"I really thought I was going to sail through menopause... until I didn't have it all figured out. I started going into early menopause at 42, and that's when everything changed." - Karen Martel

Today, I sit down with hormone expert Karen Martel, to dive deep into the truth about perimenopause, menopause, weight gain, and hormone replacement therapy.

As a nutritionist who experienced early menopause herself, Karen shares invaluable insights about why the conventional "calories in, calories out" approach fails so many women in midlife. Together, we explore why even health-conscious women who "do everything right" can still struggle with unexplained weight gain, mood changes, and other perimenopausal symptoms.

Karen reveals game-changing information about estrogen's crucial role in metabolic health and why starting hormone replacement at the right time can make all the difference in your journey through menopause.

If you're tired of being told it's "all in your head" or that you need to “eat less and exercise more”, this episode will validate you and arm you with the knowledge you need to take control of your hormonal health.

What you'll learn:

• Why conventional advice about menopause and metabolism is often wrong, especially for women over 40

• The surprising connection between estrogen levels and insulin resistance in midlife

• How to recognize early signs of perimenopause that most doctors miss

• Why the timing of starting hormone replacement therapy matters more than most realize

• The truth about progesterone dosing and why "more" isn't always better

• How modern environmental factors trigger earlier onset of perimenopausal symptoms

• The role of new medications, like GLP-1s, to support metabolic health in menopause

• Game-changing insights about topical estrogen for skin health and aging

FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/hormonecream

Learn more about Karen Martel: https://karenmartel.com/

Karen’s over the counter line of bioidentical hormone creams. Use code jj for 10% off: https://karenmartel.com/shop/?wpam_id=18

Podcast: The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hormone-solution-with-karen-martel/id1438772276

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In this eye-opening episode, I dive deep into the most common diet mistakes that derail progress, including the shocking truth about calorie tracking (even nutritionists get this wrong!), why protein timing is crucial for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss, and the real reason cardio might be working against your goals.

I also share specific strategies for tracking, essential tools for accurate measurement, and explain why focusing on body composition rather than just the number on the scale is key for lasting results.

What you'll learn:

• Why tracking your food intake incorrectly (or not at all) could be sabotaging your progress

• The optimal protein intake for maintaining muscle mass while losing fat

• How excessive calorie restriction impacts your metabolism and muscle retention

• Why resistance training trumps cardio for sustainable body transformation

• The truth about bio-impedance scales and tracking meaningful progress

• Essential tools and apps for successful weight management

FULL show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/worstmistakes

Free Cronometer tracking app: jjvirgin.com/cronometer

7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst

Use my Eat Protein First Calculator: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst

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Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance

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Episode Sponsors:

Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products

Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off

"The minute I put a little pressure on you in your life, you freak out. So what I want to do is figure out how to get this pressure and try to get calmer." - Gabby Reece

In this powerful episode, I sat down with volleyball legend and wellness pioneer Gabby Reece to unpack her evolution from professional athlete to wellness entrepreneur. At 54, Gabby shares her refreshingly practical approach to aging powerfully, revealing how she has adapted her training methods to focus on longevity, while still maintaining the discipline that made her a champion. She opens up about her innovative training approach, combining underwater workouts, heat exposure, and strategic strength training—designed not solely for physical gains, but also for building mental resilience.

What truly sets this conversation apart is Gabby's candid discussion about navigating her marriage to fellow athlete, Laird Hamilton, raising three daughters in today's sometimes overwhelming world, and finding the delicate balance between being a powerful woman and embracing vulnerability in her relationships.

What you'll learn:

• How Gabby transformed her professional athlete training routine into a sustainable lifestyle focused on longevity

• The game-changing benefits of underwater training for both physical and mental resilience

• Why building muscle becomes increasingly crucial for women as they age

• The surprising truth about how she maintains her physique through simple nutrition principles

• Her refreshing perspective on marriage dynamics when both partners are high achievers

• Practical strategies for training smarter, not harder, as you age

• The importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth

Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/highperformanceliving

Learn more about Gabby Reece: https://gabriellereece.com/
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Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance

Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/JJVirgin - use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off.

Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep

Episode Sponsors:

Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products

Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk-free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off