Did you grow up in a house where foods like cookies, pastries, and cupcakes were the norm and as a result, healthy eating felt challenging as you grew up? Then you’ll want to listen to this episode of Beginnings and Breakthroughs where JJ talks to Laura Spisek. Laura discovered The Virgin Diet after searching for an elimination diet. During the first week, she lost 8 pounds and her energy levels skyrocketed. Here, Laura and JJ talk about managing cholesterol, menopause, shifting perspectives about exercise, how exposure equals preference, and more. Listen up as they discuss how to use diets as a tool to find out what works for you, JJ’s favorite affordable exercise device, Laura’s big shift with menopause that affected her cholesterol, the 2 big levers that impact cholesterol, and the connection between your thyroid and cholesterol levels. JJ also exposes popular “health” foods that can actually hurt you, why only 5% of Americans are metabolically healthy, the best way to build and measure muscle as you get older, how to determine how much protein you need daily, and how to increase metabolism. “The little hinges that swing big doors we're making here make a big change,” JJ tells Laura in this episode. Whether you need some inspiration to reach your goals, want to address challenges like thyroid issues, or wish to avoid menopause weight gain, you’ll want to tune into this lively, informative episode.