Well Beyond 40

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

Dr. Fiona McCulloch joins JJ on today’s episode. She is a naturopathic doctor and founder of White Lotus Integrative Medicine in Toronto, Canada. Her book, 8 Steps To Reverse Your PCOS, offers methods for the natural treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Dr Fiona and JJ discuss how circadian rhythm affects the fat cells in our bodies. Fat cells produce hormones, break down chemicals and inform the brain on energy stores. When we learn the most efficient time to eat, not only can we optimize our metabolism, but our bodies are also able to function much easier!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Fiona’s free Food Insulin Demand List by going to jjvirgin.com/drfionaclock   Main Points From Today’s Episode Fat cells are affected by circadian rhythms. They perform very different tasks in the morning than they do at night. Fat cells do more than just store excess weight. They play an important role in many different processes in the body. To adjust our diets to take advantage of the circadian rhythm, Dr. Fiona recommends fasting overnight. Close your kitchen after dinner!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:13] Discussing fat cells and circadian rhythm [1:20] When to eat is almost as important as what to eat [4:13] What is circadian rhythm and why does it matter? [4:30] Cortisol actually has a higher activity rate at this time of day [5:50] How does circadian rhythm affect the body’s ability to lose weight? [7:13] Fat is more than just a type of weight. It plays an important role in hormone function and informing the brain about this. [7:50] How does circadian rhythm affect fat cells and how they function? [7:55] Dr Fiona discusses the results of a study done on a group of people. [8:55] There was a profound difference in what fat cells were doing in the morning and at nighttime. [10:22] JJ talks about progression of thinking about how often you should eat, what window of time you should eat. [11:14] How the circadian rhythm ties in with intermittent fasting times [12:45] Fat cells are just as affected by the times we eat as they are by the food we eat. [13:30] How many hours before bed should you stop eating? [14:40] If you’re going to overindulge, what are the best times of day? [16:30] The best window of time to eat [17:50] One of the big factors Dr Fiona looks at is insulin resistance. If someone is really struggling, periods of fasting are times when there will be minimal insulin in the body. [18:50] When you are constantly eating, you interfere with the body’s normal functioning, which requires a fasting state to operate optimally. [19:40] Dr. Fiona’s free Food Insulin Demand list is a matrix that shows how much insulin is produced when eating a certain food. Challenge: Close the kitchen 3 hours before bed. Fast for at least 12 hours overnight, a 14-16-hour fast is even better.     Mentioned in this episode: 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS 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

The habits that make you store fat can easily sneak into your daily life! Listen as JJ explains the top culprits behind fat storage, from poor sleep and chronic stress to snacking and the wrong type of exercise. JJ also shares how to avoid those common pitfalls so you can upgrade your fat metabolism for good!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free “Are You a Sugar Burner or Fat Burner?” quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/storefat.   Main Points From Today’s Episode You don’t change your health overnight. You change it over time, going through habits one by one that are not working for you. While most people focus on what they can do to burn more fat, it’s crucial to know the common habits that can make you store excess body fat in the first place. JJ talks about the 9 worst habits for your waistline. This one may be a surprise: prolonged steady-state endurance exercise can make you store fat! JJ explains how you can work out in less time and get better results.   Episode Play-By-Play [:32] Introduction to today’s episode [1:10] How to submit a question for the Friday Q&A episodes [1:35] JJ’s story of struggling to lose weight in the past [3:08] Listener shout-out [5:04] The top habits that make you store fat [5:34] When you don’t sleep well, you become more insulin resistant. [5:55] The impact of lack of sleep on your hunger hormones [7:15] Why it’s important to track your sleep  [8:01] JJ’s experience with chronic stress, and how chronic stress can lead to excess belly fat [10:02] Strategies to manage your stress levels [10:43] The link between too much fructose and fat storage [12:24] How prolonged endurance exercise can make your body store fat [14:10] The dark side of snacking [14:35] How to shrink your eating window [15:38] Protein, healthy fat, and fiber helps keep your blood sugar stable. [16:06] Alcohol sidelines fat burning and stimulates your appetite. [16:42] Why you shouldn’t eat late at night [17:19] JJ’s tips on meal timing [18:30] Why highly reactive foods could be stalling your progress [19:55] Which sugars to choose and which to lose [21:52] JJ’s takeaways from today’s episode and next steps   Mentioned in this episode: Oura Ring Free eBook on tapping Ziva Meditation Subscribe to Reignite Wellness with JJ Virgin Handling Stress...We Got This! Fast Fitness Online Program Xiser Dry Farm Wines 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge 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

Emily Lark and JJ discuss back pain; the best way to treat it, the worst things you can do, and stretches and exercises to improve strength and flexibility for a stronger healthier back. Emily Lark is a speaker, author, fitness expert and creator of the internationally bestselling program Back to Life. After living most of her life with debilitating back pain, Emily created a method to naturally heal back pain that has now helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world.     Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Emily Lark’s free Healthy Back Checklist by going to jjvirgin.com/healthyback.   Main Points From Today’s Episode One of the worst things to do for your back is rest it. Movement and exercise is a better answer. Strength training is essential for every kind of pain we have. The stronger we are, the more support we have for our joints, our backs, everything. Mobility and flexibility are essential for healthy backs. The more malleable our disks are, the easier our backs can adjust.   Episode Play-By-Play   [0:04] One of the worst things folks can do is rest their backs. [4:27] Emily’s reason for exploring back pain [5:44] 80% of people have some experience with back pain. [6:06] One of the main reasons for people experiencing back pain [8:00] When we have back issues, our tendency is to stop moving, but that’s only making the problem worse. [8:40] The more flexible and more malleable our disks are, the easier our backs can adjust. [10:00] These are the two main things to focus on if you are having back pain. [10:30] Exercising to improve strength & mobility in the core, low back and pelvis [11:44] Exercising the core and the glutes creates strong muscles surrounding the pelvis, which helps muscles in the low back release. [13:15] Here’s a stretch for tight hips and glutes [17:15] Emily feels strength training is essential for every kind of pain we have. And that yoga is the perfect complement. [20:45] Healthy back checklist   Challenge: 6 way mobility, 3 times a day. Record in your daily journal. Challenge: Get Emily’s Healthy Back Checklist at jjvirgin.com/healthyback   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 Back to Life - The Complete Healthy Back System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say goodbye to heartburn and acid reflux! In today’s podcast episode, JJ reveals the true cause of heartburn, as well as her top tips on how to relieve heartburn symptoms without resorting to antacids. Listen to find out about the dangerous long-term consequences of acid-reducing medications, as well as the diet and lifestyle strategies that can help you address heartburn symptoms safely and naturally. You don’t have to suffer from heartburn any longer!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Gut Health Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/nomoreheartburn.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Conventional wisdom says that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly called heartburn, occurs when too much stomach acid splashes upwards toward your esophagus, creating burning and discomfort. However, research shows that too little – not too much – stomach acid often creates GERD. Over-the-counter antacids and prescription acid-reducing medications often mask underlying problems and can make things worse in the long run. That “little purple pill” has now been proven to cause dangerous vitamin deficiencies and increased risk of osteoporosis, immune problems, and premature death! Losing weight and minimizing problem foods are two strategies that can help relieve heartburn symptoms. Some trigger foods include coffee, tea, tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, and gluten-containing foods.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:35] Introduction to today’s episode [1:03] Common symptoms of heartburn [2:24] Listener shout-out [3:04] Busting the myth that too much stomach acid is the cause of GERD [3:48] How stress and aging can contribute to GERD [4:48] Antacids don’t fix the underlying problem, and can actually make things worse in the long run. [5:02] Too little stomach acid as the culprit behind GERD [5:43] The consequences of too little stomach acid [6:22] JJ’s story about a man who had been on acid-reducing medication for years and discovered that he had osteoporosis [6:45] The adverse effects of acid-reducing medications [7:25] Strategies to relieve heartburn naturally [7:48] How weight loss can help with GERD [8:33] Strategies to help balance blood sugar levels and boost weight loss [9:26] Common foods that can trigger heartburn symptoms [10:06] Drink up (but at the right time). [10:50] Studies show that reducing or eliminating high-sugar impact foods can help relieve GERD. [11:41] Why you should drop gluten [12:38] Slow down - research shows that people who are plowing through their meals suffer more GERD. [14:00] How digestive enzymes with betaine HCl can help [14:57] It’s important to get great sleep. [15:22] Why you need to stop eating at least 3 hours before bed [16:08] Create a power-down hour! [16:53] JJ takes Sleep Candy every night. [17:24] It’s crucial to manage your stress levels. [18:50] Start by picking one thing, and then tracking your symptoms in a journal. [19:33] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode   Mentioned in this episode: 9 Steps to Reduce Acid Reflux Without Antacids JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge How to Build a Balanced Meal: The Sugar Impact Plate Reignite Wellness Safety Net Plus JJ Virgin Sleep Candy 7 Ways to Fall & Stay Asleep Free e-book on tapping Ziva Meditation 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 tired during the day, yet struggle to fall asleep at night, you need to listen to this podcast episode! Listen as JJ shares her top tips for getting the quality sleep you need, including her favorite ways to wind down in the evening and how to create a calming bedtime routine. JJ also reveals the things that can interfere with your sleep and how to avoid them so you can get your z’s at night and stay energized all day long!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Introduction to today’s episode [0:57] Community question: Do you have quick tips for sleep? I’m super tired during the day and I have insomnia at night. [1:13] Establish a routine at night. [1:37] What defines a good night’s sleep? [1:55] The first thing you should do when you wake up in the morning [2:43] Why you should figure out if you’re a slow or fast caffeine metabolizer [3:20] Other strategies to wind down at night [3:42] It’s important to shut down all electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime. [4:08] What you eat at dinner can affect your blood sugar levels during the night. That’s why it’s key to eat a balanced meal with clean, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber. [4:22] How alcohol can interfere with your sleep [4:30] JJ takes her Sleep Candy every night! [5:02] The quality of your sleep matters! [5:15] How to submit a question for JJ   Mentioned in this episode: Sleep Candy Oura Ring 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

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

Time to get the scoop on collagen! In today’s podcast episode, JJ explains what exactly collagen is and how supplementing with collagen can help with everything from fighting signs of aging like wrinkles, joint pain, and bone loss to supporting your heart and gut health. JJ also shares how much collagen you need to look and feel your best, as well as when extra collagen can help. Plus, find out easy, yummy ways to add collagen to your routine!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Gluten-Free Collagen Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe by going to jjvirgin.com/collagen.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Collagen is the most common form of protein in your body. It’s in your skin, hair, nails, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscle tissue – even in your arteries! As soon as we reach age 20, our collagen production begins to decrease by about 1% each year. Supplementing with collagen can help fight signs of aging like wrinkles and joint pain, plus it has been shown to help prevent bone loss. JJ shares easy ways to add collagen to your diet. She loves making yummy, collagen-rich smoothies using her Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shakes and Complete Beauty Collagen Powder.   Episode Play-By-Play [0:35] Introduction to today’s episode [1:17] Listener shout-out [3:03] JJ wrote The Virgin Diet to help you become your own personal health detective. [4:04] JJ’s thoughts on fasting, including how to prepare your body for success and how to tell if fasting is right for you [5:23] Time-restricted feeding triggers a cellular detoxification process called autophagy. [6:05] What exactly is collagen and where is it found? [6:40] The consequences of lower levels of collagen due to aging [6:55] How much collagen you need and reasons you may need more collagen [7:17] How collagen can help with signs of aging [8:11] Supplementing with collagen can help with joint stiffness and loss of mobility. [8:47] JJ’s experience with an injury [9:59] Collagen triggers your body to repair the structure of your joints. [10:23] The benefits of collagen in supporting bone health [11:23] Other nutrients and lifestyle strategies that can help you maintain strong bones [12:20] You may be surprised to find out that collagen can help with heart health! [13:00] The effects of lean muscle mass on your metabolism [14:00] How collagen can help with muscle growth and recovery [14:45] When you’re healing from an injury or surgery, you’ll want to increase your collagen intake. [15:50] Collagen contains amino acids that heal and soothe the lining of your gut. [16:00] What is leaky gut and how can it harm your health? [17:20] How to include more collagen in your diet [18:11] You can add high-quality collagen powder to just about anything! [18:30] Spirulina contains glycine and proline, which are the main amino acids that make up collagen. [19:11] JJ’s top takeaways from today’s episode [20:22] Easy ways to use collagen before a workout [20:52] JJ’s challenge for you [21:18] Check in with your symptoms on a regular basis.     Mentioned in this episode: How Much Collagen Do You Need? 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Protein Shake Complete Beauty Collagen Powder The Flavor Chef Bone Broth 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 is answering 3 top questions from the community. Listen to find out how to stay on track with your healthy eating plan even if your family isn’t board, as well as where to find support and encouragement to help you reach your weight loss goals. Plus, JJ shares her top tips on packing healthy lunches so you can fuel your body with nourishing food while at work or on the go!   Episode Play-By-Play [0:30] Question #1: How do you commit and stay on track when your family isn’t following the same plan? [1:03] Start by letting them know what you’re going to do and asking them if they want to be involved.  [1:25] Grab our yummy recipes and start making them! [1:35] How to handle requests from family members for foods that aren’t good for them [2:20] When others aren’t forced to follow a healthy eating plan, JJ has noticed that many times, they come around. [2:48] JJ’s story about a family of 4 who collectively lost hundreds of pounds [3:43] Question #2: I’ve lost 40 pounds, but really need help and encouragement. [4:00] When you purchase one of our online programs or join the Reignite Wellness membership site, you get access to our community forum for support and encouragement. [4:25] Question #3: I’m starting to take lunches to work and need lots of ideas. [5:15] The easiest way to pack healthy lunches is to make extra servings of dinner the night before. [5:30] JJ is a fan of using protein from dinner the night before and making a salad the next day. [6:08] How to make an ideal salad [6:30] How you can use Siete gluten-free tortillas in your lunchbox [7:28] Tips for setting your pantry up for success   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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices