Just When I
thought I was
on top of
the world…
The story of JJ Virgin’s most impactful,
life-altering event and how she, her
family and her community thrived.
Celebrity Nutrition and Fitness Expert
Four-time NY Times Bestselling Author
September of 2012 was an amazing time, and I felt I was on top of the world.
Seriously, at that time everything felt perfect. I was taping my PBS special, getting booked to be on major media and TV, and my publishers had my book launch lined up. At the end of every wonderful day, I simply wanted to go home, cook dinner, and spend time with my kids.
When I returned home THAT day, though, my teenage son Grant wasn’t in the best mood (because his dad told him he couldn’t go to a class that night). He asked me, thinking I would cave.
I didn’t, and Grant stormed out of the house.
THAT MOMENT
CHANGED EVERYTHING
On a narrow dark street, wearing black attire, my son never saw the car that struck him and left him for dead.
After he was airlifted to a hospital, doctors grimly informed me they couldn’t do anything for him. He was in a coma with bones literally sticking out of his body. One doctor grimly said, “You have to let him go.”
Anyone who has kids knows that letting them go isn’t an option – not for one millisecond. If you can fight for them in any capacity, you fight. I determined, in that moment, to prove those doctors wrong.
I had felt up “against the system” before.
When I was in school, instructors espoused “calories-in-calories-out” and other antiquated, erroneous beliefs about food and fat loss. Contrary to many experts’ opinions, I knew the clients I worked with at my gym weren’t lazy. They ate so-called “healthy” foods and exercised religiously, yet some of them weren’t losing weight.
I started challenging conventional thinking at that time, eventually coining the term “weight loss resistance” to describe the hard-working people out there, who, despite doing everything correctly, couldn’t lose weight.
Grant’s situation would take challenging the system to an entirely different level though.
He was airlifted to the UCLA trauma center. In the intensive care unit, feeling completely powerless and out of control, I kept thinking to myself, “I have to do something. I have to do something”.
I knew I couldn’t navigate this alone. I reached out to my rockstar friends and colleagues, who happen to be among the best medical minds in the world.
I also wrote a letter to my social media tribe. “Monday evening the unfathomable happened,” the letter began. I wasn’t asking for sympathy. I wanted support. We talk about being “real” and “authentic,” but getting vulnerable is a whole different game.
When we take the chance to be vulnerable,
unbelievable things happen.
Within minutes, I received texts, emails, and phone calls from doctors, healers, top brain researchers, and other health professionals asking what they could do.
Grant survived surgery, but he remained in a coma. As I watched him that evening, I knew I would do WHATEVER it took to make sure he became 110 percent.
While all of this unfolded, I had a book going to press. As my family’s sole source of financial support, I couldn’t let the launch slip, even though I sat in the intensive care unit 15 hours a day. So again, I reached out. I sent out an SOS to friends, affiliates and partners.
Fast forward: Grant not only survived, but thrived. I don’t use this
word lightly, but he’s a walking miracle. And my book? The book debuted as a New York Times best-seller (and the launch made millions).
On the day that a hit-and-run
driver struck grant,
i had a choice:
I could surrender to the doctors’ grim
prognoses, or I could fight.
I took a chance and chose to fight.
I confront my worst fears with
vulnerability and authenticity.
Grant came out stronger.
I came out stronger.
After you almost lose a child, you see things differently. Little things no longer feel like herculean battles. You clearly discover why health and wellness truly matters. I had to remain my best self to be there for Grant. The “often traveled” route of not eating, sleeping, or taking care of oneself in a crisis was NOT the way to go. How could I truly show up and fight for Grant if I was collapsing?
We often forget how crucial health and wellness are until we don’t have them, or face a seemingly insurmountable obstacle where we most need to be at our best.
Understanding our self-worth – living intentionally, being our best selves, maintaining impeccable health – this gives us the capacity to transform our lives and those of the people we love.
You deserve optimal health, but in another sense,
you need it to be completely present to serve those around you. It isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Whether you struggle to lose weight or face a difficult health issue, I’ve never met an amazing person who hasn’t gone through challenges. We are never better than when we are challenged.
The most amazing, inspirational people are those who went through hard times and came out stronger. They become more resilient, self-aware, and capable of serving others.
Writing four New York Times bestsellers helped me get my message about conquering food intolerances and crushing sugar cravings out to a wider audience. I feel so blessed that I’ve gotten to watch that audience grow, tackling their own challenges and becoming their best selves – and watching them inspire their own families.
But my ultimate message is truly built around self-empowerment. As powerful as these things are, this isn’t about losing 10 pounds or even reversing diabetes. My ultimate goal is empowering YOU to reach your healthiest, happiest life.
you are worth it.
you are worthy.
The most amazing, inspirational people are those who went through hard times and came out stronger. They become more resilient, self-aware, and capable of serving others.
Writing four New York Times bestsellers helped me get my message about conquering food intolerances and crushing sugar cravings out to a wider audience. I feel so blessed that I’ve gotten to watch that audience grow, tackling their own challenges and becoming their best selves – and watching them inspire their own families.
“JJ Virgin is unlike any other practicioner I have ever known… She is a true combination of genius, innovator, and expert. This rare combination, coupled with her compassion and true desire to help empower individuals to commit to themselves is a rare and priceless gift. I have 110% confidence whenever I refer a client, friend, or family member to her!!”
“We learn by attraction. Just look at JJ Virgin and you will want what she has. This book teaches you how to get it.”
“If I could make one person America’s Nutrition and Fitness Czar, it would be JJ Virgin. I don’t know anyone who would do a better job of getting this country fit and healthy again.”
“JJ distills the truth about nutritional science into bite-sized chunks, then serves it all up in a delectable fashion so you can get to work on your health immediately.”
Learn From JJ
No matter where you are on your weight loss journey, two resources can immediately help you fuel your body, get in motion, elevate your mind, and be your best self.
JJ’s Blog and Podcast are designed to remove the barriers to the body and life you love. Discover valuable, easy-to-implement strategies to lose weight, eat well, turn back the clock, and become your healthiest, most vibrant self. The start of your body, health, and life transformation is just one click away.
