Foodie Friday: Philip McCluskey

Posted January 18, 2013

I sent a message out to the Universe a little while ago that I wanted to feature more healthy guys on my site, and I can’t think of anyone more fitting to take the first Foodie Friday dude of 2013 than Philip McCluskey. His story of health transformation is incredible, and he is one super inspiring guy.

Philip is a sought-after motivational speaker, author, weight loss expert, and co-founder of Healthy, Hot and Energised and Vimergy.com. The other co-founder is his wife Casey McCluskey, who was one of my first online wellness friends and who you will hear from as next week’s Foodie Friday.

But for now, meet Philip …

What was the catalyst that turned you into a healthy foodie?

After stepping on the weighing scales at a hospital (the only scales that would go high enough) and seeing the number hit over 400 pounds (over 181 kgs), I knew I had to make a change.

I had already tried over 30 diets, all of which failed. I was ready to take drastic measures and was undergoing the lengthy testing procedures to be eligible for gastric bypass surgery. At this same time I came across information on the raw food diet. It immediately made sense to me and gave me hope.

The next day I changed my diet to 100% raw – just fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. In my first year on a raw food diet I lost 100 pounds (over 45 kgs), and the second year I lost another 100 pounds. I even completed a 100 day juice fast to see how I could reprogram my emotional attachments to food and cleanse my body after so many years of abuse from junk food. It worked!

I have now lost over 215 pounds in total and maintained my weight for over 6 years. I now eat a wider diet of whole and raw foods, and have found a lifestyle that works for me and that I love. I feel more energetic, happy and excited about life than ever.

 

What are your non-negotiables when it comes to your diet?

I always eat greens every day in salads, smoothies and juices. I eat lighter during the work day when I need to feel energetic and focused, and then tend to include cooked veggies and other whole foods in the evening. My non negotiable is to only eat food that makes me feel great.

Why do you eat the way you eat?

I feel alive, full of energy, keep my weight balanced and feel more passionate and driven than I ever have in my life. I left my job of over 10 years not long after I changed my diet and lifestyle and now teach people all over the world how they can live healthier, happier, purposeful lives. I am a prime example of how completely your life can be transformed for the better just by changing your diet, and I love to use this to inspire and educate as many people as possible.

If you were trying to convert someone to your dietary philosophy, what would you make for them?

A fun, creamy, filling smoothie made with frozen bananas, dates, coconut milk and cacao powder or vanilla (and some spinach thrown in there too for a secret hit of nutrition) and a pinch of cinnamon. This smoothie tastes like a dessert, like it can’t possibly be good for you, while showing people exactly the opposite…that healthy food can be divine! It also shows people a quick and easy way to replace an unhealthy breakfast without sacrificing flavour. Plus if you skip breakfast altogether then find yourself pigging out on junk food for lunch, this will help prevent that. A great smoothie takes less than five minutes to make so there’s no excuse!

How do you stay healthy while travelling?

I focus on plenty of hydration with pure water and coconut water, move as much as possible, do push ups and crunches in my hotel room, eat salads, veggies, smoothies and juices as much as possible and ensure I have some fun healthy indulgences with me so that when I feel tempted I am totally equipped! I love to have raw or high quality 70% or more cocoa content chocolate on hand for these times. A glass of high quality wine and some chocolate is always a winner!

I also take my enema bag whenever I go away and do an enema most days while travelling to avoid sluggish digestion and compromising my normal high energy. I also recognise that travelling is a time to experience new things so I do what I can to prepare then focus on having a great time rather than stressing over minutia.

What are your go-to meals and snacks when you are super busy?

Green smoothies. They take under five minutes to prepare, blend and clean the blender and you have a super satisfying and tasty snack or meal. I also love just munching on fresh fruit and veggies whole. Celery sticks, cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum, bananas and apples are some of my favourites. A bit of raw chocolate can be a fun snack here and there too.

Juices or smoothies: Which do you prefer? What’s your favourite combination?

It’s hard to pick! I love and typically have both every day. My wife Casey and I usually drink spring water and tonic teas to start the day, then have a big green vegetable juice made with celery, cucumber, Cos lettuce, kale, mint, coriander, lime and ginger. When we get hungry again, we’ll have a big smoothie each. My favourite combination is banana, spinach, mango, carob and maca, often with some Chinese tonic herbs thrown in or some sprouted brown rice protein powder.

What’s the biggest nutrition misconception you are always having to clear up for people?

Debunking the myth of how to keep weight off long term. It’s not simply having recipes and meal plans, it’s about understanding the root of what is causing overeating or eating processed foods. Most often it is emotional eating…eating to numb, comfort, stuff, distract, celebrate, grieve, or a whole host of other emotional reasons.

 

If you could prepare a meal for anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what would you make?

I’d love to prepare a vegan dish with raw and cooked vegetables and a lot of love for Ghandi. I have always found him to be so inspirational and I think the process of preparing a nourishing meal for him, sharing appreciation of the food and his mission, and the conversation would be incredible.

What does being a Wellness Warrior mean to you?

It means carrying the torch of health, commitment and purpose, and not being afraid to let it shine wherever I go.

A Recipe From Philip:

Bomb Asian Cabbage Salad

 

What you’ll need:

1/2 head red cabbage, diced or shredded
4 sheets nori (raw or toasted), roughly torn
3 tablespoons of hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds
1 red capsicum, chopped
1 avocado, cubed
¼ cup olives, sliced
3 tablespoons pumpkin seed oil (or mix of olive and pumpkin seed oil)
1 tablespoon umeboshi plum vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cumin (or more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (use more or less as desired)

What to do:

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. You can use a spoon but I like to get in there with just hands to ensure everything is well coated and combined. Let the salad marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, ideally longer. In fact this salad is even better one day later – great for leftovers or preparing work lunches in advance.

 

Click here to check out Philip’s FREE video training series where he gives you the exact steps in his new Healthy, Hot and Energised Action Plan and Guaranteed Success Blueprint so you can experience the happiness and freedom that comes with feeling vital, healthy and energetic, looking your best, and maintaining these results long-term.

 

Positive affirmation for the day: From stillness, a solution will surface.

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