Well Beyond 40

In today's podcast episode, JJ deep dives into one of the topics she gets asked about often: how to crush sugar cravings! Listen as JJ explains why it's key to discover the reason for your cravings so you can ditch them once and for all. JJ also shares the most common causes of sugar cravings, including how your gut microbiome, genetics, blood sugar issues, and stress and anxiety levels can all play a role. Plus, JJ reveals her top tips and swaps for curbing cravings so your appetite never controls your life!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Lemon-Aid recipe by going to JJVirgin.com/sugarcravings.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Exposure equals preference. The more sweet you eat, the more you want! If you have insulin resistance or other blood sugar issues, you’re not able to access stored sugar in your body. That can lead to increased hunger and cravings. JJ’s Lemon-Aid recipe is an amazing ally for crushing cravings. The sour taste of lemon can quiet your appetite, while the fiber can help you feel full and satisfied between meals.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:17] JJ’s Breakthrough Carb Intolerance Online Program is in the works! [2:15] Listener shout-out [4:03] Deconstructing sugar cravings [4:55] How genetics play a role in cravings [7:27] The more sweet you eat, the more you want. [7:53] How an unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to cravings [9:25] JJ’s cravings story [12:30] Anxiety and stress can trigger cravings. [13:50] One of the classic signs of food intolerance is to crave the very food that’s hurting you. [14:03] All carbohydrates except for fiber turn to sugar. [15:01] If you have issues with insulin resistance, you’re not able to access stored sugar in your body. [16:57] Each meal should include clean, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber. [17:23] JJ’s Lemon-Aid recipe is an amazing ally for crushing cravings. [18:30] The goal is to transition to being a fat burner. [19:43] If you’re struggling with gas and bloating, food intolerances, or any other digestive unrest, try Leaky Gut Support! [20:15] Listener’s question: I just use a little Splenda in my coffee every morning. Is that okay? [22:19] Artificial sweeteners can create caloric dysregulation. [22:52] Studies show that artificial sweeteners can affect your gut microbiome. [23:40] Healthy sweetener options   Mentioned in this episode: Free tapping ebook Ziva Meditation Safety Net JJ's Lemon-Aid recipe Sleep Candy Sugar Impact Diet Leaky Gut Support Virgin Sprinkles JJ's podcast with the founder of KNOW Foods Documentary: You Are Stronger Than You Think 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

Toxins are all around us, and that toxicity can get in the way of weight loss. In today's podcast episode, JJ explains how a high toxic burden can damage your metabolism and why detoxification is key to shedding stubborn body fat. Listen as JJ explains what obesogens are and how they can wreak havoc on your gut microbiome and contribute to insulin resistance, as well as why juice cleanses can actually do more harm than good. JJ also shares her top tips on how to detox safely and naturally, so you can ensure you’re as healthy as possible. Plus, get JJ’s free Toxicity Quiz so you can figure out what steps you should take to support your detoxification pathways and jumpstart lasting fat loss!    Freebies From Today’s Episode Get JJ’s free Toxicity Quotient Quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/tq.   Main Points From Today’s Episode We store toxins in our fat cells. As you lose weight, these toxins called “obesogens” are released into your bloodstream. Obesogens can wreak havoc on your gut microbiome, contribute to insulin resistance, and impact your hunger hormones. It’s key to cleanse your body of toxins before starting any weight loss program. A higher toxin burden is associated with a lower metabolic rate. Incorporating Green Smoothie Cleanse into your routine and including soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet can help support your detoxification pathways.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:38] How obesogens can impair weight loss [2:06] Listener’s review on iTunes [3:29] The one thing you must do before losing weight [4:34] Participants who lost weight on The Biggest Loser and gained it back had a slower resting metabolic rate than before. [5:32] We store toxins in our fat cells. [7:22] Our bodies weren’t designed to deal with the amount and types of toxins in today’s modern world. [8:21] As you lose weight, obesogens are released into your bloodstream. [9:45] Obesogens have been shown to contribute to insulin resistance. [10:30] Obesogens can alter your gut microbiome. [10:54] A higher toxic burden is associated with a lower metabolic rate.  [13:15] The effect that yo-yo dieting can have on your metabolism [13:41] How obesogens can impact your hunger hormones and increase inflammation [16:01] Before starting any weight loss program, it’s important to detox. [16:20] Green Smoothie Cleanse is a great way to support your detoxification pathways. [18:10] It’s key to drink plenty of water while you detox. [18:34] You want to be sure you’re getting both soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. [19:29] Why you should eat by the rainbow, including deep green leafies and sulfur-rich vegetables [20:45] The reason that juice cleanses do more harm than good [21:02] Protein is essential to escorting toxins from your body. [23:09] Sweating helps your body excrete toxins. [23:31] How dry brushing can help with detoxification [24:10] Taking a bath with Epsom salts helps remove toxins from your body. [25:28] Starting your day with the right breakfast sets the metabolic tone for the day. Try JJ’s All-In-One Protein Shake! [26:40] Listener’s question: How often should I do a cleanse? [27:10] Ideally, you should do a focused cleanse every quarter.   Mentioned in this episode: Green Smoothie Cleanse Extra Fiber JJ Virgin All-In-One Protein Shakes Bulletproof Coffee Sunlighten Sauna Metabolic Digestive Balance JJ Virgin Bars The Virgin Diet: Drop 7 Foods, Lose 7 Pounds, Just 7 Days, by JJ Virgin 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 this show JJ Virgin explores the debilitating effects of stress and how you can stop it from damaging your health. This podcast covers a wide array of stress related topics like blood sugar, serotonin, adrenal and thyroid hormones, cortisol, leaky gut and much more! She’ll also give you some simple, practical tools you can use to get fast results for lowering your stress and improve both mental and physical health. Sometimes we can’t change how difficult life can get, but we can use these techniques to change our perspective and give our immune systems a helping hand. You really can start handling your stress better today.   Key takeaways: [1:20] You already know why stress is so bad: it can make you fat, old, and lose your sex drive. [2:32] You could be doing everything else right, but if you are not handling stress right, it will take you down. [2:55] Why do we crave sweets when we are stressed? Low serotonin levels are the culprit. Feeling anxious and irritable are surefire signs. [3:34] With stress, your blood sugar level can elevate even if your diet is good. [4:25] What happens when serotonin is not working well? You won’t get a proper sleep and the cycle just keeps repeating itself. Try JJ’s Sleep Candy if you’re having difficulty getting to sleep at night. [5:41] The relationship between food intolerance and leaky gut, adrenal gland issues and cortisol. [7:25] Sea salt is nourishing to your adrenals. [9:06] Your immune system is affected by your stress level. [9:50] Get great tips to manage your stress by reading “Miracle Mindset.” [10:12] Stress influences thyroid function, adrenal function AND your sex hormones. [12:02] What to do about it! A lot about stress is your perception of stress. [14:00] Gratitude: Start your day by keeping a Gratitude Journal - each morning write down 3 things you are grateful for. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make throughout the day. [14:25] When there is something stressful happening, practice appreciation - message someone you appreciate in your life and let them know what they mean to you! It will shift your outlook immediately. [15:10] At night, reflect on what went well. Make sure you take time to appreciate the wins in your life, large or small! [16:50] Burst training is phenomenal to teach your sympathetic system how to handle stress better. [17:35] Tapping is a great tool to deal with stress. [18:43] Pick one of JJ’s diets, either The Sugar Impact Diet or The Virgin Diet - get started with either of them to achieve blood sugar balance. [20:27] Nutrients that can help with stress: Vitamin C is the most important; B vitamins (B6, B5 & B2); extra DHA from fish oil; licorice; and tyrosine. Stress Reset is optimized with these to give you an easy, convenient way to get them. [24:09] Breakfast sets the pace for the entire day; grabbing a protein shake for breakfast while practicing your Gratitude Journal is a great start! [25:09] Listeners’ question: Where to start with your health? Find your purpose! And start with the food you are consuming.   Mentioned in this episode: To get the Stress guide type: “Chill” in Messenger on Facebook at JJVirgin’s Official Page JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirgin Official Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why should you choose burst training over endurance training? JJ breaks down the difference between the two and gives her best burst training tips (and science behind them). Burst training is not only easier and less time consuming, but is the better way to train your body to build sexy, lean muscle and burn more fat. You can do it anywhere and see results in the mirror fast. Message us on Facebook for a free worksheet to keep track of your progress and try it out today!   Key takeaways: [1:09] Moving more is part of the equation, but does not count as exercise. [1:45] Focusing on intensity over duration is beneficial in some important ways.  [2:03] Get today’s worksheet via Facebook Messenger on fb.com/JJVirginOfficial - just open  Burst411. [2:20] Two tricks to get you moving more: 1) A tracking device. How much are you moving? Ideally you should be moving an hour a day. (That’s about 6,000 steps.) And 2) Get a dog! Nothing will make you move more! [3:40] Endurance training can make you age faster, lose muscle and makes you hungrier. [4:57] High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - or burst training -  has some huge benefits. [6:18] You can do it anywhere! JJ uses the X-iser, a small burst training machine. You can also use stairs, jumping jacks, burpees - anything with big, full body movements. [7:38] The key is, when it gets easier, you just do it harder! That way you keep reaping all the benefits of the short duration training. [8:35] Adding resistance training to your routine for additional benefits. [10:12] Teaching your body how to burn sugar during exercise and  burn fat after. [11:45]  JJ divides the body into 4 different parts. Exercise each part 2 or 3 times a week with a day of recovery in between. Exercises concentrate on: Upper Body Pushing & Pulling; Hips & Thighs; and Power Core. [13:04] JJ’s Fast Fitness Program is a great, inexpensive way to manage your workouts. [14:05] Recovery is extremely important! [14:45] See a physical therapist first if you have any orthopedic assistance. [15:30] What to eat & drink: water every 15 minutes, then smart proteins and carbs after working out. [16:36] Using Leaky Gut Support to help prevent gas and bloating! [17:26] Listeners questions: Can I do burst training if I have adrenal exhaustion? Yes! [18:05] Healing your adrenals by teaching your body to burst and recover.   Mentioned in this episode: Facebook.com/JJVirginOfficial or https://m.me/JJVirginOfficial - Just use the Messager app and send: burst411 for the worksheet. JJVirgin.com/products Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re confused about carbs and ketogenic diets, you’re not alone! In this podcast, JJ Virgin answers all your questions about carbohydrates, including how to calculate how many carbs you should be eating, the benefits and risks of a low-carb ketogenic diet, and how to tell if a ketogenic diet is safe for you. Tune in to get answers to all your burning questions about carbs and begin your personal health discovery process to figure out the right amount for you!   Key takeaways: [1:01] What are carbs? All carbohydrates, except for fiber, turn to sugar. [1:23] What is a ketogenic diet? [2:06] When you’re in ketosis, you get energy from the metabolism of ketone bodies instead of sugar. [2:26] A ketogenic diet is high in fat , moderate in protein, and very low in carbs. [3:22] Ketogenic diets can help with brain recovery, seizures, weight loss, cancer, and more. [3:48] Side effects of ketosis include bad breath and irregular periods. A ketogenic diet is not recommended if you have adrenal, thyroid, or GI issues. [5:50] There are 4 factors to consider when looking at the impact of foods on your body. [7:05] Don’t go “cold turkey” when making diet changes. Sugar Impact Diet helps you taper off high-sugar impact foods and transition to low-sugar impact foods. [9:25] Sugar Impact Diet helps you figure out how many carbs are right for you. [10:33] Sugar Impact Diet can help you ease into a ketogenic diet. [11:08] Join the JJ VIrgin community for fast and lasting fat loss. [11:46] Listener’s question: Can I do a ketogenic diet with hypothyroidism? What about fibromyalgia? Ketogenic diets should be avoided with either of those conditions.   Mentioned in this episode: www.jjvirgin.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling achy, moody, or depressed? Not recovering from your workout as fast as you used to? JJ dives deep into the subject of hormone imbalance - especially the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone & testosterone. Learn how to read the signs of both low and high imbalances. The importance of checking your thyroid and adrenals, watching your diet,  insulin considerations, improving the quality of your sleep, and handling stress. There are smart, natural choices to help keep your hormones cycling in the best possible ways!   Key takeaways: [1:22] For women: How to know that your Estrogen is low? [2:12] For men: How do you know if your Testosterone is low? [3:05] High estrogen has risks, too! Here are some warning signs. [3:58] Look for these symptoms indicating low progesterone. [4:40] High progesterone symptoms include being tired and sleepy. [5:59] The low sex drive & difficulty building muscle with low testosterone can also bring on depression symptoms, so correcting that imbalance has more benefits than you might think. [7:20] Thyroid is critical with hormone balance. [9:00] What are the signs that your adrenals are working well? [10:35] Your blood sugar balance is vital! Here’s how you can learn how many and what kind of carbs you can handle. [10:25] Taking Vitamin D with K helps with insulin sensitivity; fish oil is also a terrific option. [12:20] Are you digesting your protein well? Here are the enzymes you can take to help out. [13:30] Good sleep is critical - if you’re having trouble, Sleep Candy is here to help. [15:40] How do you handle stress? “The Miracle Mindset” has some great tools, including burst training, tapping, and more. [17:11] What best supports you when detoxing? [18:48] What herbs can help in getting your hormones balanced? [20:47] Listener question: How long do I need to take hormones if I eat healthy? Keeping estrogen at healthy levels, eating well, using supplements correctly, and then use the lowest dose possible. Don’t overdo it! [22:58] Gratitude exercise — writing down 3 things that you are grateful for every morning helps set your day in an unbelievably positive direction. Your mindset really can be your greatest ally.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/hormoneguide JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirgin official Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JJ gives all the take-into-fast-action tips to start every morning the right way, creating a fast metabolism that is trained to burn fat! Starting with mindset, following with your food choices and exercise. Age is not an excuse, you can get the results you were looking for to feel and look better!   Key takeaways: [0:55] What are you doing everyday that is helping to keep fat instead of burning it? [2:32] First thing in the morning is to write down three things you are grateful for. [3:08] Benefits of having bulletproof coffee in the morning. Just watch your portion. [4:45] MCT oil from coconut oil is the fat that helps you boost your metabolism. [6:30] Snacking every couple of hours keep you blood sugar and insulin up all day. [7:23] Drinking lots of water help you boost your metabolism. Most of the times when we think we are hungry we are actually thirsty. [8:24] Work out in the mornings, burst training is the best. [9:10] Walking is not a work out, it is what we should be doing everyday. [10:12] The sugar impact diet was created for you to figure out how many carbs work for you. Best time to eat carbs is after workout. [11:15] Eating as close to nature as possible. [11:47] In the morning, start with protein, fat and fiber. [14:03] Working out in the morning can actually take a few minutes. [14:38] Start the day with a JJVirgin paleo-inspired protein shake. [15:48] How should you start? Start to track your water intake.   Mentioned in this episode: JJVirgin.com/products Facebook JJVirgin Official Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim O’Horgan, JJ’s fiancé, joins her in this podcast, to share how the two encourage each other to maintain healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Tim wasn’t always as fit and healthy as he is now. But with JJ’s support, he began making critical changes, and within a few months, he was struggling to keep weight on! Listen to learn about the shifts that JJ and Tim made to get great results and how you can be a positive role model and help your partner achieve amazing health!   Key takeaways: [1:40] Tim thought he was a healthy eater when he first met JJ, but dairy, carbs and sugar were sneaking into his diet.  [2:33] Dessert was the area where Tim was struggling the most. [3:30] When Tim increased fat in his diet, eliminated dairy, reduced carbs and ate lower sugar-impact foods, he began losing weight and had a hard time keeping it on. [6:06] Tim feels amazing after switching to resistance training and high-intensity interval training. [7:10] Endurance training lowers your immune system, can decrease testosterone levels, makes you age faster, and breaks down muscle. [8:38] Tim made the biggest shift in his sleep habits, going from 5 hours to 8-9 hours per night. [9:31] Sleep will de-age you, help you lose fat, build muscle, and is critical for your health and mood. [10:09] Use a Chilly Pad to keep you cool during the night and sleep better. [12:03] Support each other to sustain healthy habits and have fun together. [13:10] Biggest takeaway is: don’t nag! Just be the best role model possible. [14:24] Instead of restricting foods, find healthy replacements. [15:48] The true cause of weight gain is food intolerance. Find out which foods to drop in The Virgin Diet. [16:38] Listener’s question: How do I change my partner's bad eating habits? Answer: be the best role model you can be!   Mentioned in this episode: www.jjvirgin.com\books Facebook JJVirgin Official Instagram @JJ.Virgin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Alexander Loyd is an expert in healing the source issues underlying illness and disease. In today’s podcast episode, Dr. Alex reveals how his groundbreaking Memory Engineering techniques can help you reshape problematic memories and change your life for the better! Listen as Dr. Alex shares the inspiration behind his upcoming book, The Memory Code, as well as how fear-based memories can stand in the way of optimal wellness. Dr. Alex also explains the three problems he had to solve in order for Memory Engineering to work, plus he reveals how to start incorporating this incredible method into your routine so you can redefine your memories and feel better again. Find out how to start healing your mind and your body today!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Alex’s free X Factor Quiz by going to jjvirgin.com/dralex.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Almost any problem can be linked to our memories. Dr. Alex’s Memory Engineering techniques can help you reshape problematic memories and change your life for the better. Your unconscious mind tries to protect fear-based memories from being healed. That’s because fear-based memories can bring up pain and negative emotions. It’s key to create a new default memory. The new default memory has to be true and centered around love, joy, and positivity.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:14] Introduction to today’s episode  [1:39] Dr. Alexander Loyd’s career briefing  [3:48] Listener shout-out  [5:08] The true cause of weight gain is not calories, it’s food intolerance! Discover the sneaky 7 foods most likely to cause food intolerance in The Virgin Diet.   [6:16] How Dr. Alex became an expert in Memory Engineering  [7:58] The inspiration behind Dr. Alex’s book, The Memory Code   [9:53] Memories as the source of our problems [11:12] Your memories tell you what you believe about everything.  [12:11] You can begin to feel the effects of Memory Engineering in as little as 10 minutes.  [13:51] How your unconscious mind tries to protect fear-based memories from being healed [15:26] The average person is going into stress 5-30 times a day.  [15:47] The three problems that Dr. Alex had to solve in order for Memory Engineering to work   [16:44] For most people, the energy of the unconscious mind is too negative, which is why it’s key to shift the energy in a positive way. [19:04] You have to create a new default memory.  [20:17] What JJ learned about mindset from her mentor   [21:47] If you change your internal programming, you will automatically think, feel, and act differently. [23:23] What does Dr. Alex’s free X Factor Quiz tell you?  [25:22] How Dr. Alex helped JJ’s son, Grant  [26:00] JJ’s top takeaway from today’s episode [26:56] JJ’s challenge for you  [28:10] Thank you for your feedback about the podcast! It’s a big help.    Mentioned in this episode: Reinventing Yourself with Sheri Salata The Sheri + Nancy Show The Virgin Diet, by JJ Virgin 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today JJ speaks with Dr. Anna Cabeca, a triple board-certified menopause and hormone expert, acclaimed for her work in gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, anti-aging and regenerative medicine. JJ and Dr. Cabeca discuss the effects that menopause can have on women’s bodies and their brains, including symptoms like anxiety, depression, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. Dr. Cabeca also explains how hormonal shifts during menopause can make it difficult for your brain to use glucose for fuel, as well as how a Keto-Green dietary approach and managing stress levels can help you feel better again. Dr. Cabeca’s empowering tips and transformation programs help women of all ages become their very best selves!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get  Dr. Anna Cabeca’s free Breeze Through Menopause Masterclass by going to jjvirgin.com/breezemenopause.   Main Points From Today’s Episode As we mature, hormone production decreases. These hormones are what allow the brain to absorb fuel. What can we do about menopause symptoms? Even if your diet is perfect, there are other factors in being healthy and fit. Stress plays a big role in how our bodies function. Make sure the stress-relief tools you’re using are right for you; yoga and meditation are not everyone’s answer.   Episode Play-By-Play [4:50] Today’s hot topic is menopause and keto diets. [5:30] Dr. Anna Cabeca’s reasons for getting interested in improving her health [7:48] Menopause is hard enough to live thru once; twice is even harder. [8:45] Dr. Cabeca’s life experiences have helped motivate her. [9:26] “If you only want your husband 2 weeks out of the month, it’s your hormones, not your husband.” [9:53] How progesterone affects women [10:30] Menopause symptoms are starting almost 10 years earlier than they traditionally have in the past. [11:17] Reduction in progesterone and estrogen also affect brain health. Your brain needs these neurochemicals to function well. At the same time, our brain’s ability to use glucose decreases. [12:05] Men produce 6 times more estrogen in their brain than women. [12:37] We need to switch our brain’s use of fuel from glucose to something different. [13:36] The medications commonly used to help women deal with symptoms of decreasing hormones increase the risk for Alzheimer’s. [13:49] So what the heck do we do? It takes more than hormones to fix hormones. [18:20] Menopause is mandatory; suffering is optional. [18:47] How the Keto-Green Diet helps [20:04] We need to be in an alkaline state versus acidic, which comes from low-carb greens. [21:16] Activities like meditation that decrease cortisol and increase oxytocin are important. [22:30] Even if you have a perfect diet, you can still have high blood sugar issues caused by stress. [24:04] Make sure to find the stress relief practice that works best for you; yoga or meditation isn’t everyone’s thing. [26:30] Listener Diana questioned what to do when stress sabotages what would otherwise be a really good diet. JJ discusses some ideas to help handle these nasty surprises.   Past podcasts with Dr. Anna Cabeca: Managing Menopause #93 Restoring Women’s Hormonal Health #211   Mentioned in this episode:  Dr. Anna Keto-pH Test Strips Nick Ortner’s Tapping Solution Ziva Meditation by Emily Fletcher Xiser 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices