Hidden Food Additives Sabotaging Women Over 40 with Courtney Swan

Hidden Food Additives Sabotaging Women Over 40 with Courtney Swan

Author: JJ Virgin August 27, 2025 Duration: 1:12:06
"We have allowed about 10,000 additives into our food supply. In the EU, they allow around 300 to 400 additives depending on what country you're looking at. 300 to 400 versus 10,000 is a large leap." - Courtney Swan The shocking truth about what's really in our food will make you rethink everything sitting in your pantry right now. After spending time in Europe and feeling amazing while eating "everything," I knew something was fundamentally broken with our American food system. My guest today, integrative nutritionist and food activist Courtney Swan, reveals the disturbing reality that we're consuming 10,000 food additives compared to just 300-400 in Europe. For women over 40 already battling hormonal changes, weight challenges, and energy dips, these hidden toxins in our everyday foods are sabotaging our health in ways we never imagined. Courtney breaks down exactly which ingredients are causing inflammation, disrupting our hormones, and keeping us feeling tired and bloated - plus gives us a practical roadmap to navigate the grocery store without spending hours reading labels or breaking the bank. The hidden difference between American and European food standards that explains why you feel amazing eating abroad Which common food additives are secretly disrupting your hormones and causing weight gain after 40 How to decode manipulative food packaging and marketing claims that target health-conscious shoppers The simple "grocery store test" to determine if a packaged food is truly clean or ultra-processed Why glyphosate exposure may be behind your digestive issues and what foods pose the highest risk Practical strategies to reduce inflammation through better food choices without overwhelming your routine The exciting policy changes happening right now that could transform our food system Easy meal planning tips that make cooking real food achievable for busy women 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 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive. Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?  Go to subscribetojj.com Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!) Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today! Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/swan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Midlife isn't a crisis; it's a catalyst. On Well Beyond 40, JJ Virgin guides a conversation about rewriting the narrative of aging for women, moving from simply coping to truly thriving. This isn't about chasing youth, but about building a foundation of strength and vitality that makes the coming decades the most rewarding yet. Each episode feels like a direct, practical talk with a trusted expert who cuts through the noise. You'll hear actionable strategies rooted in science, focusing on how nutrition, movement, and mindset intersect uniquely during this life stage. JJ translates complex research into clear steps for refueling your body, managing energy, and cultivating a sense of purpose that goes far beyond the scale. The Well Beyond 40 podcast operates on the principle that knowing *why* something works is just as important as knowing *what* to do. Listeners are invited into a space where questions about metabolic shifts, hormonal balance, sustainable fitness, and intentional beauty are met with evidence-based answers and genuine empathy. It’s a resource for any woman ready to move past generic advice and discover what it means to age with power, confidence, and joy on her own terms. Tune in to reframe your approach and build a life that feels truly well-lived.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Well Beyond 40
Podcast Episodes
Food as Fuel: Eating to Reignite Your Metabolism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:01
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 midlif…
Muscle-First Metabolism: The Key to Midlife Weight Loss for Women 40+ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:55
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 rec…
What Your Plate Should Look Like for Fat Loss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:25
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…
Lose Your Mind to Reclaim Your Health with Josh Pais [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:27
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. Jo…
Animal vs. Plant Protein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
It’s not tofu versus steak. It’s both. There’s a battle raging in the health world over plant vs. animal protein—but the truth is, this isn’t an either/or game. It’s about combining the best of both to fuel muscle, metab…
The Ultimate Creatine Guide for Women Over 40 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:38
Download my Ultimate Creatine Guide for Women before listening so you can read along and get the most out of the episode. You know that feeling when you discover something that completely changes your perspective on heal…