Dr. Ann

Over the past decade, there has been a flood of studies supporting the supreme importance of optimal sleep for weight control. It appears that inadequate sleep can lead to weight gain through a host of separate mechanisms that affect both the energy intake and the energy expenditure side of the body weight equation. In summery of […]

The studies confirming movement as a “magic pill” for vitality and health protection just keep rolling in. Here are two exciting ones to get you going. In a study that was the first to evaluate the relationship between fitness, heart function and blood flow to the brain, scientists concluded that exercise at any age likely […]

Studies over the past decade have consistently shown that belly fat, also known as visceral fat, is notoriously dangerous. In an evaluation involving over 100,000 adults, researchers found the bigger the belly, the greater the risk of death from any cause. Even study subjects with normal BMI’s, but larger bellies had a higher risk of […]

We already know that acute stress can trigger risky “emotional” eating, and research suggests slowing down metabolism may an additional way that stress piles on the pounds. For this new study, scientists carefully questioned a group of female adult study subjects about their previous days’ stressors and then fed them a single high-calorie, high-fat meal […]

In a landmark new study that comprises the most comprehensive evaluation to date, scientists have uncovered a set of modifiable risk factors for developing depression. Depression is epidemic in America and is the #1 cause of disability worldwide. Thus, the results of this study are especially timely. For this 2-stage evaluation, the scientists first scanned […]

Washed, bagged or boxed lettuce greens Fresh salsa (Jack’s brand or Garden Fresh Gourmet) Canned beans Frozen berries (especially large bags of wild organic blueberries – available from wholesale grocers like Costco) Plain low fat or non-fat Greek yogurt Canned pumpkin Canned red sockeye salmon Prepared hummus Canned tomato products Dried Apricots Here is one […]

Although science has been lacking, my instincts have always told me that sunlight has health benefits well beyond its profoundly important role of providing the body with vitamin D. And now we have some concrete, proof-of-principle data to support my health intuition. For this evaluation, researchers from the University of Edinburgh monitored the blood pressure […]

Healthy Blueberry Crumble Serves 6 My family loves this filled with antioxidants!! dessert for Sunday night – with some ice cream of course. Ingredients 6 cups berries of choice, frozen or fresh ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tsp. cinnamon, divided 2/3 cup whole-wheat flour ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats ½ cup […]

In a very large study (188,000 people!) of how various flavonoid antioxidants may impact blood pressure, researchers found that study subjects who consumed the most anthocyanin antioxidants were less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give the stunning red/purple/blue colors to fruits and veggies like berries, beets, red […]

  Optimal nutrition is fundamental to a life of wellness and achieving nutritional excellence begins with making the right choices in the grocery store.  In fact, much of the work of healthy eating is done right in the grocery aisles.  What follows are some basic rules of the road that will guide you through your […]

Want to defend your body against the ravages of stress and at the same time slow down your aging? Then get healthy! In a totally uplifting and encouraging report, scientists found that adhering to the “three pillars” of healthy living staying physically active getting adequate sleep, and eating right was a powerful antidote at the […]

Normally, white potatoes are on my list of forbidden foods because of their high glycemic response (which means they send your glucose levels up high and fast because of their rapid and easy digestibility). If you have a craving for them, here are 4 simple strategies that you can use to turn this high glycemic […]