Full Strength LIFE

Omega-3 linked to Younger Biological Age: Study

High blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may slow cellular ageing in people with coronary heart disease, suggests a new study.

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) looked at the length of telomeres, DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes that shorten as cells replicate and age.

The ageing and lifespan of normal, healthy cells are linked to the so-called telomerase shortening mechanism, which limits cells to a fixed number of divisions. During cell replication, the telomeres function by ensuring the cell's chromosomes do not fuse with each other or rearrange, which can lead to cancer. Elizabeth Blackburn, a telomere pioneer at the University of California San Francisco, likened telomeres to the ends of shoelaces, without which the lace would unravel.

[little hard to follow but makes sense if you read slowly]

With each replication the telomeres shorten, and when the telomeres are totally consumed, the cells are destroyed (apoptosis).

[main point is these buggers are indicators of the rate cells age]

Previous studies have also reported that telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Some experts have noted that telomere length may be a marker of biological ageing.

“Among patients with stable coronary artery disease, there was an inverse relationship between baseline blood levels of marine omega-3 fatty acids and the rate of telomere shortening over 5 years,” wrote the researchers.

[Ta-da! Need I say more? That's big stuff. It means = Eat Fish!]

“These findings raise the possibility that omega-3 fatty acids may protect against cellular aging in patients with coronary heart disease,” they added.

The Tokyo Joes' FREE Food & Fitness Fast Start : LAST DAY!

ATTN: Denver Metro Area Residents

        Today is : Jan 29th << Last DAY! >>

Welcome to The 20-day Tokyo Joe's Great Food + Great Fitness FREE giveaway.

We're doubling up today!

Today it'll be FREE Book + FREE Meal at 2 locations for the first three people to ask! (locations below)

Here's The Deal 

My favorite restaurant for quick, delicious, nutritious eats; Tokyo Joes is helping me "Share the Strength."

We're giving away a limited number of autographed copies of my book, Strength for LIFE, each day for lunch.

With each FREE book you also get a FREE LUNCH!

No kidding. How awesome is that?

All you do is stop in to the right location on the right day (See today's location below), be one of the first and you win.

That's a great way to fuel your body and mind today and kick start your fitness for 2010, fast. If you only get One thing from Strength for LIFE, the 12-Day Reboot for your body and mind will get you going strong, fast!

Today's FREE Book for Lunch GiveAway Location is:

1/29  2-Locations for this LAST DAY!!!

  #1 : Highlands Ranch (Broadway & Highlands Rnch Pkwy)

   #2 : Illiff & Parker Road

                (see map here) 

Get there before noon to get your Book & Meal on Us! Follow along:

Twitter.com/Shawn_Phillips

Twitter.com/TokyoJoes

5 Things That Strangely Don't Require Refrigeration

I was talking with a friend the other day and he sheepishly mentioned he'd tried that Nutri-System for Men weight-loss food program. Honestly, I was a little shocked that he'd not just asked me about it first, but that's testament to good marketing.

When I asked him about why he didn't just try Full Strength, take the 14-day "Feel Great" Challenge, he said that at 40 lbs. overweight he thought it was "above me."

"I'm just a dude needing to lose this gut and you've fueled the greatest athletes in the world. Why would Full Strength be for me?," he pondered aloud.

Trust me, I was taking notes. I get that his perception is real, although not accurate. As I created Full Strength to be daily nutrition for the "man in the middle" of life. Sure, it's nutrition for better performance but in this case, more performance in life than on the field.

More on that later... 

Weird Food

When I asked him about his experience he said the weirdest, most unsettling part of the Nutrisystem food was that it would be sitting on his porch all day when he got home, and that it didn't require any refrigeration.

In an effort to make him feel better about this odd (and unsettling) fact, I started listing other things in life that, strangely, don't require refrigeration.

Here are a few that popped for me. Please share your additions to this list below:

5 Things That Strangely Don't Require Refrigeration:

1. Soy Milk - No, soy milk does not require the fridge. Placing it in the fridge section of stores is just brilliant marketing. Feel free to stick the soy milk where the light don't shine.

2. Bud - in contrast to Coors, which is not pasteurized and thus cold along every step, from bottling to shipment, to delivery (hopefully) I've always been somewhat aghast at the fact that Bud is as good with room temp as Nutrisystem. Not that either or a favorite beverage for me. :-) (yes, I am native to Golden, CO)

3. Road Kill - that is unless you've dressed it properly and salvaged the remaining good meat.

4. NutriSystem boxed meals - This is a mystery I don't really want the answer to. I'm not sure I could handle this truth. I know that beef jerky, and some cured meats, don't require refrigeration so maybe they're selling jerky burgers and such. 

5. Baseballs - unless of course you're on a Major League team where they're maintained in a giant chilled, humidor like fridge.

That's five. Runner-ups for the list included Twinkies (but we know these aren't food because bugs won't eat them), my PC (long story), Ted Williams head (that's on ice, thank goodness), non-dairy creamer...

What can you think of that doesn't belong in your fridge?

Harnessing The Weight Loss Power of a 3-Ring Circus

Failed your last diet attempt?
 
Tired of trying to lose those last 10 pounds?
 
Frustrated by your lack of discipline and motivation?
 
Can’t get the appetite under control? Feel like you’re in a constant struggle with yourself, like there’s two of you—one who wants to be lean and fit and the other who wants to eat deep fried cake for breakfast?
 
You’re struggles are over.
 
Now you can get the sort of rock solid, unshakable discipline that dieting will never provide, that only the most skilled experts in behavior modification can create.
 
Step up to the big time for real and lasting Transformation…
 
Hire your own personal Lion Tamer!
 
If you’re serious about making a change, a professional lion tamer will take you from struggling to freedom in a few short months.

Think about it.

Is there anyone in the world more skilled at behavior modification on a more critical stage? Failure for their profession is deadly so the shear fact that your trainer will be alive is nearly a guarantee you’ll achieve your desired results.

Sure, they’re not cheap but then there’s no price tag on your life, is there? Of course, you’ll deal with nominal public ridicule when your friends find out but hey, in a few months you’ll be the lean, fit one who can poke fun at their fat asses. 

And after they get a look at your amazing results you can bet they’re going to find a lion tamer of their own.

You’ll know when the time is right for you to give it a shot. I wouldn’t use the word desperation that’s just me—you can feel free to use it. And hey, if that doesn’t work you can always try the path to Nutritional Freedom.

Nutritional Freedom may not be as risky and exciting as having a live-in lion trainer but it's every bit as effective in helping you gain your freedom to eat the foods that are best for you the most.

If the Lion Tamer is too costly and perahps a little extreme, step up to the Full Strength 2-Week Challenge, and feel the energy and freedom, fast. Guaranteed. 

The Risk of Healthy Living... See, I told you so.

I belong to the international group called, EO, which conveniently stands for Entrepreneurs Organization. You may have heard of it in it's previous life as Y-EO, when we were all Young enough to carry that title. Fortunately for me, and many of my peers, they figured out that entrepreneurism is not something one out grows with age.

As a part of this cool, rather elite, group of entrepreneurs around the globe, I get invited to some great events, most live... some virtual.

Well, today I received an invite to a health summit of sort. "Okay. Cool... Health." I'm thinking when I open up the invite. 

Here's what it says, verbatim:

On 21 April 2009 at 1:00 p.m. EDT, EO members have an exclusive opportunity to learn from Susan Locke, M.D., the medical director for the Healthnetwork Foundation. Susan will facilitate a Webinar on the importance of health screening for prevention and early detection of disease.

Dr. Locke will outline ways to modify your lifestyle to decrease your risk of developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. She will also discuss the importance of scheduled diagnostic tests as a means to detect subtle health issues before they become severe health issues. 

Well, gee... That all sounds nice, right?

I think it's wise to detect a disease early and I'm big on prevention. But what caught my attention was just how "disease centric" the entire thing is. It is precisely the way modern, western medicine has arisen and the way we've all been taught to think, in terms of managing or avoiding disease.

It's as if disease is a big steel pole and we're all on a rope spinning around it. It's only a matter of time before that rope gets short and we go "bonk."

This is precisely the focus of Chapter One in Strength for Life, the dangerous dance with health, which most people define precisely the way Webster's does, "the absence of disease."

As a result we have a life centered around and driven by illness vs. health and as a result health becomes--literally--the absence of illness rather than the presence of vibrancy, of life, of energy, of joy.

And don't think this is simple semantics--it's a lot more than that. I'm talking to you about the way we really work, the stuff that is really driving you towards or away from... you can not be compelled towards a vision of health when it's defined in your psyche as "not being sick."

That's a "running from" not a "running towards" goal.

I encourage you, as I do everyone I meet, to reassess what health means to you. Define what it feels like, looks like and how amazing you want to live. Be intentional about it. And

The vision and word I point to is, "Strength."Not simply a physical capacity...

Strength is an abundance of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy--the capacity to make a contribution in this life and world. It's inclusive of health and so much more...

Here's to your Life @ Full Strength! 

How Do You Get Your 5-a-Day?

The US-Government, while not exactly a bastion of nutritional wisdom, recommend 5 servings of vegetables per day for every adult. And this may be the one place I find myself in agreement with their nutritional advise for vegetables are a little like “models” at the playboy mansion, the more the merrier.

(Sorry ladies, that’s just the best I could do for analogies for the moment. It is after all vegetables we’re talking about here.)

I eat clean, healthy, nutrient rich food but still find reaching the magic 5 servings of veggies a daily challenge. My wife, Angie, is good at making veggie rich salads with dinner which helps. And I get an additional load when I make it to my favorite fast-food place, Tokyo Joes but you'll not often find me snacking on red bell peppers or raw broccoli during the day. Should I? Probably but it’s just not something I’ve bitten off yet—pun intended.

This has me thinking: If not now, when? When am I going to start getting in the mega dose of veggies?

First answer that comes to mind, “When I have to.” Ah… busted. Seems deep down I’m relating to veggie intake the way many relate to fitness and exercise—they’ll take it on when they have to, when their doctor says they are out of options.

Now, here I am busted in my own dance with what I want and what I know is right. Damn it! I hate when that happens.

I’m sure I could come up with some answers but I’d rather hear from you—I want to find the most creative, effective, sustainable way to get 5-a-Day and maybe we can all learn something from it.

So, how do you do get your 5 a day in? Or do you? Please do share. I look forward to being inspired.

When Your Body is Wiser Than Your Mind

We humans do value our minds—that higher capacity and intelligence which separates us from animals. Why not… it’s at once our ego, our sense of control, our superiority, our world.

So captivated by our codependent relationship with mind, many (if not most) people have long sense relegated their body to a second grade citizen—akin to the crazy aunt we park in the basement. It’s handy for utilitarian uses but otherwise we ignore it in favor of the mental-monologue.

While this common approach to living from the shoulders up can fail us in many ways, none may be more readily visible and serious than in our eating. For the mind is tricky thing—it’s smart and it learns and when our sole relationship with life is via our mind we’re extremely vulnerable to its trickery.

When it comes to eating—fueling your life energy—my advice is to take a step towards freedom and tune in to your body and out of our mind when eating for your body craves nutrition, your mind stimulation.

When the Scale is an Altar

Amidst the busyness of December, the holiday season offers a chance to reflect, and pay homage, to all that is good and meaningful in our lives.

Come January, it’s back to high-gear as we take control of the wheel of life again—and toss in a few well intentioned resolutions for improvement. And for most you can expect at least one of those resolutions to reference fitness—or to “get back in shape.”

That’s great! Really. Any focus on self improvement is helpful. What concerns me is the way in which it seems millions of people choose to measure their progress: the scale.

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.