Strength for Life

Feel the Freedom of Strength Effortlessly Control Your Calories

For all it can do for your strength of body and mind, for the boost of energy and focus, perhaps the most coveted benefit for committed Full Strength-ers is this FREEDOM it brings to your life.

For myself and nearly all those who have I’ve known to make it part of their lives, Full Strength is freedom – in so many ways. How it will bring freedom to your life is something you must discover for yourself.

But here are some examples…

Full Strength frees you from the draining effort of self-discipline – no pushing yourself away from the table, no resisting the enormous portions in advance, no pulling back, stepping back, walking back, stumbling over…with Full Strength you simply open it, add cold water, 4 ice cubes… blend and enjoy!

You've absolutely must try it to beleive it.

How to Stay Strong and Toasty Warm Inside…

The snow is coming down here in Colorado… Winter has arrived!

Just like Colorado, it was mid 70’s this past weekend and it’s in the teens outside now. Wild stuff. When it gets cold out it sure feels good to warm up from the inside with some hot soup and a home cooked meal.

And for some the chill in the air can cut into the daily Full Strength Shake Break ritual. You know.. it’s the old “shakes are for summer” programming we picked up as a child.

We’ll I’m here to tall you, “it just aint so…”

I’m as prone to the chill as anyone (well, not as my wife but I do get the chills) and as much as I love Full Strength at times I’ll find myself both satisfied and feeling great and a little chilled. So if you’ve experienced a slump in your strength from the winter chill, try one of these two simple tips:

>> Chase your strength with a hot green tea or even a fresh Starbucks coffee <<
This is what I do… I’ve learned to enjoy my Shake Break, and then follow it up with a warm cup of green tea. It’s a terrific, healthy energizing combination and the warmth of the tea combined with the rich nutrients in Full Strength has my body glowing in minutes.

>>  Enjoy a Full Strength Hot-Chocolate  <<
I just received this tip from my neighbor...It’s great!

Evidently my neighbor, Scott, had been out for a run in the chill and come back looking for that Full Strength “lift” he’s come to enjoy – and he was chilled to the bone from being out in the cold. So, rather than compromise he just took his chocolate Full Strength and added hot water and stirred.

Viola! Delicious power hot chocolate!

Here’s the email from Scott that explains a little about his technique: 

"I’m sure you’ve probably tried this already but… FullStrength with hot water (use less FullStrentgh/more water) tastes great after a run on a cold day.  Still get the same benefits – clarity, energy.  Try it. "

Give it a try and let me know how you enjoy it.

There's No Limit to the Things You Will Do For Your Children

Alert the media… Shawn Phillips is now a proud owner of a MacBook!

Okay, so owning a Mac isn’t exactly news these days but if only you knew… you see, I’m a tried and true PC guy. Heck, I’ll go one better (or worse); I didn’t exactly welcome Windows. You see I was a programmer and loved working in Dos.

What’s that? A few of you may recall that good ol’ DOS > prompt. Well, that was my friend. Reluctantly I left it behind and went to Windows. Then for years I continued to write code now and then and do many things which felt to be uniquely PC centric.

So I stuck with them.

I have to be honest, I would ogle my friends Macs… and not just the look and feel but I loved watching their eyes light up when they talked about their pride and joys. If you’ve ever seen it, you know that Michael Dell can’t even pretend to get that excited about his finest PC.

For the last year my inner dialogue was growing increasingly loud. I felt incongruent with my principles… here I was creating the world’s first and only true premium nutrition shake, emphasizing experience and excellence while continuing to plug away on a technological relic.

Yet ignore it I did… continuing to put off the inevitable switch with every excuse you can imagine. Later, later…later… so it went.

Then… one day it all became crystal clear to me. In a flash it hit me! My son, Nathaniel, was coming of age and he'd be on a computer before I knew what happened. I could see had Nathaniel heading off to high school carrying his "PC pancake" - and it didn't feel good. I could imagine the ridcul he would face, a virtual land of exile for being the only PC nerd in school.

You got it... I promptly logged on and purchased my first MacBook.

And guess what? Yep! I love it!

Now I’m one of those raving fans – who can’t help but share my joy about the machine at every chance.

I’m more certain than ever that there’s simply no substitute for excellence! When you have the option to choose between “good enough” and “out-freaking-standing” do the right thing. You’re worth it! And every time you choose excellence you send a message to yourself and the universe – that you deserve all the best that life has to offer.

A Starbucks Today May Keep Diabetes Away…

Yes, more good news to report for the coffee lovers of the world. And I’m happy to be the one telling you.

With a book in the works, an amazing wife and three year old son, a growing business and many more commitments than I begin to list here, my days are pretty f*&%^#n hectic. Thank goodness I have Full Strength and a Starbucks grande’ Americano to count on.

I love my “strength” and my Americano!

Well, as a stockholder and fan of Starbucks (not just any coffee mind you) I’m happy to share more support for coffee’s protective role against diabetes.

11/29/2006

Drinking a whopping seven or more cups of coffee a day could cut the risk of developing type-2 diabetes by over 40 per cent, say Finnish researchers from the country’s National Public Health Institute.

(check out all that java in that photo! Looks a little like my desk!)

In this recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity, coffee drinking was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in both men and women, and this association was observed regardless of the levels of physical activity, BMI and alcohol consumption.

That’s very interesting but mixed news to me. Sure, it’s terrific that coffee may reduce the risk of diabetes but I can see how this might sound like a license to be obese and guzzle vodka for breakfast. 

Clearly that’s not the idea… Nope. Don’t try that one at home.

And if you too are a fan, the Christmas Blend is HERE!

Well, here’s to the magical bean… in moderation, of course.

A Day of Thanks and Freedom

If you’re planning a showdown between your willpower and a Thanksgiving feast…please, do not read this.

On the other hand...If you’re up for enjoying the abundance of Thanksgiving to the fullest, guilt free, DO read on ...

Isn’t food just the best thing some times? Sure, I’ve been let down by it, left feeling like hell but still I do so enjoy great food and there is something particularly comforting about the traditional home-cooked, holiday feasts.

There is no other holiday more appropriately focused on food than Thanksgiving; the annual celebration of a bountiful harvest. And what better way to “give thanks” than to share in the abundance, freely.

With Thanksgiving only a few days away you’ve probably received ample advice from well-intentioned experts on how to “survive” the holiday as if the turkey’s are planning to retaliate.

I’ve already received at least a dozen tips on how to "play it safe" and resist the temptation of excess. And if this is what you want to do, great. Go for it. But personally, I’m for enjoying the holiday and taking the day off from resistance (click here to see my day here).

This year, like so many others, has 365 days – only ONE of which is Thanksgiving. Only one time this year will you gather with friends and family to celebrate this traditional American holiday.

My advice to you: Don’t make this day a test of your willpower.

Be kind to yourself, let your guard down and be thankful. We have so much.

I believe in you. And I know that as capable adult you are free to enjoy a holiday celebration and if you so choose to eat what you like and to do so without needless guilt.

How does that sound? A day of absolute freedom for you. Enjoy!

Now, if you’re up for pushing the limits of this holiday feast, click here for my 4 Simple Secrets for Eating Your Bodyweight in turkey, dressing, potatoes and pie.

Have a terrific holiday and do enjoy! 

4 Secrets for Eating Your Body Weight in Mashed Potatoes

I love food…really love it. What I like best about it is eating it.

With Thanksgiving just a hours away, if you love to eat too, I thought you might enjoy a few tips on how to eat your body-weight in Thanksgiving day feast! If you’re a little out of practice at the indulgence thing, these might just do the trick!

1.       Start with a Dunkin’ Dozen

Quick, off the top of your head... what foods have you actually eaten a dozen of at one time?

Donuts, cookies, candies... what else? Ever had a dozen oranges or a dozen hamburgers? I doubt it.

What do these little health-granades all have in common? You got it... the deadly mix of sugar and fat - the perfect combo for excessive consumption. The sugar provides the taste and fuels cravings, while the fat adds to the pleasure and mouth-feel. With this special mix, there’s literally no stopping until you run out, toss them out the window or overload your stomach.

Why start your day this way?

Science has shown that a low protein, high carb, high fat breakfast sets one up perfectly for overeating later in the day.

How ideal! Just think about it; when you finally do regain consciousness, you’ll be delightfully ravenous and ready to unleash your fury on the Thanksgiving feast.

*** Remember, no protein for breakfast. It’s high satiety will reduce your appetite and may stop you from fully gorging yourself. ***

How I Plan to Eat Everything I Want and Still Feel Great!

First let me say, I don’t plan on losing one single pound this Thursday and I sincerely hope you don’t either. Your body, as is your life, is a reflection of what you do consistently, day in and day out, not the exceptions.

For me, the idea of testing my strength and willpower against a holiday of such abundance as Thanksgiving is nonsensical. It’s like wrestling a tiger - should one live, it’s a great story to tell your grandchild but let’s face it, the odds are with the tiger.

My Thanksgiving Day Schedule

~ 6:30 am ~
First thing I’m going to do after I awake is workout. I know many people like to take holidays off but I find them the best days to train. This is especially true for Thanksgiving. It's a great day for energizing your body and mind with exercise as it invariably turns into a long day with a lot of eating and sitting. It helps to be clear and focused for the day ahead.

If you train at a gym you may not be so eager to take the drive – I understand that. Although when I was growing up the holidays were the best because so few people would come to the gym we felt like we owned it. It was nice. But that was then. If you can’t make the gym, then start with a brisk walk… just get at least 20 minutes of movement in. Do some pushups, sit-ups, deep knee bends or even some yoga to get your body moving.

~  7:30 am ~
After training I’ll set my day up for success and start strong with my favorite breakfast, a nutritious delicious Full Strength. This is my insurance policy for the day. Rather than pretend I’m going to be on a diet or even worry about what I will or won’t eat, I’ll have a Full Strength first thing in the morning. As a result, I’ll enjoy total freedom and still eat less without effort.

I know when I start with a Full Strength I effortlessly eat less all day. Maybe it’s the satiating power of the ultra-premium proteins, the lasting energy of the sustained release carbs, the cognitive boost or the full spectrum of nutrients or most likely the perfect synergy of all the above but what I know is that it delivers a new level of freedom. After starting my day with one Full Strength I simply don’t eat as much throughout the day nor do I crave sweets.

When I start my day with a Full Strength I can actually eat ALL I WANT freely because I simply want less. I eat from a rational place and feel in control. If you've tried it, you know. I not, you've got to feel the difference.

There’s ample science that explains how the premium blend of nutrients provides a boost of energy and such phenomenal lasting satiety but what’s even more amazing to me is the feedback I just received from a few hundred regular Full Strength’ers. When asked “What food did Full Strength replace in your day?” the #1 answer was:

“None… I simply eat less of everything when I have a Full Strength every day.”

I know this is absolutely true for me. And if you’ve never experienced the remarkable lift and sustained energy Full Strength provides, now is your chance. We’ve just received a new vintage and that means we have FREE trial samples in again.

~ 8:00 am and Beyond... ~
With my workout in, my energy high and fully fueled with a Full Strength, I’m ready for a terrific Thanksgiving. From this point out it’s no-holds-barred holiday. At this point I refer back to my opening post about how to enjoy the holiday, A Day of Thanks and Freedom. Having set myself up for success, I won’t worry about trying to control or limit myself – I can fully and freely enjoy the holiday, food, family and all.

However you choose to enjoy your Thanksgiving may you have a warm, wonderful and memorable holiday with your family and friends.

The iPod of Nutrition

If you have an ipod you know how contagious they are. You may have been lukewarm about getting one, even resisted it for a some time…

And then it happens!

You get your little miracle machine and you can’t shut-up about how "way cool" it is. Next thing you know you find yourself in line at customs telling the Turkish border guard how’s it’s changed your life.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. It’s what we do when we really, truly fall for a cool, techno gadget – we find ourselves filled with the energy of a child. The "wow, cool, giddy-up," kind of lovin' life.

Well, I’ve got the energy again!

I recently discovered another way cool, life altering techno-gadget that I can’t stop telling people about. It’s bigger than an ipod and much more powerful – but as odd as it may seem to say, it’s every bit as cool to me.

->> see in action here <<-

I’m Standing Behind Richard Simmons!

Oops…did I say that out loud

I was six years old when America set foot on the moon so you’d like to think I’d be open to pretty much any possibility. I mean, really... during my years visiting earth I’ve been witness to many of man’s most miraculous achievements.

In addition to the moon voyages, there’s been the personal computer thing followed by some deal called the internet and you can toss in hundreds more from the amazing iPod to the Colts winning the Superbowl (really! Of course that was in 1971) but some how I never, ever dreamed that I’d ever find myself aligned with Richard Simmons.

Okay, you might even say, “backing” the big man.

What’s this all about? Well, seems Richard (or as I like to call him, “Ricky”) is pretty emotional about the lack of PE (a.k.a. physical education or “gym time”) for our kids in America. As you may already know, the increasing squeeze on school budgets over the last few decades has resulted in the cleaving off of physical activities for our children.

It’s remarkable (meaning “really hard cause it's so stupid”) to believe that school administrators, in their infinite wisdom, have decided that it’s cool to neglect our children’s bodies so long as they can still spell. “obesity.”

With the overwhelming scientific evidence that exercise, and activity in general, is good for one’s mental acuity, intelligence, confidence, mood and a list too long to place here. In my view  it’s borderline criminal to ignore.

I was fortunate to be in school during a time when activity was valued or at least promoted. Someone my best memories are of the games, activities and competition of athletics. I still credit my junior high PE teacher with introducing myself (and very much so Bill) to the transformative power of strength training. Mr. Hood was a physical specimen and role model for the life enhancing benefits of true strength.

Enough… Ricky is right on!

Just as I encourage every adult to start strong daily, it’s of the utmost importance that we help our children start their lives strong!

Please join me in supporting this worthy cause. That habits we instill in our youth will either serve us or challenge us for a life time.

>> Please click here to take Richards quick survey <<

Thank you for your support!

Mindful Eating : The True Key to Weight Loss?

If a Twinkie falls in your mouth and no one is there, does it count?

Today I saw an author promoting his new book called, Mindless Eating.

I like the angle, although I’m not wild about the title. It strikes me as negative – draws focus on the opposite of what you want and what people are already doing.

From what I gathered so far, the book supports what I’ve been saying for years; the unconscious consumption of food is a staggering problem. It’s most often associated with snacking but that’s only the most obvious example. It’s much more prolific than that.

From what I could gather in the short segment, his research supports the potent mix of distracting stimulus with the stimulation of food and you’ve got a potent combo – one it can be difficult to separate. The author conducted some research for the book – in one study people are a enormous bag of five day old, stale popcorn while watching a movie – the same popcorn they would not even eat without the external stimulus.