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.
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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.
Should you toss out your extra virgin olive oil and ditch the Mediterranean diet?
In this episode, I break down the new study that sparked headlines claiming olive oil makes you gain fat—and explain what the science actually found. I walk you through the difference between healthy extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the high-oleic industrial seed oils used in the research, and why lifestyle and total diet matter far more than a drizzle of olive oil on your salad.
What you’ll learn:
(02:00) What the 2025 Yale Cell Reports study actually tested and why oleic acid triggered fat-cell hyperplasia under very specific high-fat, high-processed-food conditions.
(03:25) Why the issue isn’t olive oil itself but the stacking of multiple high-oleic, ultra-processed oils common in the Western diet.
(05:00) How caloric surplus, processed foods, and sedentary behavior—not moderate EVOO intake—drive fat gain.
(06:36) How the polyphenols and antioxidants in EVOO reduce inflammation, support heart health, and protect cells.
(07:29) Why choosing high-quality oils, avoiding industrial seed oils, and using small dark bottles preserves nutrient integrity.
(09:01) How to balance fats—from omega-3s to saturated fats to monounsaturated fats—to optimize metabolic health and inflammation.
(11:06) Why creating more fat cells isn’t necessarily harmful, and why overfilled fat cells drive metabolic disease.
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How can you tell whether your pelvic floor is tight, weak, or both?
In this episode, I speak with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon about the confusion so many women feel around leakage, prolapse, painful sex, constipation, and “mystery” pelvic symptoms. Sara shares simple habits, movement tips, and muscle-care strategies that can dramatically improve pelvic health at any age. I’m thrilled to bring her expertise into a conversation that empowers every woman to understand and support her pelvic floor.
Dr. Sara Reardon is a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist who somehow turned a decade of helping women stop leaking, straining, and suffering in silence into the beloved persona “The Vagina Whisperer.” She now runs The V-Hive, teaches pelvic floor fitness online, and helps women of every age finally understand how their bodies work in real, relatable, totally refreshing ways.
What you’ll learn:
(00:34 Why pelvic floor disorders are a “silent epidemic.”
(01:49) How pelvic floor issues show up across ages—from young women with painful sex to older adults with bladder problems.
(06:05) The many roles of the pelvic floor, including support, stability, bladder control, bowel function, and sexual function.
(08:40) Why leakage, pain, and prolapse aren’t “normal,” even though they’re common.
(10:39) The most important daily bladder habits—like not peeing “just in case” and never pushing to pee—that protect pelvic health.
(14:36) How to contract your pelvic floor properly during exercise.
(16:46) How to identify pelvic floor tension, and why stretching, breathing, and relaxation may matter more than Kegels.
(25:02) What prolapse really is, and when therapy versus surgery is recommended.
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Which wellness tools will help you sleep better, recover faster, and feel stronger through the holidays? And which ones are suitable for giving as gifts to family, friends, and loved ones?
This holiday season, I've pulled together my absolute favorite health and wellness tools that I use and trust, which are perfect for gifting or treating yourself. These are the brands and tools that help me stay consistent with my routines, improve recovery, and keep my metabolism humming, even when life gets insane.
What you’ll learn:
(01:09) Why prioritizing your health, energy, and routines during the holidays is essential.
(02:37) How red light therapy from Bon Charge supports sleep, recovery, and inflammation reduction.
(05:14) Why Oslo Sleepbuds can help you block noise, calm your nervous system, and improve deep sleep while traveling or at home.
(08:37) How infrared Sunlighten saunas support detox, longevity, and cardiovascular health.
(10:13) Why Pique Tea offers powerful polyphenols, antioxidants, and gut support.
(12:37) How OneSkin targets senescent cells to improve firmness, texture, and overall skin and hair health.
(14:49) How Hyperice recovery tools like compression boots, foam rollers, and massage guns improve mobility and enhance muscle recovery.
(16:16) How Qualia Senolytic supports joint health, energy, and healthy aging.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/holidayguide2025
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How would your energy levels change if your cells could actually repair themselves?
In this episode, I discuss with Jessica Berman why phosphatidylcholine (PC) might be one of the most overlooked—but most essential—nutrients for women over 40. Jessica grew up in a family of scientists intensely focused on cellular health, and she breaks down the science in a refreshingly simple, practical way. Together, we dive into how PC strengthens cell membranes, supports hormones, boosts brain function, and helps you stay resilient in a toxin-filled world.
Jess Berman is a visionary wellness leader, cellular health and functional wellness expert, and chief brand officer and co-owner of BodyBio, a pioneering family-owned company at the forefront of cellular health and nutrition. She makes complex biochemistry feel accessible, blending science, stories, and practical tips with a fun, down-to-earth vibe.
What you’ll learn:
02:24 How Jessica grew up surrounded by scientists and why her grandfather believed toxins break down cell membranes faster than we can rebuild them.
06:01 How phosphatidylcholine (PC) connects to hormone balance, mitochondrial health, and symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and chronic inflammation.
09:03 The difference between true phospholipids and cheap lecithin-based products, plus why most supplements labeled “PC” aren’t actually bioactive.
11:02 Why women struggle to make enough PC naturally and how this affects cellular repair.
16:00 Why modern toxins make it nearly impossible to get all you need from food alone.
18:56 The real-world benefits people notice on PC, including better brain clarity, energy, detoxification, and skin health.
33:28 Incredible transformation stories, including improvements for chronic illness, Lyme disease, and long-COVID symptoms
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Weighted vests seem to be the next fitness gimmick, but do they actually work?
In this episode, I break down the science behind weighted vests and why they can be a powerful tool for women over 40 looking to boost fat loss, metabolism, and everyday calorie burn.
I also dive into what the research really says about how adding just 5–10% of your body weight can help increase NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), preserve muscle as you lose fat, and even support bone health over time.
What you’ll learn:
(01:54) The main reason your resting metabolic rate drops after losing weight.
(02:45) How a 2025 study found that wearing a weighted vest can help preserve metabolism during weight loss.
(03:37) What Peter Attia pointed out about potential movement reduction when wearing vests—and why it matters.
(04:18) The study’s results showing that weighted vests reduce metabolic slowdown without additional workouts.
(05:47) How non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) accounts for up to 30% of your daily energy burn.
(07:11) How to safely start using a weighted vest—beginning with just 5% of your body weight.
(09:12) Why combining a weighted vest with resistance training and protein intake helps maintain long-term results.
Weighted vests aren’t a gimmick—they’re a practical, science-backed strategy for women who want to move smarter, not harder.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/weightedvest
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How can you tell whether your pelvic floor is tight, weak, or simply not functioning properly?
In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik and I break down the misunderstood world of pelvic floor dysfunction, from tightness and weakness to bladder issues, constipation, sexual pain, and the enormous impact of hormone changes after 40. You’ll hear practical, daily habits that can restore function, improve pleasure, and help you understand how to support this critical part of your health.
Dr. Rena Malik is a board-certified urologist and digital powerhouse known for breaking down taboo topics with humor, clarity, and science-backed truth. With over 500 million views on her YouTube channel, she’s one of the internet’s most trusted voices on pelvic health, sexual wellness, and bladder care.
What you’ll learn:
(00:18) Why pelvic floor dysfunction causes leakage, constipation, and changes in orgasm intensity.
(02:53) How pelvic floor weakness develops from childbirth, heavy lifting, or certain exercise patterns.
(04:14) Why pelvic floor tightness can show up as constipation or painful sex.
(07:43) Why pelvic floor exams are overlooked in women’s healthcare.
(11:48) How some common exercise may worsen pelvic floor tension.
(14:37) Why women with anxiety or a history of pain may need pelvic floor relaxation.
(14:48) How hormone decline and loss of estrogen drive UTIs and pelvic floor symptoms after menopause.
(21:53) Which daily habits, like hovering over toilets, can damage pelvic floor health.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/rena
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What’s the most effective way for women over 40 to lose fat without losing muscle?
In this episode, I’m walking you through my complete plan for losing 10 pounds of fat while maintaining—or even building—muscle for women over 40. As our hormones shift, the old “eat less and do more cardio” advice just doesn’t work anymore. I share exactly how to train, fuel, and recover to work with your body, not against it—from resistance training and HIIT workouts to sleep, protein, and smart supplements that support lasting transformation.
What you’ll learn:
(01:53) Why your traditional scale is misleading and what to use instead.
(02:39) How hormonal changes after 40 affect fat storage and muscle loss.
(04:48) The importance of resistance training.
(09:49) Why HIIT is essential for burning fat.
(14:17) The power of daily walking.
(18:59) Recovery strategies: yoga, heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, and the benefits of sauna.
(23:00) JJ’s nutrition plan and optimal protein intake.
(25:46) The best supplements for strength, sleep, and hormonal support.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/fullplan
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What if joint pain wasn’t “wear and tear” but a reversible inflammatory process?
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth about the groundbreaking science behind inflammation, healing, and how to prevent joint degeneration—long before surgery ever becomes necessary. From peptides and hormone optimization to red light therapy, ketones, and cutting-edge treatments like pentosan polysulfate, Dr. Yurth helps us understand how to turn our bodies into healing machines and age powerfully from the inside out.
Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, MD, is passionate about healing at the cellular level through advanced medical science. As the Chief Medical Officer of Boulder Longevity Institute, she’s been delivering cutting-edge care since 2006. With over 30 years in sports and spine orthopedics, she is trained in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Yurth is also a global speaker and founding member of the Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute.
What you’ll learn:
(04:44) Why the “wear and tear” theory of arthritis is outdated—and what’s really going on.
(07:59) How hormones like progesterone and testosterone are critical for injury recovery.
(09:27) The science behind peptides for joint healing.
(14:11) The breakthrough drug pentosan polysulfate and how it may be a cure for osteoarthritis.
(26:41) How low-dose aspirin and omega-3s help switch the body into healing mode.
(29:27) Why optimizing hormones and using GLP-1 agonists can prevent joint degeneration.
(43:46) How red light therapy and saunas support recovery.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/yurth
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How can you connect all the pieces of your health plan into something that actually works?
In this episode, I bring together everything we’ve covered about breaking through weight loss resistance and building a strong, resilient metabolism after 40. I walk you through the exact plan I follow—and teach—to help you eat, move, and recover in ways that truly work long-term. You’ll leave with a simple, sustainable game plan to balance your hormones, build muscle, and finally make your metabolism work for you, not against you.
What you’ll learn:
(00:00) Learn how to put all the key principles of metabolism, nutrition, and movement together into one cohesive daily plan.
(01:54) Discover the “eat by the plate and the clock” method to fuel your body for fat loss.
(02:46) How to calculate and track your ideal protein intake.
(04:11) How to balance carbs and fats based on your activity level and metabolic needs.
(06:12) The importance of daily movement.
(08:11) How to properly structure HIIT workouts and recovery days to maximize results.
(09:35) My approach to recovery, stress management, and sleep routines that help stabilize hormones and support metabolic health.
(13:12) How to track your progress through bioimpedance scales, plus sleep and HRV monitors.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/alltogether
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What are the most common chronic infections that women may be struggling with, and what can be done about them?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jaban Moore. We dig into how parasites, mold, and heavy metals silently disrupt your hormones, energy, and brain health—and what real detoxing actually looks like. You’ll learn why annual testing isn’t enough, how to build a toxin-resistant lifestyle, and why nervous system regulation is just as important as any supplement.
Dr. Moore is a former athlete turned functional medicine doctor who helps clients overcome chronic infections, toxic overload, and burnout. He has made it his mission to help others heal naturally and feel strong again through detoxing, gut repair, and nervous system balance.
What you’ll learn:
(01:27) How Dr. Moore’s personal battle with Lyme disease led him into functional medicine.
(06:32) Why toxins and infections can cause early menopause symptoms.
(09:11) How parasites, viruses, and mold spread.
(14:44) How the organic acid test reveals your energy, detox, and microbiome health.
(19:32) The surprising prevalence of parasites and how they mimic common GI and hormonal symptoms.
(33:16) How to perform a parasite cleanse safely using herbal and detox support.
(38:50) Why detoxing is a lifestyle, not a quick fix.
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Are you unknowingly sabotaging your metabolism by skipping recovery or getting poor sleep?
In this episode, I take you beyond diet and exercise to reveal the real fat-loss accelerators—sleep, recovery, hormones, and mindset. I share the science behind why stress and poor sleep stall your metabolism, how to align your hormones through smart movement and recovery, and the hidden influences like toxins that create weight-loss resistance. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing everything right” but not seeing results, this episode will help you reset your metabolism, restore your energy, and finally thrive well beyond 40.
What you’ll learn:
(2:09) Why recovery, stress, and hormones are the real X factors in metabolism.
(3:25) How deep sleep triggers growth hormone release for fat burning.
(6:07) How sleeping under six hours per night increases obesity risk.
(9:01) My personal nighttime power-down routine.
(9:23) How chronic stress and cortisol spikes make fat loss nearly impossible.
(11:11) How heart rate variability (HRV) helps you track stress and recovery.
(12:56) The role of perimenopausal hormone shifts—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—in muscle loss and insulin resistance.
(15:01) Why thyroid function, gut health, and toxins can block your metabolism.
(20:09) The power of community and why lasting fat loss is the new normal.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/recharge
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How can neuroscience and self-talk help you break old habits and form empowering ones?
In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and mindset expert John Assaraf to explore the neuroscience of transformation—how self-talk, visualization, and consistency literally rewire your brain. John shares how he healed from ulcerative colitis, built multimillion-dollar businesses, and created lasting habits using powerful, evidence-based mindset tools. We also talk about what it really takes to change your health, your habits, and your life—starting with how you speak to yourself every single day.
Meet John Assaraf—a neuroscience geek turned mindset master who teaches people how to use their brains to achieve anything. From The Secret to the Innercise app, John has spent decades helping others rewire old patterns, build unstoppable habits, and create success that sticks.
What you’ll learn:
(00:00) How John healed his body through affirmations and belief in self-healing.
(07:33) Why visualization and self-talk reprogram your brain’s focus from disease to health.
(11:19) What new research reveals about negative thinking and daily thought patterns.
(13:25) How to use spaced repetition to build lasting habits.
(17:15) Why being committed to change matters more than being interested.
(21:26) How dopamine and small daily wins reinforce motivation.
(22:22) The “reduce it to the ridiculous” strategy for sustainable habit change.
(46:05) How John’s Innercise app and platforms help retrain your brain.
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How can you exercise smarter after 40 to burn fat, build muscle, and keep your metabolism strong?
In this episode, I break down how to exercise smarter—not harder—so you can ignite your metabolism after 40. I share the three pillars of metabolic fitness: moving more throughout your day, lifting weights to build muscle, and adding short bursts of high-intensity cardio. You’ll learn how to create a powerful workout routine that helps you burn fat, stay strong, and feel amazing—without spending hours in the gym.
What you’ll learn:
(00:00) Discover why cardio alone won’t fix a sluggish metabolism.
(00:56) Learn how everyday movement can add up to 2,000 calories of extra burn each day.
(02:28) Find out how small daily choices—like taking the stairs—boost fat loss and longevity.
(03:02) Hear about research showing that 12,500 daily steps can reduce body fat and improve health markers.
(06:18) Learn how to train each body part effectively.
(08:28) Discover how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) outperforms steady-state cardio for fat loss and insulin sensitivity.
(11:16) Get JJ’s full formula for movement, lifting, and recovery so you can stay consistent, strong, and energized.
Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/move2boost
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What if the most powerful antidepressant isn’t in a pill, but in your sneakers?
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano about the science behind why movement can be as effective as antidepressants. We also explore the social and psychological benefits of staying active and how even small steps can spark powerful change. You’ll also hear fascinating insights about creatine, brain energy, and how lifestyle prescriptions may soon reshape the future of psychiatry.
Dr. Nicholas Fabiano is a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa with a passion for the mind-body connection. Originally from Thunder Bay, he turned a broken arm from an arm-wrestling match into a fascination with how exercise, nutrition, and sleep can transform mental health. Today, his work in lifestyle psychiatry explores how simple daily habits can powerfully impact depression and overall well-being.
What you’ll learn:
(02:57) How Dr. Fabiano’s own injury sparked his passion for exercise and mental health.
(05:42) Why exercise benefits the brain beyond mood.
(07:48) The real science behind exercise and depression, including serotonin, inflammation, and brain growth factors.
(09:11) How the social and psychological aspects of movement can be just as healing as the biological ones.
(11:40) Simple, practical ways to motivate someone struggling with depression to get moving again.
(14:17) Why the best type of exercise is the one you’ll actually do—and how adherence matters more than modality.
(18:45) How Dr. Fabiano “prescribes” exercise using the FITT framework (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type).
(29:25) The surprising connection between creatine supplementation, brain energy, and depression recovery.
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If you’ve been unintentionally slowing down your metabolism by eating the wrong foods, what can you do about it?
In this episode, I’ll show you how to use food as fuel to reignite your metabolism—especially during midlife. You’ll learn why protein is your metabolism’s best friend, how carbs and fats can either work for or against you, and how gut health shapes your body’s ability to burn fat. With this episode, my goal is to help you move beyond counting calories and start eating in a way that truly powers your energy, your hormones, and your long-term vitality.
What you’ll learn:
(01:51) Why protein is the foundation of a fast, strong metabolism—and why most women over 40 are under-eating it.
(03:28) The science behind how protein preserves lean muscle and prevents metabolic slowdown during weight loss.
(05:00) How to build your plate with protein first, followed by non-starchy vegetables, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats.
(08:34) The dangers of ultra-processed foods.
(10:04) How to time your meals for maximum energy and fat burning.
(12:56) Why stopping food intake at least two hours before bed helps stabilize blood sugar and improve sleep quality.
(14:31) The surprising connection between meal timing, appetite, and hunger control.
(16:01) How your gut microbiome affects calorie absorption, cravings, and fat storage.
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In this episode, I sit down with my friend and powerhouse advocate for women’s health, Dr. Mariza Snyder, to talk about her latest book, The Perimenopause Revolution, and more. Dr. Mariza and I dive into the chaos, confusion, and opportunity that midlife brings—and why perimenopause is so much more than “just aging.” Together, we explore how to rebuild energy, protect your metabolism, and thrive through hormonal transitions using science-backed strategies that truly work.
Dr. Mariza Snyder is a bestselling author and women’s health expert who’s written nine books on hormones, metabolism, and essential oils. She’s also the host of the top-rated Energized with Dr. Mariza podcast and has become a trusted voice helping millions of women reclaim their vitality through practical, research-based guidance.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
(03:32) Why perimenopause starts long before symptoms “officially” show up—and how to spot the early warning signs.
(05:47) Why it’s never too late to build muscle, protect your bones, and reverse insulin resistance.
(09:17) How to tell the difference between stress, thyroid issues, and perimenopause symptoms.
(11:32) Which key lab markers reveal early hormonal and metabolic changes.
(13:22) The truth about hormones, metabolism, and HRT.
(18:48) How to future-proof your metabolism with protein-first meals and consistent movement.
(23:06) What “exercise snacks” are—and how they can extend your lifespan.
(33:06) Dr. Mariza’s top non-negotiable perimenopause hacks for more energy, better sleep, and deeper connection.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/perirevolution
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Join me, JJ Virgin, in this 5-part series where each episode tackles the real reasons weight loss stalls in midlife, from muscle loss and food choices to exercise, hormones, stress, and recovery.
This series is about reclaiming your metabolism, building muscle, balancing hormones, healing your gut, and breaking free from weight-loss frustration. Remember: you have to get healthy to lose weight, not lose weight to get healthy.
In this episode, I break down why traditional dieting methods fail women over 40 and reveal why focusing on muscle is the true key to a stronger, faster metabolism. Drawing on my decades of experience as a nutrition expert and fitness leader, I’ll help you shift from a “scale-first” to a “muscle-first” mindset so you can experience lasting health, vitality, and confidence.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
(01:20) Why getting healthy to lose weight—not losing weight to get healthy—must be your new mantra.
(02:13) How the “eat less, move more” approach damages your metabolism.
(03:53) The truth about metabolic adaptation.
(05:26) How repeated dieting causes fat overshooting, muscle loss, and worsened metabolic health.
(06:18) Why muscle is “metabolic gold” that boosts insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and mood.
(07:49) How aging accelerates when you lose muscle.
(09:28) Why it’s never too late to build muscle.
(10:16) How to shift your mindset from “weight loss” to “body recomposition” for lasting transformation.
I’m JJ Virgin – a triple-board-certified health expert, fitness hall of famer, and four-time New York Times best-selling author. With over four decades of innovation in wellness, I’m here to help you take control of your health, build lean muscle, and optimize your metabolism – no matter your age.
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How can GLP-1 medications reduce inflammation and improve long-term health outcomes for you beyond weight loss?
In this episode, JJ talks with thyroid and metabolic health expert McCall McPherson about the powerful connection between GLP-1 medications, inflammation, and thyroid function. Together they reveal why these therapies are about far more than weight loss and how they can unlock vitality, restore balance, and protect long-term health. This conversation will open your eyes to the overlooked truth about thyroid testing, the real benefits of GLP-1s, and practical strategies to age powerfully.
McCall McPherson has helped thousands of women regain energy and confidence through her Modern Thyroid Clinic and Modern Weight Loss. A TEDx speaker, Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, and host of the Modern Thyroid and Wellness podcast, McCall blends cutting-edge science with compassion to give women real answers and life-changing results.
What you’ll learn:
(00:50) Why weight loss alone isn’t the full story of GLP-1s.
(03:53) How the old “calories in, calories out” model fails women struggling with thyroid and metabolic issues.
(06:11) Why it can take up to a decade for hypothyroidism to be properly diagnosed and treated.
(08:31) The anti-inflammatory power of GLP-1s and their impact on autoimmune disease, dementia, and cancer risk.
(15:09) Why microdosing GLP-1s creates better results and fewer side effects compared to standard dosing.
(21:05) The truth about compounding pharmacies and why they’re under attack despite strict regulation.
(31:07) How GLP-1s help women break cycles of food guilt and restore a healthier relationship with eating.
(36:08) The essential thyroid labs you must request.
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Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/mccall
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In this episode, I break down the science of building a fat-loss-friendly plate. I share why protein is your anchor, why fiber is a game changer, and how healthy fats and slow, low carbs keep your body satisfied and your metabolism strong. With practical tips, research-backed insights, and my own tried-and-true strategies, I make it simple to eat in a way that supports fat loss without sacrificing muscle or sanity.
What you’ll learn:
(01:00) Why being in a caloric deficit is non-negotiable for fat loss.
(02:52) How ultra-processed foods impact metabolism, hunger, and fat-burning hormones.
(06:09) Why eating protein first sets the stage for fat loss success.
(08:03) How the protein leverage hypothesis explains overeating on low-protein diets.
(10:30) Why adults over 30 need more protein and how to calculate your target intake.
(14:45) The critical role of fiber in satiety, gut health, and detox during fat loss.
(19:46) Why healthy fats are essential for hormones, brain health, and satiety.
(25:21) How to visually build your plate with the right portions of protein, vegetables, carbs, and fats.
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How can you transform stress and anxiety into creative energy?
In this episode, JJ Virgin talks with actor, teacher, and author Josh Pais to explore the surprising connections between emotions, health, and creativity. Josh shares how his struggles with anxiety led him to discover a new way of understanding feelings as vibrations rather than problems to fix. Together, they dive into how presence, play, and embracing the full range of human sensations can unlock creativity, authenticity, and better health.
Josh Pais is an actor (Joker, TMNT, and 150+ other film and TV credits) and the creator of Committed Impulse, a training method used by top performers, entrepreneurs, and Navy SEALs to master presence and overcome anxiety. His book, Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, teaches practical tools to unlock creative flow and emotional resilience. Josh blends science and storytelling to help people show up fully alive—on stage, in business, and in life.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
(01:21) How Josh’s early struggles with anxiety and auditioning led him to reframe emotions as vibrations in the body.
(05:20) Why suppression is just another form of managing emotions.
(06:49) The seven-to-twelve-second window that allows emotions to naturally shift when you fully feel them.
(10:09) How I experience anxiety differently by leaning into the sensation rather than resisting it.
(12:41) The greatest myth of our time: that emotions can be categorized as good or bad.
(18:35) Why suppressing emotions can create “lock boxes” in the body that eventually manifest as tension or illness.
(25:38) Josh’s four access points to presence that anyone can practice daily to reconnect with their body and creativity.
(37:53) The one simple shift you can make today to open yourself to creativity.
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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.
