The Power of Purposeful Aging: Nourishing Body, Mind, and Community with JJ Virgin

I’m thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse in the world of nutrition and fitness. She is a triple-board certified nutrition expert and a member of the Fitness Hall of Fame. Her passion for the healing power of nutrition goes beyond professional duty; it is her mission to revolutionize our views on aging and longevity.

She has an impressive track record of entrepreneurial success, having launched three multimillion-dollar businesses, including a highly successful personal brand. She is the driving force behind the Mindshare Collaborative, a leading professional community in the health industry, renowned for launching numerous New York Times bestsellers, PBS specials, and successful seven-figure brands.

Her influence also extends to television and media. She co-hosted TLC’s 'Freaky Eaters' and was the go-to nutrition expert for Dr. Phil’s Weight Loss Challenges. Her expertise has been showcased across various platforms, including PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and The TODAY Show. 

As an accomplished speaker, she has captivated audiences of over 10,000 and shared stages with luminaries such as Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey. Join us as we dive into a conversation with the incredible JJ Virgin, exploring the transformative power of nutrition and wellness.

• [05:57] Aging Powerfully: People who are positive about aging live longer. Mindset is key. JJ decided to get in the best shape of her life at 60.

• [07:23] Starting around age 30, how we build muscle shifts. Without protein and resistance training, we can lose 3% to 8% of muscle a decade.

• [08:20] When we lose muscle, we lose our power. We lose our type 2 muscle fiber which influences everything.

• [09:05] We need to train and build a strong foundation.

• [11:31] Mental, emotional, and spiritual health ties into physical health.

• [14:06] Shifting to exercise and health when you're in recovery will make you feel better than ever.

• [15:55] Replace negative habits with healthy habits.

• [17:08] Don't be the oldest person in the room in fitness class. We have to continue to progress while aging powerfully.

• [18:15] You can progress in your resistance routine by changing the weights and exercises etc. You can also change things up with your other exercises or type of yoga.

• [19:29] The true definition of exercise is doing more than your body is used to so that it will get stronger.

• [21:34] There's so much to being an expert from knowing the science to having field experience. 

• [23:44] Mindset is first. The three pillars are food & supplements, exercise & activity, and how you recover.

• [27:18] JJ shares how important sleep is. 

• [29:16] Get curious and pay attention to what works for you. 

• [30:30] To improve how we age: Have a purpose. Have an amazing group of humans. Move a lot.

• [36:25] Speed of stair climbing matters. 

• [37:05] Alcohol can disrupt sleep and contribute to adipose tissue. It's also a common factor in blue zones.

• [39:24] JJ shares her opinion on drinking. 

• [40:56] The biggest thing that's impacted with grass-fed or wild is the fat. JJ shares what we get when we eat non grass-fed or wild meat.

• [44:54] JJ tries to be careful with food, but also lives in the real world. 

• [47:32] Grass-fed meat is nutrient dense and more lean.

• [49:09] We need creatine for explosive exercise. It also helps with mood, brain function, bone health, skin health, and so much more.

• [50:11] Foundational supplements include creatine, D3 and K2, fish oil, and magnesium. JJ also likes collagen. And protein powder and essential amino acids. 

• [54:15] Our bodies can handle acute stress. Our bodies weren't built for chronic stress. This includes not sleeping enough, poor nutrition, and not living enough.

• [55:03] Stress raises your cortisol and keeps it up. It also puts you in a catabolic state and makes it very hard to build muscle. Higher blood sugar makes you more insulin resistant and leads to belly fat.

• [58:02] Eating healthy and exercise will help with stress, but some mindfulness meditation and breath work is essential. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Camelback Recovery

• I Love Being Sober YouTube

• JJ Virgin

• 7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge

• JJ Virgin YouTube

• JJ Virgin Instagram

• JJ Virgin Facebook

• The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)