By Emma Stessman
You may know JJ Virgin as the author of the New York Times bestselling book The Virgin Diet and the cookbook that followed. Or you might remember her as the co-host of TLC’s 2010 series Freaky Eaters.
In other words, the holistic nutritionist and exercise physiologist is a long-recognized face in the health and wellness world. Virgin is known for encouraging an elimination-style approach to weight loss and healthy eating, which also focuses on lowering inflammation and recognizing potential food intolerances.
What you might not know is that on top of her reach as a wellness leader, she’s an inspiring mother. While working on her fifth book, her son Grant sustained life-threatening injuries from a hit-and-run. She hit pause on the writing process, and after helping him recover, re-started with a blank slate and a new message—unlocking your hidden strength. In Warrior Mom, released in 2017, she shared the lessons she learned during that trying time and how every mother can tap into a resilient and powerful mindset to face any obstacle.
So does this wonder woman have any weaknesses (other than a perfectly cooked steak)? More on her stress-relieving habits, how she fuels her workouts, and more, below.
How Does JJ Virgin Live a Nutritious Life?
If you had to name your healthy diet, what would you call it? The Virgin Diet (I wrote a book about it, actually…)
What’s your go-to breakfast? Protein shake.
Your go-to workday dinner? Salmon, wild rice cooked in bone broth, and broccoli in ghee.
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What’s the one food you always have in your fridge? Coconut milk.
What do you eat before and after a workout? Coffee with MCTs before, then a smoothie after.
Your favorite food indulgence? A well-grilled steak.
Other than water, what do you sip regularly? Unsweetened green tea.
How often do you exercise, and what’s your workout of choice? Four to five times per week, burst and resistance training.
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Which workout would you NEVER do? Long-distance running.
What’s your go-to tool for managing stress? Tapping (EFT).
How do you pamper yourself when you need it? An Epsom salt bath and a good book.
How do you express and spread love? By creating great connections and experiences with both long-time and new friends and supporting them on their success paths, whatever that looks like.
What does it mean to you to “live consciously”? Being empathetic and practicing forgiveness.
Which healthy habit do you wish you had more time for? I need to make time for meditation and more flexibility with work.
Lightning Round
Meditation or massage? Massage!
A hot shower or a soothing bath? Bath.
Almond butter or peanut butter? Almond butter.
Coffee or tea? Both 🙂
A long run outside or a dark spin class? Dark spin class.
