Actress Brittany Murphy sudden death, was it preventable?

On Dec. 20, actress Brittany Murphy dies sudden death at age 32.

Brittany Murphy looking very skinny

Drugs. Anorexia. Stress.

I really don’t know what caused it.

But, during her impressive career, she captivated audiences with a unique style and talent. Her role on King of the Hill as Luanne even opened my eyes up to the possibilities of southern gals.

Most importantly, her sudden departure raises awareness for the rest of us — what is it that can be gained from this loss?

Was she already predicting her demise?

In one of her last interviews, just days before her sudden death, she gave us clues into her inner state. Aside from seeming somewhat disconnected, her closing remarks raised red flags.

A young, blonde interviewer was in the closing stages of the interview by complimenting Brittany Murphy, saying, “You are gorgeous.”

Murphy's last public appearance

Murphy responds, “You are! Thank you. Can I have your (beautiful blonde) hair in my next life…please?”

The interviewer says, “Oh my god, are you kidding me?”

Murphy’s quick retort, “NO!”

The young blonde interviewer jokingly asks, “Can I be you in my next life?”

And Murphy says, “No problem…

(See Brittany Murphy’s last interview here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXTZKGOyps)

What was she trying to tell us?

Society plays tricks on our brains

Brittany Murphy, a stunning beauty, was far from immune from the constant image bombardment of younger, even more beautiful women. Open any woman’s magazine, and prepare to face the burden of decreased self esteem from the impossible beauty standards of models selling your favorite products.

With Brittany in the public eye, her butt and boobs constantly seen on 30 foot movie screens, it is difficult to have a solid social support system. The best way to live a healthy lifestyle is to be immersed in positive social support — it’s called having good friends and not exposing yourself to the negative gossip.

Poor nutrition may be fully responsible for Murphy’s loss.

I stand by these words: Healthy nutrition can cure, prevent, or improve any disease known to man. The peer pressures of the “perfect weight” and “model figures” are social diseases which can be solved from within by a healthy lifestyle involving variety of foods.

Had Murphy consumed three balanced meals per day, plus snacks, in the form of whole foods, she could still be expressing her beautiful talent to the world.

It is very hard to recognize social disease within us, because they are so blinding. We rationalize, we deny, and we ignore. The solution begins with an awareness that leads to a personalized journey embracing healthy habits and positive social support.

May Brittany Murphy rest in peace, with contributions that shall forever live on through the expressions of her craft.

Celebrity's & Weight Loss Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion

High Fructose Corn Syrup STOPS Body’s Ability to Burn Fat

Not all calories are created equal.

Drink yourself fat? New York PSA with serious shock value

Are you drinking yourself fat?

If your product contains High Fructose Corn Syrup — watch out!

High fructose corn syrup imbalances the hormone called leptin, which regulates metabolism and fat burning.

The moment you consume high fructose corn syrup, your brain instantly communicates with leptin and stops burning fat. If you are in fat-burning mode, and then you drink Coca-cola, your body ceases all fat burning and induces fat storage.

Carbohydrates from high fructose corn syrup are always bad.

On the other hand, carbohydrates from natural foods still help you burn tons of body fat.

Not all calories are created equal.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion Weightloss Now

Best Top CANNED Foods for Fat Loss, healthy lifestyle, convenience

Whole foods are still the best, but sometimes it makes more sense to take it from a can.

Are you a baby boomer? If so, you are very familiar with consuming food from a can. Nearly everything can be canned — fruits, vegetables, soups, meals, etc. My father didn’t eat fresh spinach until his late 20’s!

We understand now that fresh foods are often superior to canned foods. The canning process typically requires more preservatives that increase sugar and sodium OR they simply don’t taste as good.

However, there are benefits to the can…

Canned foods can be easier, more convenient, and a cost effective way to get healthy nutrients.

Healthy food helps you reach your fitness goals. That’s a fact.

So what are some of the top canned foods for health and value?

Top Canned Foods for your Pantry

1. Black Beans

Quite possibly the king of carbohydrates, black beans should be deemed as royalty in any diet. Packed with extremely low glycemic index carbohydrates, high fiber, and protein, black beans are a delicious source of energy for a healthy lifestyle.

Since raw beans require a soaking period before cooking, preparation is lengthy. Save yourself some time and buy (preferably low-sodium version) of canned Black Beans. Aside from the healthy macronutrients, black beans also contain antioxidants to fight off those bad free radicals.

Black beans can be consumed as a primary dish or on the side — it makes for a very easy meal that is guaranteed to give you energy without adding fat.

2. Olives

Olives, you say — aren’t they really high in fat?

You bet, and thats why we love ’em! Loaded with monounsaturated fat, olives contain nutrients to protect the outer layer of cells in the human body — acting also with anti-inflammatory properties.

As a source of healthy fat, olives can provide energy while maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Use as a delicious addition with your beans or consume as a snack. Olives are great to satiate on a low-carb diet, or as a part of a good healthy lifestyle.

3. Pumpkin puree (pure, sugar-free)

When is the last time you used a pumpkin?

If my guess is correct, you probably carved it and lit a candle for Halloween art. Indeed, pumpkins are a piece of art — nature’s artistic qualities can be found in the amazing health properties of pumpkin.

An incredible source of Vitamin A (beta carotene), nutrients, and fiber, Pumpkins are one of the most convenient health foods in a can. It takes a lot of effort to buy a pumpkin and prepare it for eating, while you can get most of the health benefits in a dense canned puree.

Since pumpkin can be sort of bland, you may have to be creative in your food preparation. Herbs and spices can liven up your pumpkin, or you can make a soup or even a protein shake!

4. Tuna

Everyone who’s ever wanted to add muscle to their bodies can tell you the exact amount of protein per can of tuna.

In other words, canned tuna is PACKED with high quality protein, along with a minor amount of healthy Omega-3s. Tuna is an overall nutritious fish that will feed your lean muscle and help with fat loss.

Some people may be hesitant to Tuna due to heavy metals, but I wouldn’t consume tuna more than once a week anyway — it won’t be a problem.

Tuna can be eaten right out of the can, and there are many opportunities for meals, salads, sandwiches, and other creations. For example, tuna combined with melted coconut oil is ridiculously good.

5. Soup, (chili, chicken noodle, etc)

This is more for lifestyle — sometimes you just want to come home and eat a warm meal without any preparation. With soup, you can do this quick and at a good price, without feeling guilty about what you eat.

Smart decisions about soup begins at the grocery store — understand the ingredients in your soup before you buy it. Some soups will add sugar — we don’t want that.

Questions to ask about soup:

  • What type of vegetables are in it?
  • Is there fiber and protein?
  • How is it flavored or is it sweetened?
  • Does the sodium exceed daily recommended intakes?

Personally, I’m a big chili fan. Chili is high protein, high fiber, and I low glycemic index. Keep in mind that you can add your own vegetables to liven up soup.

And in this time of year, Chicken Noodle Soup should already be in every kitchen.

Another tool in your health & lifestyle arsenal

Make it easy on yourself — consume the good stuff and shave hours off of preparation.

These canned foods can help you blast fat away, build muscle, or simply live a healthy lifestyle free of disease.

Since most will have a high shelf life, BUY BIG WHEN ITS ON SALE!

As always, Ellison Fitness wishes you the best on your fitness goals during this holiday season. Now I’m going to go open a can of beans. Peace out!

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion Weightloss Now

Fat Loss in a Pill – Demystifying Popular Natural Weight Loss Supplements

Common “natural” fat loss supplements

Do these things actually work?

Today a customer purchased $90 of Acai juice because, “this stuff actually works. I’ve lost ten pounds already.

If testimonials weren’t influential, I’m not sure how we could sell a lot of these products. Thats Social Proof in action.

The following list exposes the claims of common Natural Weight Loss Supplements available in your local health store.

1. The Tea-based Fat Burner

Research has proven that Green Tea boosts metabolism and fat burning, in addition to being a great source of antioxidants.

For most people, a Tea-based fat burner is a healthy option that works over time.

2. Natural Appetite Suppresent

If you’re looking to suppress your appetite, stay away from Alfalfa because it will do the opposite. On the other hand, many people find benefits from using a particular plant supplement that tricks your mind into thinking it’s full.

Hoodia gordonii has minimal science to establish fact, but most people find that it works as it claims. You take this an hour before your meals and you will have a smaller appetite.

The drawback? I think your body does NOT enjoy being tricked all the time, because over a few weeks, many of my customers have said the effects stopped working. The body simply adapts.

You might find benefit if you are going on an exotic vacation in three weeks and need to slim down, but this does not seem like a long term solution.

3. Herbal Sugar Killer

Imagine, for a moment, chewing on a leaf and losing your ability to taste sugar. It’s true.

Chewing on Gymnema sylvestre will block your tongue’s sweet taste receptors and turn your ice cream dessert into a melting pile of revolt.

So internally, it seems to reduce glucose from entering into the blood stream from the intestines. Thus, having a blood sugar lowering effect.

Will it work for you? Maybe, but if you still eat sweets, I wonder where all the glucose is going to go…

4. Fiber Filler Upper

You have probably heard how fiber can fill you up without the calories. No doubt in my mind that fiber is a highly valuable nutrient that contributes to a healthy colon, smooth bowel movements, and fat loss.

The Fiber strategy is one that I definitely find myself backing.

One of our most popular weight loss fiber blends is called PGx, which seems to be a powerful regulator in blood sugar levels. You take it 30 minutes before meals and the fiber begins to absorb liquids, expands, and makes you want to eat less food during your subsequent meal.

Aside from the weight management benefits, the idea of disease prevention and smooth movements is so valuable that you would have to be a** backwards not to recognize it.

Relax, it’s a joke. But, If you already consume 35 grams of fiber per day, then chances are that you’re probably not overweight.

Since most people don’t get enough fiber from nutrition, a fiber supplement can promote healthy weight loss.

5. EXTREME BURN PILLS

These are on a whole other level. They affect your body’s natural metabolism with a significant blend of herbs, amino acids, stimulants, or chemicals. Some names you may recognize include Redline, Hydroxycut, Hot Rox, and Ripped Fuel.

Common side effects include feeling jittery, increased heart rate, warmer body temperature, poor sleep, loss of muscle mass, and an empty wallet.

On the other hand, benefits are an increased metabolism, very high energy, and a cool looking bottle.

These aren’t healthy, don’t give sustainable fat loss, and are really expensive. But I’m all about freedom of choice, and if a customer wants me to tell him which one is the strongest — well it just makes my job easy because I can bring in big profit for my company.

6. Acai Berry Juice / Capsules

Known for its exotic origin in the depth of the Amazon forest, this berry has found its way into pop culture from Oprah to your grandma. How do you even pronounce it anyway?

I pronounce it “Ah-Sigh-E” and gain instant street cred from my customers. Either way, Acai is a mass marketed supplement in America that only comes in juice, powder, or pill form. The fresh berries are not viable in our market.

Acai is known as a super antioxidant, with other benefits including healthy fat and protein.

Truth: Acai is a very healthy and nutritious supplement.

Myth: Acai burns more fat than a cup of coffee.

Anything with caffeine will likely produce greater fat oxidation effects than Acai.

The people who benefit most from Acai are those who already have a somewhat poor diet. Adding acai to a bad diet is like adding Michael Jordan to a high school basketball team: The team will still not be very good by professional standards, but the star player brings up the value of the team.

If you are already eating a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, acai is unnecessary, but feel free to indulge if you have the spare money and curiosity.

I only support TWO of the above fat burners.

Can you guess which ones?

Take a moment to notice the ones you are attracted towards most.

Based on overall health and effectiveness, I would support Green Tea fat burners, and Fiber Filler Uppers as a means of promoting healthy weight loss.

The extreme weight loss pills might take you for a ride, but they will leave you worse off than where you started.

Diet and exercise

Lets keep it real, my friends.

The best Fat Loss known to man

This blog is as close as you’ll come to the magic pill. The reason is that here at Ellison Fitness, we’re all about nutrition and effective exercise — because it works.

Check the blog archive for meal strategies that keep you lean and satisfied.

And Stay tuned for more practical tips…

Celebrity's & Weight Loss Weightloss Now

Good Food vs Bad Food: How do you know?

It’s impossible to know nutrition of every item, so lets simplify it.

We know that nutrition is key to health and fitness — both for fat loss and physique goals.

Eat for longevity

But how the heck do you know what to eat?

Now, you can spend less time wondering with the following

Maxim #3: Seek the nutrition our ancestors ate, and you’ll be a better mate.

In other words, if the food was around 100+ years ago, it’s probably good to eat today. Whole foods are the key to prosperity:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Legumes
  • Nuts, Seeds
  • Fish
  • Lean meat

This is a general rule to guide you towards superior physique goals. Natural, unprocessed foods will take you on a journey to feel good from the inside out. And to others, it shows.

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion Weightloss Now