Dr. Ann

Healthy Eating & Nutrition


Recipe: Incredibly Tasty Black Bean Burgers

I worked for a few months tweaking this recipe until I nailed it. This wholesome bean-based burger is everything you are looking for – delicious, filling, super-healthy and easy to make.

Healthy Eating & Nutrition, Healthy Living


Fermented Foods Score a Huge Win

This is really big! In an elegantly conducted clinical trial by one of the world’s most esteemed microbiome scientists we find that stepping up the intake of fermented foods is a quick and effective way to boost gut microbial diversity AND decrease damaging inflammation—even more so than stepping up your intake of fiber-rich plant foods! […]


Foods Highest In Flavonoids, Flavones, & Anthocyanins

These remarkable compounds have been linked to powerful health protection and are especially known for their anti-inflammatory and gut microbiome-enhancing properties. Flavonoids Dark Leafy Greens Onions Apples Berries Cherries Dark Chocolate Soybeans Coffee Red Wine Freshly Brewed Green and Black Tea Citrus Fruits  Flavones Parsley – fresh best Apples – organic best; eat the skin […]

Events/ Retreats


Upcoming Wellness Retreats at Plum Hill

NOW BOOKING three new retreat dates! Scroll down for details, schedule, pricing, and to sign up for the date that works for you. I am so excited to open up three brand-new retreat dates at Plum Hill, my family’s property on the Combahee River in Yemassee, South Carolina. If you’ve been wanting to spend a […]

This delicious salad is perfect for quieting inflammation in your body. Serves 4-6 This hearty salad is prefect as a main dish or on the side. Ingredients 2 cups cooked barley 1 15oz. can of beans of choice, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 3 green onions, sliced […]

Want to lower your risk of death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease and cancer? Eat an anti-inflammatory diet! In a study involving over 68,000 adults who were followed for 16 years, those who included the most anti-inflammatory foods in their diets enjoyed the following benefits relative to those eating the least: 18 percent less […]

Did you know that one of the most powerful all-encompassing strategies available to guard and protect your health is to keep the level of inflammation in your body low? Indeed, cutting-edge science has shown that inflammation is a key driver of almost all forms of chronic disease. We have known about the direct relationship between inflammation […]

Broccoli can already claim superstar status for cardiovascular and cancer protection, and thanks to an exciting study, fighting arthritis may be added to its disease-busting credentials. In a series of three separate lab experiments, researchers from the University of East Anglia were able to show that sulforaphane, a compound in broccoli, blocks the destructive inflammation […]

Dr. Ann’s Vegetable Lasagna Serves 8 This is one of my favorite ways to get kids that “hate” veggies to eat them! Ingredients 9 lasagna noodles (Barilla “no boiling required” brand is easiest) 1, 8-oz. container of sliced, fresh mushrooms 1 cup pre-packaged shredded carrots 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 3 tbsp EVOO 1, 15-oz. can […]

Fiber has a long list of health benefits. Here are the best ways to get more of this special compound in your daily diet. Consume as many fruits and veggies as possible. The superstars for fiber content include berries (raspberries #1), snow peas, apples, canned tomato products, pumpkin, cauliflower, avocado, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, […]

As an alternative to sandwiches or salads, or as accompanying side items, here are some additional wholesome, lunch bag-friendly options. Keep the three basic building blocks (smart proteins, fiber-rich carbs, and a calcium rich food) in mind to put together a winning a la carte lunch. -Finger-friendly or cut up fresh fruit—fresh strawberries or blackberries, […]

If you “expect” a food or meal to satisfy you – chances are it will.  Fascinating new research just presented at a scientific meeting on eating behavior found our minds can indeed convince our stomachs that a food or meal will fill us up. Appetite control is the Holy Grail for achieving a healthy body […]

Carotenoids are plant-based pigments known for their robust antioxidant power as well as their brilliant orange to reddish hues. Here are the foods that contain the most carotenoids… Carrots Orange/yellow/red bell peppers Apricots Collard greens Kale Acorn squash Sweet potatoes Spinach Pumpkin Tomatoes (especially canned tomatoes) * The orange hues from the carotenoids in collards, kale and spinach […]

Serves 6 Kale is the healthiest food on the planet. This is a simple recipe that is great for those who want easy cooked greens that are tasty too. Ingredients 2 lbs. kale stems removed and chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. EVOO ¼ cup water Directions Heat EVOO in skillet over medium- high […]

Maintaining normal metabolic function is at the bedrock for staying healthy and feeling great. Here is the complete list of directives for maintaining, improving or normalizing your metabolic health: Keep your weight in a healthy range (especially belly size) or lose weight if overweight. Exercise most days – a combination of aerobic (brisk walking) and […]

Pumpkin Granola Serves 8 This is a delicious granola that incorporates so many superfoods including canned pumpkin, quinoa, and Chia seeds. My special thank to Keely Morris for sharing this recipe! Ingredients ¼ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and pat dry with paper towel 2 cups rolled oats ¼ cup real maple syrup (or honey) […]