Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives.
It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nut...
Skipping Breakfast? Here’s How It’s Hurting Your Muscle and Metabolism
I'm tackling a hot topic today that might surprise you: why intermittent fasting could be backfiring for women over 40. If you've been diligently following that 16:8 schedule and skipping breakfast, you might actually be accelerating muscle loss at a time when preserving lean mass is critical. Studies show that women in perimenopause and beyond need MORE protein, not less, and that consuming it earlier in the day is essential for maintaining metabolic health. I explain why eating breakfast sets your metabolic tone for the day, prevents the catabolic breakdown of muscle, and helps regulate blood sugar. Plus, I share my personal experiment with fasted workouts versus eating before training—with surprising results that changed my entire approach to morning nutrition. At age 40+, we need to focus on preserving muscle tissue to maintain metabolism and quality of life, not just weight management. This episode reveals exactly how much protein you need, delicious high-protein breakfast options, and how to adapt intermittent fasting to work WITH your hormones, not against them. What you'll learn: Why muscle preservation becomes critical after age 40 and how breakfast plays a key role The scientific research on how skipping breakfast affects metabolism and muscle preservation How proper protein timing can prevent "anabolic resistance" as we age My personal experiment with fasted vs. fed workouts and the game-changing results Practical high-protein breakfast options that support muscle maintenance How to adapt time-restricted eating to work with your hormonal needs The ideal protein intake for women over 40 (hint: it's higher than you think!) Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/goodbreakfast
--------
21:19
The Gut-Longevity Connection with Dr. Steven Gundry
"Our gut microbiome had a big deal in protecting us and teaching the immune system who's a good guy, who's a bad guy." - Dr. Steven Gundry I welcome back controversial cardiologist-turned-nutrition expert Dr. Steven Gundry to discuss his latest book, Gut Check, where he shares groundbreaking insights on how our microbiome influences everything from mental clarity to longevity. As a former heart surgeon who now sees patients six days a week, Dr. Gundry revealed why both neurologists and cardiologists are now obsessed with gut health—because as Hippocrates said 2,500 years ago, "All disease begins in the gut." We explored how leaky gut leads to systemic inflammation and accelerated aging, plus practical ways to repair your gut barrier and restore your internal "tropical rainforest" of beneficial bacteria. Dr. Gundry also challenged popular "Blue Zone" myths, arguing that longevity hotspots aren't plant-based paradises but rather communities of active people consuming fermented foods, animal products, and engaging in consistent physical activity on hilly terrain. Get Dr. Gundry’s new book Gut Check: Unleash the Power of Your Microbiome to Reverse Disease and Transform Your Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health What you'll learn: Why leaky gut is the hidden driver behind autoimmune disease, Hashimoto's, eczema, depression, and brain fog How the health of your gut barrier directly impacts your longevity and quality of life The crucial role of butyrate and why 80% of your colon cells depend on it for nourishment Why simply taking probiotics isn't enough—you need fermented foods and prebiotics together to rebuild gut diversity Simple ways to increase beneficial short-chain fatty acids through foods like vinegars and low-sugar kombuchas The truth about Blue Zones and why many longevity hotspots actually feature sheep herders eating fermented dairy and cured meats How "exercise snacking" throughout the day on hilly terrain contributes to longevity Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/gundry
--------
50:45
Afraid of Red Meat? Here’s Why Women Over 60 Actually Need More
I'm on a mission to bust the myths about red meat that have been circulating for decades. Contrary to what you've been told, lean grass-fed beef might be exactly what you need for aging powerfully, especially after 40. As a recovering vegan, I've discovered firsthand how quality red meat provides essential nutrients that combat muscle loss (starting at 30, we lose 3-8% per decade!), boost energy, and support bone health. The secret lies in the branched-chain amino acids, iron, B12, and zinc found abundantly in grass-fed beef—nutrients that are critical for combating fatigue, maintaining cognitive function, and supporting hormonal balance during perimenopause and beyond. What you'll learn: The crucial difference between processed meats and grass-fed, grass-finished beef How red meat helps combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) in women 40+ The unique nutrients in quality beef that support energy, bone health, and metabolism Why grass-fed beef contains beneficial CLA that supports fat loss and smaller waistlines How to properly incorporate red meat into your diet for optimal results Simple ways to maximize iron absorption from meat by combining with vitamin C-rich foods Tips for choosing the best cuts and preparation methods to maximize nutritional benefits Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/redmeat
--------
21:31
The Surprising Science of Beneficial Stress with Dr. Sharon Bergquist
"The leading cause of disability in this country is disuse. Most people think it's arthritis. It is actually disuse, which is so profound because we can control the leading cause that is leading to so many people being handicapped." - Dr. Sharon Bergquist I sat down with Dr. Sharon Bergquist to explore the revolutionary concept of "good stress" and how it might be the missing key to longevity we've been searching for. Dr. Bergquist, an award-winning physician who graduated from Yale and Harvard Medical School, reveals how specific types of stress actually strengthen our cells' ability to resist damage, repair DNA, and recharge mitochondria. Her research shows that high-intensity exercise, plant phytochemicals, time-restricted eating, temperature variation, and challenging mental activities all create a beneficial hormetic response - triggering our body's natural resilience mechanisms that slow the nine hallmarks of aging. With 75% of Americans now overweight or obese and only one in ten consuming enough fruits and vegetables, her accessible approach to optimizing stress (rather than eliminating it) offers a transformative path for women seeking vibrant health beyond midlife. What you'll learn: Why we need the right kinds of stress to build resilience against harmful stress How high-intensity interval training activates unique cellular adaptations that moderate exercise can't provide The truth about plant "toxins" and why they actually boost our body's antioxidant defenses Why restricting eating to 12 hours or less allows critical cellular repair processes to occur How cold and heat exposure trigger profound metabolic and cognitive benefits The difference between harmful and beneficial mental challenges Simple, accessible ways to measure your progress with at-home and basic lab tests Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/stressparadox
--------
1:03:37
My Sleep Routine to Guarantee 8 Hours of Sleep
I'm deeply passionate about busting the dangerous myth that you need less sleep as you age. The truth is, quality sleep becomes even more critical as we get older, especially when we're working hard to build muscle and recover from workouts. In this episode, I share my battle-tested sleep strategies that I've used personally and with thousands of clients. You'll discover why proper sleep timing matters, how to create the perfect bedroom environment, and the supplements that can transform your sleep quality. After helping Broadway performers, news anchors, and rock stars fix their sleep patterns, I've seen firsthand how even the most disrupted sleep schedules can be repaired with the right approach. What you'll learn: Why the "I'll sleep when I'm dead" mentality actually gets you there faster How alcohol sabotages your deep sleep cycles and creates a vicious cycle The perfect bedroom temperature for optimal sleep (it's colder than you think!) My power-down hour routine that signals your body it's time for rest Travel hacks to beat jet lag and maintain your sleep quality anywhere Why your eating window timing dramatically impacts sleep quality Simple supplement strategies to support deep, restorative sleep Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do: Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts! Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627 Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me. Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/sleephabits
Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives.
It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty.
Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully.
Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives.
At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!”
For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self.
In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil.
Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey.
JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook.
JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium.
Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life.
Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:
Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts!
- Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review
- Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627
- Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.
Join 55,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.
Portugal