 20% on your first purchase) Designs for Health BroccoProtect Designs for Health DIM-Evail Discovering the Link Between Menopause and Alzheimer’s Links to search for a functional medicine doctor in your area: The Institute for Functional Medicine (https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117) and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (https://www.a4m.com/directory.html) 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

As JJ says at the beginning of the episode, “Fasten your seat belts!” Get ready for an information-packed episode with Dr. Mercola on the dangers of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in cell phones and other wireless devices, and how to protect your health. Listen as Dr. Mercola shares what EMFs are and the many ways they can harm your body, plus how their dangers have been hidden from the public. Dr. Mercola also explains simple ways that you can reduce your EMF exposure, as well as diet, supplement, and fitness strategies that you can incorporate into your routine to curb oxidative stress in your body and maintain your health. Plus, find out how you can get Chapter 7 from Dr. Mercola’s groundbreaking book for free!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Chapter 7 from Dr. Mercola’s book, EMF*D: 5G, Wi-Fi & Cell Phones: Hidden Harms and How to Protect Yourself, for free by going to jjvirgin.com/5G.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Dr. Mercola explains why cell phones are the cigarettes of the 21st century. He explores the dangers of EMFs from cell phones and other wireless devices in his new book, EMF*D: 5G, Wi-Fi & Cell Phones: Hidden Harms and How to Protect Yourself. One way to reduce your EMF exposure is by putting your cell phone in airplane mode. You can also go online through a wired connection to your computer. When it comes to repairing the damage done by EMFs, reducing oxidative stress is important. Dr. Mercola shares the top diet, supplement, and fitness strategies that can help.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:43] Introduction to today’s episode [1:20] Dr. Mercola’s career briefing [2:40] Listener shout-out [3:30] Welcoming Dr. Mercola to the show  [4:38] Why cell phones are the cigarettes of the 21st century [6:09] Destroying the myths about the safety of cell phones [7:25] The connection between tumors and cell phones [8:18] What is 5G and why should we be wary of it? [9:52] What’s the difference between 4G and 5G when it comes to the impact on your health? [11:42] How does 5G technology compare to the dangers of X-rays? [13:18] Are the dangers of wireless devices widely accepted? [14:30] There are things you can do to protect your health. [15:05] Common symptoms of EMF sensitivity [17:08] The original title of Dr. Mercola’s book and why [17:53] Strategies that can help, as discussed in Dr. Mercola’s book, EMF*D: 5G, Wi-Fi & Cell Phones: Hidden Harms and How to Protect Yourself [18:43] Dr. Mercola is giving away Chapter 7 of his book, which includes recommendations to protect yourself from EMFs, for free. [19:58] Not all EMFs are bad.  [20:03] Within the spectrum of EMFs, we have sunlight.  [21:28] Limited vs. excessive EMF exposure [23:51] Why Dr. Mercola recommends putting your cell phone in airplane mode  [24:42] You can go online through a wired connection to your computer. [26:30] Are there things you can do to protect yourself when your phone is not in airplane mode? [27:46] Functions that still work while your phone is in airplane mode [28:15] What is a Faraday bag? [29:17] What can you do about your Wi-Fi router? [30:05] Even better is to switch to a wired connection. [30:44] What does Dr. Mercola do to protect himself in his own home? [31:34] The impact of EMFs on children [33:38] Are there things you can do to reverse the damage from exposure to EMFs? [35:00] The impact of a cyclical ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones on reducing oxidative stress [37:03] The benefits of magnesium, molecular hydrogen, and NADPH [39:33] The importance of maintaining healthy NAD levels [40:11] Two things that can radically increase your NAD levels: exercise and time-restricted eating [41:50] Carnosine can help decrease the effects of EMFs. [43:51] Top action steps from today’s episode       Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Mercola’s website EMF*D: 5G, Wi-Fi & Cell Phones: Hidden Harms and How to Protect Yourself Dr. Mercola’s books on Amazon How to Reduce Oxidative Stress to Slow Aging and Protect Your Health with Dr. Joe Mercola KetoFast with Dr. Joe Mercola Faraday bags on Amazon The New York Times article on cell phone privacy issues Keto-Nootropic by Designs for Health (exogenous ketones) – enter the discount code 20DFH2018 to save 20% on your first purchase 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

If you’re struggling with uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, joint pain, fatigue, headaches, or skin issues, leaky gut could be to blame! Tune in to today’s podcast episode as JJ talks all about leaky gut, including what it is, how it’s triggered, and the symptoms that can result. JJ also explains what you can do to feel better again, including foods to avoid and gut-healing foods to incorporate into your diet, as well as the supplement and lifestyle shifts that can go a long way toward improving gut health. Find out the simple action steps you can put into place today to start repairing your gut!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge by going to jjvirgin.com/leakygutsyndrome.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Tight junctions in your gut keep food and gut contents where they should be. With leaky gut, tight junctions begin to weaken and allow particles of partly digested food, waste, and toxins to escape into your bloodstream. Leaky gut can trigger symptoms like gas and bloating, joint pain, fatigue, headaches and skin problems. Leaky gut has also been shown to be a big trigger for autoimmune disease. To heal your gut, start by dropping the foods most likely to cause food intolerance and swapping them for healthy, tasty options. JJ also shares the top supplements that can help, which you can take individually or in one convenient dose of JJ Virgin Leaky Gut Support.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:32] Busting the myth that leaky gut isn’t real [1:16] Listener shout-out [2:38] The science behind leaky gut [3:11] What is leaky gut? [4:35] A common example of how leaky gut can occur [5:55] Symptoms of leaky gut [6:13] The link between leaky gut and autoimmune disease [6:36] What is zonulin and how is it related to leaky gut? [7:26] Why JJ recommends dropping gluten [8:36] How stress can contribute to leaky gut [8:55] Other leaky gut triggers [10:02] How to tell if you have leaky gut [11:00] Testing for leaky gut [11:52] JJ’s experience with food sensitivity testing [13:19] How JJ started swapping the foods most likely to cause food intolerance [14:47] Step 1: Start with The Virgin Diet [15:22] JJ’s top gut-healing foods [16:45] Supplements that can help with leaky gut: l-glutamine [18:11] How N-acetyl glucosamine can be helpful [18:32] The benefits of DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) in healing your gut [18:57] Slippery Elm creates a soothing barrier that can promote healing. [19:29] Quercetin has been shown to help seal the tight junctions in the gut. [20:53] The incredible impact that healing your gut can have on your symptoms [22:20] Next steps for healing your gut   Mentioned in this episode: 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Free tapping eBook Yourlabwork lab testing The Virgin Diet by JJ Virgin Breakthrough Food Intolerance Online Program JJ Virgin Omega Ultra (fish oil) JJ Virgin L-Glutamine Powder JJ Virgin Leaky Gut Support 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

In today’s episode, JJ reveals the truth about cholesterol and how to optimize your cholesterol levels. Listen as JJ shares the cholesterol markers you should be asking your healthcare provider for, as well as her top diet and supplement tips that can go a long way toward helping you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. JJ also answers a listener’s question about fruit, explaining her favorite fruits and what makes them good options. Today’s Q&A is packed with information to help you be your own best health detective!   Main Points From Today’s Episode It’s not all about lowering cholesterol! Listen as JJ talks about HDL and LDL cholesterol, and what you need to know about each. JJ shares the cholesterol markers you should be looking at, as well as her top tips to help optimize your cholesterol levels. When it comes to supplements, the supplement annatto tocotrienols has been shown to help reduce cholesterol by as much as 15-20% in some people. Another listener asks if any fruits are better than others. JJ shares her favorite fruits and what makes them good options.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:34] Listener’s question: What are 1-2 things I can do to lower my cholesterol? [0:52] HDL and LDL cholesterol, and what you need to know about each [1:00] The cholesterol markers you want to be looking at: Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), LDL and HDL particle size and number, homocysteine, fibrinogen, ApoE4, Apo A and Apo B, serum ferritin, insulin, and blood sugar, including hemoglobin A1c [2:02] What you need to keep in mind when you’re lowering cholesterol [2:15] One of the issues with statins [2:49] Foods rich in soluble fiber that can help with cholesterol reduction [3:12] How making an oil change can make a difference [3:27] The impact of sugar [3:32] The supplement annatto tocotrienols has been shown to help reduce cholesterol by as much as 15-20% in some people. [4:08] Concluding remarks about cholesterol [4:25] Second listener’s question: Are any fruits better than others besides green bananas? [4:30] Start by eating seasonally, locally, and opting for organic. [4:44] The benefits of resistant starch in green bananas [5:02] JJ’s favorite fruits and why [5:22] Where fruit gets into trouble [5:32] How much fruit should you have? [6:03] The benefits of frozen fruit   Mentioned in this episode: JJ Virgin Extra Fiber JJ Virgin Omega Ultra Breakthrough Carb Intolerance Online Program JJ Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet Annatto Tocotrienols from Designs for Health (enter the discount code 20DFH2018 to save 20% on your first purchase) Yourlabwork lab testing 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

Nicolas Ortner, CEO of The Tapping Solution, joins JJ today to discuss how to use tapping to lower stress and anxiety. Tapping is a healing modality that combines ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. Tapping is amazingly effective for many different things, both physical and emotional. The free app offers a quick demo and multiple tapping meditations that you can apply to many different situations. Come listen to this amazing podcast episode and get excited about how tapping can change your life today!     Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Nick Ortner’s free tapping app by going to jjvirgin.com/tapping.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Tapping is a technique to address stress in the body. The free app demonstrates how this simple action step can address emotional and physical issues. Tapping has immediate results. It has amazing benefits – some people experience results after just one 10-minute tapping session. Tapping can be used alongside other therapies. It is great to use with kids, whose ability to communicate emotions may not be very well developed.   Episode Play-By-Play [5:20] How Nick got involved with tapping (EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique) [7:00] Nick explains how EFT takes away a bad feeling. It’s not just you deciding not to feel bad about something...it’s just gone. [10:18] Making a movie about tapping [14:00] Nick’s secret to tapping success [21:20] What exactly is tapping, and what different things can it be used for? [28:00] Research on how tapping affects our bodies and emotions [34:26] Tapping works well in conjunction with other therapies, like talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, especially in children. [36:00] Tapping is super easy to pick up by downloading the app.   Action Steps: Get the free Tapping Solution App Use tapping as a prep tool before meditation if you’re having difficulty.     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 Tapping Solution The Tapping Solution app Previous podcast with Nick Ortner Research EFT Universe on tapping Previous podcast with Dawson Church Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, JJ shares 10 simple, effective ground rules for losing weight and keeping it off for good! Listen as JJ shares the number one way to start your day to set up your metabolism to help you lose weight, as well as her top meal timing tips and culprit foods that can stall your progress. Plus, find out about the importance of getting quality sleep, managing your stress, and choosing the right type of exercise to boost fat burning. You don’t want to miss JJ’s tried-and-true strategies that nourish your body while consistently delivering results!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Stress Relief Guide, including her free Stress Quiz, by going to jjvirgin.com/groundrules.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Research shows that people who lose weight quickly tend to lose more weight and keep it off. The tips in today’s episode not only will help you lose weight quickly, they will also help you keep it off for good. The number one ground rule for fast, lasting weight loss is to start your day with a protein shake. With a protein shake, you get a quick, filling breakfast that tastes amazing and sets you up for sustained energy and a speedier metabolism to help you lose weight. Start by picking one thing to focus on! Once that’s dialed in, you can move on to the next thing.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:36] Introduction to today’s topic [1:10] Listener shout-out [2:30] The number one ground rule for fast, lasting weight loss: start your day with a protein shake [3:52] Number two: eat by the clock [6:27] JJ’s tips for incorporating an overnight fast into your routine [7:24] Fiber is your secret weapon for weight loss. [8:27] Number three: stop counting calories [9:42] The fourth ground rule: wean yourself off of inflammatory sugars [10:25] How to transition off of high-sugar impact foods [10:49] Number five: address your food intolerances [12:00] Don’t let the enemy into the house: the seventh ground rule [13:02] Number eight: ditch prolonged endurance exercise [14:35] Get quality sleep: number nine [15:37] Number ten: stress less [16:07] The link between stress and belly fat [18:30] Top takeaways from today’s episode [19:55] Start with one thing!   Mentioned in this episode: 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Top 15 High Fiber Foods JJ Virgin Extra Fiber Got 8 Minutes? How to Build a Fat-Burning Burst Training Workout Fast Fitness Online Program Oura Ring Yourlabwork lab testing (for adrenal testing and more) 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

In today’s podcast episode JJ answers 2 questions from the community about protein! Listen to find out why your body needs protein and how much protein you need to thrive. JJ also shares the best sources of clean, lean protein for vegans and vegetarians, as well as the top protein options for non-vegetarians. Plus, if you’re under stress or over age 35, find out the supplement you may need to add to your routine to ensure you’re reaping all the rewards of the protein you’re eating!   Main Points From Today’s Episode Protein is key for strong muscles and bones, as well as great hair, skin, and nails. The amino acids that make up protein are also essential for helping escort toxins from your body. The amount of protein that you need will vary, and if you’re under chronic stress or healing from an injury, you will need more. JJ’s basic rule of thumb is to get .75 grams to 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass. JJ shares the best sources of clean, lean protein for vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians. It’s also crucial to make sure that you’re digesting your protein well.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:38] Listener question number one: What are some good vegetarian high-protein options? [0:42] Another listener’s question: What are the top protein sources? [0:52] Why do you need protein? [1:30] How much protein do you need? [2:40] The best vegetarian and vegan protein options [4:20] What are the best non-vegetarian protein sources? [5:15] It’s crucial to make sure that you’re digesting your protein well. [5:30] If you’re under stress or over the age of 35, adding in a high-quality digestive enzyme can be a big help.   Mentioned in this episode: JJ Virgin Protein Shakes JJ Virgin Bars Reignite Wellness Safety Net Plus by JJ Virgin How to Create Healthy Vegan & Vegetarian Meals Every Time (contains the top vegan and vegetarian protein options) A Dozen Great Foods for Clean, Lean Protein (contains both vegetarian and non-vegetarian protein options) 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

Today, Karen Martel, nutrition coach, women’s weight loss expert, and host of the podcast, The Other Side of Weight Loss, joins JJ to discuss weight loss plateaus and what you can do to bust through them! Listen to find out some of the contributing factors to leveling out your weight loss, the repercussions of long-term weight loss plans, and how you can help your metabolism get back on track. Join Karen and JJ for this super interesting and informative podcast episode now!     Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Karen’s free quiz, along with a free 2-week meal plan, by going to jjvirgin.com/variety.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Long-term diets can lose their effectiveness after a certain point. Your body outsmarts lower calorie intake by slowing down your metabolism. Decreasing your calorie intake can harm your body. You need to vary your diet to outwit your metabolism. Giving up your current diet plan may result in a few added pounds. In the long run, though, having a healthy body will shift your metabolism back into gear.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:40] Why Karen got into weight loss and diet variation [8:10] You have to figure out your ideal normal. A lot of people have no idea what feeling good feels like. [12:30] Karen’s findings of women on keto diets [14:25] Why do we stall on weight loss? [14:30] Defining what qualifies as ‘low carb’ [16:30] What are the repercussions of long-term, low-carb or keto diets, and weight loss? [17:30] Fasting is great, but when it’s overdone, it can cause this issue [18:15] Discussion of the Carnivore Diet [19:40] What to do if you’ve slowed down your metabolism and plateaued [21:00] Sometimes in an effort to get your body back to a healthy state, this may happen [23:00] How to reincorporate carbs if you’ve been low-carb for a long time [23:40] Another suggestion is cycling, and for women who already have a natural cycle, it’s getting used to responding to what your body is telling you it wants [26:00] Determining your cycle can also be affected by any issues you may already be working with   Top Takeaways Really dig into what “feeling good” and your “normal” feels like (ex. sleep, bowel movements, mood, etc.) Take Karen’s quiz     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 Breakthrough Carb Intolerance online program The Other Side of Weight Loss podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices