Well Beyond 40

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

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

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

Welcome to Friday Q&A with JJ! In today’s episode, JJ answers 3 top questions from the community. Listen as JJ reveals how how much vitamin D you need, including the best way to test your vitamin D levels and why it’s key to take vitamin K along with vitamin D. JJ also shares the best time to work out and what you can do to make exercise a priority in your schedule. Plus, find out the answer to an age-old question: should you eat breakfast in the morning?   Episode Play-By-Play [0:36] Introduction to Season 2 of the podcast [1:50] Question 1: How much vitamin D should I take?  [2:48] The Vitamin D test you should be requesting from your healthcare provider  [3:15] What are optimal vitamin D levels?   [4:30] Why you might need more or less vitamin D depending on the time of year [6:10] Question 2: When is the best time to exercise?  [6:30] Schedule your exercise as if it were an appointment.  [6:45] Exercising at this time of day has the most benefits for your body.  [7:40] When you work out in the morning, you’re more likely to stick to your plans. [8:40] The benefits of exercise  [9:59] Question 3: Do I need to eat breakfast?  [10:54] The impact of being an early bird vs. night owl [11:10] It’s important to listen to your body and eat when you’re truly hungry.  [11:56] Why you need to close the kitchen at least 3 hours before bed  [13:03] JJ’s takeaways on meal timing     Mentioned in this episode: Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing Vitamin D Plus 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

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

JJ shares with the audience six factors to have under consideration while being over 40 and trying to get rid of fat. Your body is different at different ages, and your approach towards health needs to be different too. Cortisol levels, stress hormone, insulin resistance, digestion, metabolism, stress and sex hormones are some of the topics discussed in this succulent show. Find out why exercising more and eating less does not work out! [1:05] Exercising more and eating less does not work out. [2:30] Over 40 years old, the way to get rid of fat is different than when you are in your 20s or 30s. [2:56] First factor: How Cortisol levels affects your body. [4:18] Second factor: Stress hormone can make you keep fat around your belly. [5:33]Third factor: How does insulin resistance intervene in your body functions? [7:46] Fourth factor: Digestion matters to break down proteins well and get the nutrients your body needs. [8:41] Fifth: Is your metabolism really slowing down with aging? [9:33] Burst and resistance training is a key. [10:38] Sixth factor: Sex hormone balance also affects women, especially at 40. [12:28] Promoting hormone balance can be achieve through your diet: protein, fat and fiber choices. [13:38] Manage your stress through tapping, laughing, walking your dog, taking time for your meals. [15:10] Your breakfast sets the pace for your entire day. Start with a Shake! [16:10] What do you do to manage stress when you can't avoid it? [17:50] Gratitude, tapping, and nutrients can keep your stress levels low.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJvirginofficial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast episode, JJ debunks a recent CNN article that came out claiming a gluten-free diet isn't healthy for everyone. Listen as JJ explains the truth about gluten and leaky gut, including how gluten consumption can cause intestinal permeability in all individuals, which can then put you at risk for autoimmune disease. JJ also clears up the confusion about going gluten-free and shares her top tips on how to create balanced gluten-free meals. Find out why eating gluten-free is not only beneficial for everyone, it’s essential to protecting your health!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Going Gluten-Free Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/glutenrant.   Main Points From Today’s Episode CNN claims that not everyone benefits from going gluten-free. In fact, studies show that gluten consumption causes intestinal permeability in ALL individuals, regardless of whether or not they have celiac disease. When JJ first started looking at food sensitivity testing, she noticed about 40% of the people were showing some type of gluten intolerance. Since then, she has helped hundreds of thousands of people feel better by eliminating gluten from their diet. When you eat gluten, you put yourself at risk for leaky gut, which has been proven to cause autoimmune disease. Not only is eating gluten-free advantageous for everyone, it’s essential to protecting your health!   Episode Play-By-Play [1:22] The inspiration behind today’s podcast episode [1:52] Listener shout-out [3:50] A recent CNN article claims that not everyone benefits from going gluten-free. [4:10] Studies show that gluten consumption causes intestinal permeability in all individuals. [5:45] Diagnosing celiac disease [7:20] One of JJ’s client’s experiences with removing gluten from her diet [8:30] The discomforts that gluten can cause [9:05] Eliminating gluten doesn’t put you at risk for nutrient deficiencies if you’re eating a healthy diet. [10:25] Gluten-free junk food is never a healthy option. [11:25] Cutting out gluten isn’t going to stop you from discovering another problem food. [12:25] The connection between gluten, leaky gut, and autoimmune disease [13:30] Safety Net can help you break down problem proteins like gluten. [14:20] Starting your day with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for the day. The perfect and easiest way to do this is with JJ’s All-In-One Protein Shakes! [15:30] Listener’s question: Which gluten-free breads can I use? [16:15] The best gluten-free products are the ones that don’t need to say “gluten-free.” [16:45] Be careful with dry carbs!   Mentioned in this episode: Why Eating Gluten-Free Is Healthy blog JJ’s podcast with Dr. Tom O’Bryan JJ’s podcast with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne on the Autoimmune Protocol JJ Virgin Safety Net JJ Virgin Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Protein Shake JJ Virgin Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin Microbiome Balance JJ Virgin 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

In today's podcast episode, JJ busts the myth that all calories are created equal! Listen as JJ reveals new scientific research showing that it's the source of your calories that has the biggest impact on your metabolism, including how a low-carb diet packs a powerful punch.  JJ also explains how to gradually transition off of high-sugar impact foods without the misery that going cold turkey can create. And she shares her top healthy swaps for all your favorite comfort foods like pizza, pasta, and mashed potatoes!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Top 10 Most Wanted Guide by going to JJVirgin.com/lowcarb.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Your body isn’t a bank account, it’s a chemistry lab. While calories count, where they come from matters the most! A study done by Dr. David Ludwig found that participants following a low-carbohydrate diet burned more calories per day than those following a diet higher in carbs. That’s more proof to back up what JJ’s been saying all along: all calories aren’t created equal! JJ shares her top hacks to lower your carbs! Get low-sugar impact swaps for all your favorite comfort foods, including pizza, pasta, and mashed potatoes.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:00] The inspiration behind today’s episode  [2:46] Listener shout-out [4:12] Your body isn’t a bank account, it’s a chemistry lab. [5:04] Breaking down Dr. David Ludwig’s study on low-carb diets [7:15] The type of calories you’re eating affects the number of calories you’re burning. [8:16] Start by swapping high-sugar impact foods for medium-sugar impact foods [9:20] The importance of metabolic flexibility [10:37] The Sugar Impact Diet helps you figure out the right amount and types of carbs for you. [11:28] Easy ways to lower your carbs [12:23] Low-carb pizza crust options [13:20] Replace regular flour with coconut or almond flour [14:08] Healthy pasta hacks [16:01] Low-sugar impact substitutes for tortillas [16:16] Yummy, low-carb alternatives for mashed potatoes [16:53] Kale chips can satisfy your cravings for a salty snack. [17:45] How to reduce the amount of carbs in your favorite breakfast foods [18:40] The goal is to be a fat burner. [19:53] The true cause of weight gain isn’t calories, it’s food intolerance. Discover the sneaky 7 foods most likely to cause food intolerance in The Virgin Diet! [20:54] Listener’s question: How do I know how many carbs I should be eating?   Mentioned in this episode: Sugar Impact Diet Podcast with the founder of Miracle Noodle JJ Virgin Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Protein Shake Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin 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

Bone health isn't all about calcium! In today's podcast episode, JJ breaks down everything you need to know about bone health so you can keep your bones strong and healthy for years to come. Listen as JJ explains why it's important to reduce your stress levels and maintain a good acid-alkaline balance, as well as the type of exercise that's best for building strong bones. JJ also shares why prevention is key when it comes to osteoporosis, plus the nutrients you should be consuming to strengthen your bones. Find out exactly how to optimize your bone health!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s Shop Smart Shopping List by going to JJVirgin.com/betterbones.   Main Points From Today’s Episode It’s crucial to maintain a good acid-alkaline balance. A good way to do that is by eating plenty of non-starchy veggies, especially deep green leafies. Stress can lead to the breakdown of muscle and bone. JJ's top tips for managing stress include tapping, meditation, and burst training. The right types of fats, like omega-3 fats from fish oil, can help with bone remodeling. Not only that, fish oil can also help with hormone receptor sensitivity, which is key when you're going through menopause and hormones like estrogen and progesterone are beginning to decline.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:06] JJ often gets asked about bone health. [3:09] Listener’s review on iTunes [4:59] When eliminating dairy, many people worry about their bones. [6:22] It’s not all about calcium! [7:07] It’s crucial to maintain a good acid-alkaline balance. [8:11] You should be getting 5 to 10 servings of non-starchy veggies every day. [9:05] Stress can lead to the breakdown of muscle and bone. [11:01] Not only is it important to eat enough protein, it's also important to digest your protein well. [12:18] Collagen is key to building strong bones. [12:36] The right types of fat can help with bone remodeling. [13:24] Omega-3 fats, like those in fish oil, can also help with hormone receptor sensitivity. [14:15] Why you should do bone mineral density testing early on [15:16] Vitamin D is critical because it helps your body absorb calcium. [16:00] Ideal Vitamin D levels [16:29] Vitamin K directs calcium to the right places in your body. [17:20] The impact that hypothyroidism can have on your bones [18:58] The best type of exercise for strong bones [19:29] How to figure out how much magnesium you need [21:20] If you want to lose weight faster, here’s the two-word secret: Extra Fiber! [22:20] Listener’s’ question: How do I get better at burst training and resistance training? [24:40] Everything counts: start with ten minutes a day, five days a week.   Mentioned in this episode: Tapping eBook Ziva Meditation Fast Fitness Online Program Designs for Health Adrenotone (Enter the discount code DFH2018 to save 20% on your first purchase of Designs for Health products on Amazon) JJ Virgin Extra Fiber JJ Virgin Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin Paleo-Inspired All-In-One Shake Omega Ultra Vitamin D Plus Designs for Health Magnesium Chelate Powder (Enter the discount code DFH2018 to save 20% on your first purchase of Designs for Health products on Amazon) JJ Virgin 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 not just about what you eat, it also matters WHEN you eat it! JJ deep dives into this important topic in today's podcast episode and shares how the timing of your meals can either set you up to burn fat or store it away. Listen as JJ shares the truth about snacking and whether you should eat breakfast, as well as the key to staying full for hours so you can go longer between meals. JJ also explains what you need to know before trying intermittent fasting and how a 12-14 hour fast can increase longevity and boost your ability to burn fat. Plus, JJ reveals what time of the day is the absolute worst time to eat! Can you guess?   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Metabolism Boosting Recipe Guide by going to jjvirgin.com/metabolismguide.   Main Points From Today’s Episode The key to staying full for hours is the “satiety trifecta” of clean, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Protein and fiber slow down stomach emptying to keep you fuller longer, while fat stimulates the release of chemicals in your brain to tell you that you're full. Hunger equals younger! When you create some caloric restriction with optimal nutrition, it improves longevity. The worst time to eat is at night! It’s important to close the kitchen 3 to 4 hours before bed in order to optimize levels of growth hormone.   Episode Play-By-Play [2:09] It’s not only about what you eat, it’s also about when you eat it. [2:40] Listener’s review on iTunes [4:30] Why the timing of your meals matters [6:30] When you’re eating the “satiety trifecta” of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, you can go longer between meals.  [6:44] What you need to know before trying intermittent fasting [7:48] Key components of a balanced plate [8:33] Why you should drink more fluids between meals [9:23] Thirst can come disguised as hunger. [10:46] Hunger equals younger! [11:33] It’s important to close the kitchen three to four hours before bed. [12:50] How your circadian rhythm can influence your eating habits [13:50] Exercise and meal timing [14:42] Ideally, aim for a 12-14 hour fast during the week. [15:09] How JJ incorporates Power Plant Cleanse days into her schedule [16:45] Shifting from being a sugar burner to a fat burner [20:01] If you’re over 35 or under stress, you may not be digesting protein well. Try Metabolic Digestive Balance! [20:28] Listener’s question: You say not to snack, but what should I do if I’m hungry? [20:40] Keeping a food journal can help you connect the dots between what you eat and how you feel. [21:22] Never leave the house without emergency food!   Mentioned in this episode: http://jjvirgin.com/BulletproofCoffee JJ Virgin All-In-One Protein Shakes Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin Bars The Virgin Diet: Drop 7 Foods, Lose 7 Pounds, Just 7 Days, by JJ Virgin 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