Well Beyond 40

Today JJ talks about how having a healthy mindset can affect our physical body. When we have a good mental outlook, we are more resilient, and better able to deal with any challenges that come our way, including those that are diet-related. Listen in today and get ready to change the way you think.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free GAM handout by going to jjvirgin.com/think.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Resilience, gratitude, community, and forgiveness are essential mental and emotional traits for weight loss success. Practice these to make your weight loss journey easier. Your perception of something can have a physical result. So keep your attitude positive no matter what challenges come your way. A diet is more than just what you’re putting on the plate or watching the scale. It is a mindset of positivity that you must have in order to yield the best results and a happy life.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:56] Everything is created twice; before you can create something, you have to do this [1:20] Dr. David Bressler recommends this technique for success [3:50] “When it comes to the uphill battle that is weight loss, your mindset is your greatest asset.” [4:30] Once you lose weight, one of the best things you can do to keep it off is this [5:13] Different ways mental and emotional well-being can predict weight loss. [8:05] Study showing how people’s perception of a thing affects them physically [9:15] What are some ways we can show gratitude and reap the benefits? [10:00] Another mindset hack that is foundational and game changing [11:40] All of these things help reduce stress, which means greater results here [12:45] “Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.” Jonathan Lockwood Huie [13:35] This topic is a huge factor in your weight loss journey [16:18] Social media is great for learning and education, but making sure you are staying connected this way is just as important [17:40] This last factor is the ability to bounce back [19:50] Instead of behaving badly and blaming circumstances when things are hard, instead train now so that you’re prepared for when things get challenging. [20:00] The 4 things discussed are important not only for overall mental health, but also for this.     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 Dr. Raphael Kellman podcast episode GAM Warrior Mom by JJ Virgin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! JJ answers a listener’s question about the best ways to safely and effectively do bodybuilding exercises for women over 50. She talks about supporting these body systems and reminds us how important rest and recovery is at any age.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:30] What type of body do you have?  [2:22]  For women over 50, you must pay attention to this [3:20]  To support these systems, avoid these types of exercises, rest and take these supplements [4:42] Women over 50 must also consider their hormones & eat foods rich in phytoestrogens. [5:20] Your body needs this as much as exercise [6:20] HIIT exercise [7:06] Resistance training [9:40] After 30, you should take this supplement when you eat out     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 From DFH - Save 20% on your first purchase with the discount code 20DFH2018 Adrenotone Adrenal Complex DHEA Annatto-GG Oura Ring Xiser Safety Net Plus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join JJ as she talks with Aaron Alexander, therapist and movement coach, as they discuss the small changes you can make to posture and alignment to improve your body mechanics. Many of us have experienced injury or discomfort, and as a result, our bodies get out of alignment, which only makes things worse. Aaron reviews how to take back control and improve how your body moves and functions. Tune in for this enlightening episode.     Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Aaron’s 7-day free Align program trial by going to jjvirgin.com/align.   Main Points From Today’s Episode After injury or discomfort, we tend to change our posture or gait. This can result in our body’s misalignment and increase our pain. Paying attention to our posture and adjusting with small movements can improve how we feel. Getting up and moving more often is also vital. Increasing awareness to the ways our body tenses allows us to change things that cause it. `   Episode Play-By-Play [5:23] How Aaron became interested in posture and how it affects many different components of life [6:55] A big challenge for people is how this can change the way you hold your body and move [8:06] The human body is a complex system. If you change anything, you change everything. [8:25] Even thoughts can affect the way you hold and move your body. [8:55] Defining posture and body language [11:15] Where do you really feel emotion? [13:00] One of the impacts of looking at things closely (ie, phones, computers) [14:02] Some of the ways you can unwind [17:02] What are some of the benefits of making these little shifts? [21:41] Advantages of doing microbursts of exercise throughout the day vs all at once [25:08] How much time will it take to incorporate Align exercises into your routine?   Action Step Get the free trial and do it!       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 Aaron Alexander podcast The Align Method book Cell Phones Removed photographs Joan Vernikos, Director of Life Sciences for NASA Xiser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s podcast episode, JJ discusses the many ways fiber improves your health. From digestion to heart health to blood sugar balance, increasing fiber in your diet makes many body systems run better. JJ discusses the amount of fiber we should be eating and provides a list of high-fiber foods so you can increase your daily intake. Listen in to this informative episode and start upping your fiber today!     Main Points From Today’s Episode Fiber is instrumental for many different functions of the body. Increasing fiber improves a varied array of body systems. Most of us aren’t getting enough fiber in our diet. The secret is to increase fiber slowly to avoid discomfort. It’s easy to increase the amount of fiber we eat each day. Check out the list of high-fiber foods and begin adding those in every day.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00] If fiber were a drug, it would be prescribed by every doctor for help with the following needs [2:58] Fiber makes a big impact on this weight issue [3:40] Mechanism of how fiber creates satiety [5:30] Fiber balances blood sugar by doing this [7:05] How fiber impacts the gut microbiome [8:05] Fiber reduces the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by this method [9:45] Recommended amounts of fiber intake per day [11:14] Ways to get to the recommended intake [11:35] Soluble or insoluble fiber, what’s the difference? [13:54] What’s resistant starch and what’s the benefit of eating it? [15:40] How quickly should you increase additional fiber? [16:35] Fiber rich foods - see below   Action Steps Incorporate more fiber into your morning smoothie. Increase water at the same time.     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 XX Brain and Brain Food books by Dr Lisa Mosconi Smoothie Guide Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse recipe Lemon-Aid recipe JJ Virgin Extra Fiber     High Fiber Food List Beans and lentils (13-16 grams per cup) Artichokes (10 grams per cup) Berries (8 grams per cup) Avocado (7 grams per cup) Broccoli (5 grams per cup) Chia seeds (5.5 grams per Tbsp) Cooked quinoa (5 grams per cup) Brussels sprouts (4 grams per cup) Rolled oats (4 grams per cup) Apples (2.6 grams per cup) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, JJ answers a question from a listener asking about doing HIIT and whether there are exercise limits for people over 50. Age doesn’t have to have an impact on what our bodies are able to do. There are general outlines for doing HIIT effectively and other types of exercise that will benefit all body types, but especially as we age. Join JJ today.   Episode Play-By-Play Question from Halle - I’m 52 years old and I’ve been working out since I was 11 years old. Go, team, go team Halle. I did HIIT five days a week for one hour and was constantly sore. So recently I switched to three days a week and incorporated hot Vinyasa yoga for 60 to 90 minutes into my routine. At my age, is this better for my fitness goals and longevity? How are our bones, muscles and metabolism affected by fitness at this age and in our elder years?   [1:30] First thing to address is the concept of how exercise needs to reduce as we get older. [1:45] High Interval Intensity Training recommendations. [3:18] Make sure to give yourself time for this [3:30] As we age, things deteriorate and this is the best type of exercise to combat that [4:30] Some other critical things to watch out for       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 Oura Ring Safety Net Plus digestive enzymes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steven Masley, physician, nutritionist, and chef talks with JJ today about a new skinny twist on the Mediterranean diet. Eating Mediterranean means clean, lean protein and fresh produce. But it also involves lifestyle habits, choosing to leave electronics away from meal times and share that time with family and loved ones instead. It means being more active in our day-to-day life and shopping more often to make sure we get the freshest food onto our tables. Listen in as JJ and Dr. Masley review the ways the Mediterranean diet has been updated and why it’s such a clear next-step after completing The Virgin Diet or Sugar Impact Diet.   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Masley’s free guide, A Mediterranean Kitchen Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/medmethod.   Main Points From Today’s Episode The Mediterranean Diet has been called the number one diet on the planet. It incorporates many of the same ideals as The Virgin Diet and Sugar Impact Diet. Portion size is a factor. Some foods are fine as an appetizer but not a main course. Another factor is the meal time itself. We need to slow down, put away distractions and focus on the people at our tables.   Episode Play-By-Play [4:50] The Mediterranean diet has been rated the #1 diet on the planet for these reasons [9:20] What do randomized clinical trials show about the Mediterranean Diet? [10:20] This food is an important part of the diet, and has a huge impact on blocking this from happening [11:33] Eating smaller portions on a regular basis helps your body process this food with no discomfort. [12:25] Other food rock stars in this eating plan [14:44] Here’s the twist on this Mediterranean Diet [15:50] These foods are okay to eat, but as an appetizer, not a main dish. [18:45] Do you know which country has the longest-lived people? [19:50] This European tradition may be the reason why their nation doesn’t struggle with weight [24:05] Do this when shopping for fresh foods   Key Takeaways: Eat regionally, seasonally and locally. Take more time with meals (no electronics).   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 Virgin Diet The Sugar Impact Diet The Mediterranean Method Dry Farm Wines Vital Choice Butcher Box Thrive Market Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ has been drinking protein shakes for over 25 years. She gives the rundown on the trifecta of fat, fiber and protein you should always have in your shakes, and talks about the absolute no-nos. She’ll talk about the size of your smoothies and give some great examples of the ingredients and sources that are vital to keeping your body well-fed so you can go 4-6 hours between meals. Listen today as JJ “shakes things up!”   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free recipes and ideas by going to jjvirgin.com/perfectsmoothie.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Protein shakes are a great way to start your day. But there are a lot of misleading ideas about what is good to put into one. As a meal replacement, you need to make sure you’ve got the trifecta of healthy fats, fiber and protein. Another easy misunderstanding is how much smoothie you should drink to be considered a meal. Most people make their drinks way too small.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:40] What to do and what not to do when making protein shakes [1:37] The link between starting your day with a meal replacement shake and weight loss [2:20] Benefits of starting your day with a protein shake [5:00] First, don’t use these ingredients in any smoothie or shake [6:45] These are the best ingredients to add [7:45] Use these liquids instead of juice, dairy or water [9:10] Smoothies are meal replacements, make sure yours are big enough. [10:10] Don’t use these sources of protein powder [11:35] Bulk up on this ingredient in your smoothies, however, increase to 35-50 grams slowly [13:05] You really need to make sure the healthy version of this ingredient gets into every smoothie. [15:00] List of protein ingredients, including vegan or plant-based [16:20] Watch out for these ingredients when buying protein powder [16:50] List of some fiber ingredients - cacao nibs, avocado, fruits, chia seeds, flax seeds, leafy greens, JJ Virgin Extra Fiber   Action Step: Make your shakes with clean, lean protein, healthy fats and fiber. Make sure your shake is at least 20 oz.   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 Dr. David Perlmutter JJ Virgin Three-in-One Sprinkles Sugar Impact Diet JJ Virgin Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shake JJ Virgin Plant-Based All-In-One Shake Smoothie Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Q&A! In today’s episode, JJ answers a question regarding if protein shakes are a good idea after resistance training. She’ll talk about things you should be focused on to get the best results from your workouts, and supplements that are important to include if you’re hitting it hard. Stay tuned to hear JJ’s opinion.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Adrienne Lopresti  asks, “After heavy resistance training, do you recommend a recovery protein shake?” [1:13] Instead of the timing of your diet, these are the things you should focus on. [2:08] These supplements are really important to anyone over the age of 35 or under any kind of stress. [4:52] You don’t ever want to go do a hard workout in this condition.     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 Dr. Alan Christianson Ben Greenfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ and integrative functional dietitian, Ali Miller, discuss stress and the ways it affects the body. When our bodies are in circumstances considered stressful, whether it’s escaping a near accident or having an argument with a co-worker, they react the same way. There are ways to combat that stress, and diet is a great one. JJ and Ali discuss the best diets and their recommendations for eating clean foods. Tune in for this super informative episode!       Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Ali’s free 2 Week Food as Medicine Meal Plan by going to jjvirgin.com/alimiller.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Our bodies are under a great deal of stress. Chemically, they react the same way whether they’re being chased by a lion or dealing with rush hour traffic. To combat stress, we need to provide our body with as much nurturing as possible. Diet is a great place to start. Keto is one of many types of diets, and may be right for some. Something we can all do that will help is to eat as clean as possible.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00] How does ongoing stress affect you, and what can you do about it? [1:40] Can diets be incorporated into your routine without causing more anxiety? [5:40] Ali’s reason for focusing on anxiety [7:10] Some things to watch out for if you want to begin eating vegan or raw vegan [8:09] What is the GAPS diet? [10:08] A little bit of this feeling is good for you. [10:40] Your body physically responds to stress in ways that are completely out of proportion to the circumstances causing you anxiety. [12:05] The physiological effects on your body when in “fight or flight” mode [13:58] Knowing that we can’t escape stress in our environment, what can we do to better deal with it? [15:28] Knowing that all diets can be right for certain people at specific times, when is keto the right diet? [16:05] The human body is a hybrid, it runs on both of these things. [17:00] Good reasons to start a keto diet [18:50] Leptin, how it’s made and how it affects our body [22:10] The absolute must for beginning a keto diet is to eat these kinds of foods. [22:23] Ali uses a great analogy for swapping sweeteners. [25:50] Recommended foods [30:55] Stress vs distress   Action Steps: Look at what in your life causes stress and see if you can change it, or at least change your perception. Lower your carbohydrate intake, a great way to do that is with the Sugar Impact Diet. Add more fresh veggies and clean protein to your diet.     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 Sugar Impact Diet Online Program The Anti-Anxiety Diet Cookbook Naturally Nourished podcast Pique Tea Collagen Powder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today JJ discusses what sugar does to your body. She’ll review different types of sweeteners, including natural and artificial options, and give her opinion on each. Tune in to find out what JJ thinks about sweeteners like table sugar, aspartame, and saccharin, as well as options like stevia, monk fruit, and sugar alcohols. JJ shares the reasons why you might want certain sweeteners in your life, and why you want others out pronto!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s quiz “Are You a Sugar Burner or a Fat Burner?” by going to jjvirgin.com/sugaroptions.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Sugar is an absolute no-no. Here are some alternatives that can be safely incorporated instead. As a nation, our sugar intake has increased dramatically. As a direct result, our levels of obesity and illness have also increased. There are some safe and beneficial sugar alternatives. However, we must limit the amount of sweeteners we consume, healthy or not.   Episode Play-By-Play [4:30] Many people have questions about sugar alternatives. [5:00] While the glycemic index was a good start, what we need to focus on is how sugar and alternatives affect this [6:22] What sweeteners you should absolutely not be using [7:14] These diseases and illnesses are made significantly worse by consuming sugar [8:05] Control your sugar intake, any food you eat should have this many grams or less of sugar [8:45] If an alternative sweetener is all-natural, does that mean it’s good for you? [9:35] Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver, which will turn it into this [11:00] The impact of drinking one diet soda a day [12:07] When you eat sweet, you crave this [13:28] Artificial sweeteners cause calorie dysregulation. What is that? [14:20] Here are some healthier artificial sweetener options [15:50] Discussing stevia [17:40] JJ’s thoughts on allulose [19:54] Discussing sugar alcohols [21:25] Talking about monk fruit or lo han guo [23:00] Discussing glycine [24:14] Two additional options that people don’t usually think of as sweeteners [27:44] The absolute worst sweeteners that need to be removed from your diet today [30:45] Make sure you’re eating a trifecta of these types of foods     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 Sweet Treats Guide Sugar Impact Diet Creamy Chocolate Protein Pudding Paleo Pumpkin Brownies Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse KNOW Foods When Is It Okay to Use Stevia blog Study on Stevia Study on Allulose Study on Monk Fruit Study on Glycine Keto Chews Zevia Soda JJ Virgin Sprinkles Lemon-Aid recipe (Stay tuned, these two are still being developed) Pumpkin Almond Cream Cheese Cheesecake Champagne Vinaigrette from Cal a Vie Spa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices