Dr. Ann

Soluble fiber is great for you! This indigestible form of plant carbohydrate has many health benefits including: lowering cholesterol, stabilizing insulin and glucose levels, promoting satiety, and protecting against belly fat accumulation. Here are the foods that provide the most soluble fiber: Beans (any variety) Peas Barley Flax seeds Chia seeds Oats Oat bran Avocado Carrots […]

In an “enlightening” scientific study, scientists found that people much prefer the golden glow imparted by eating lots of carotenoid-rich vegetables versus sun-tanned skin.  It is well-known that the yellow/orange/red carotenoid pigments found in produce like sweet potatoes, carrots and tomatoes can build up in your skin if you eat them regularly. In this particular […]

An evaluation undertaken to assess the impact of diet patterns on the development of hip arthritis found fruits and vegetables were generally protective with the allium group of veggies showing the most effectiveness. The study included a careful assessment of the dietary habits of over 1,000 subjects along with x-ray analysis of their joints.  The […]

It’s my standard advice to forego a mid-morning snack, especially for those who want to lose weight, and a study supports this is a sound recommendation. In a twelve-month weight loss study involving 123 overweight adults put on caloric restriction diets, those who reported regular mid-morning snacking lost 40% less weight than study subjects who avoided this […]

The type of fat in your diet has a profound impact on the structure, function, and health of your brain. Enjoy Omega-3 fats in abundance. They can be found in oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines), walnuts, canola oil, flaxseeds, omega-3 eggs, wheat germ and small leafy greens, make up the majority of […]

Some vegetables are better for you raw, while others are better for you cooked. Your best bet is to include some of both each day. I always include at least one cooked vegetable and one raw variety or varieties as part of my family’s dinner each night. For more on the healthiest ways to prepare […]

It is now widely accepted that sugary beverages are the most fattening of all forms of calories and have subsequently played a leading role in the obesity epidemic. In fact, of all the things you could do to lose weight, dumping sugary beverages appears to provide the single greatest return for your efforts! The unique […]

Physically intact whole grains are an exceptional food for health protection and black rice is arguably the cream of the rice crop. This exotic and strikingly luscious colored rice, also known as “forbidden rice,” was revered and specifically reserved for Ancient Asian royalty. Along with a wholesome nutritional wallop from abundant fiber, minerals, and vitamins, […]

No matter how you slice it, this thirst-quenching, low calorie treat is a reservoir of wholesome goodness. Watermelon is dripping in vitamins A and C that come along with a mother load of the awesome antioxidant lycopene. This terrific trio of nutrients qualifies this summer fruit as a champion food for both cancer protection and […]

Get into the simple, tasty and super-healthy habit of adding herbs to your summer favorites.  Herbs add flavorful intrigue to almost any dish (which means we can cut back on added fats, sauces, and salt) and are virtually exploding with a seemingly endless array of beneficial phytochemicals.  Here are my favorites: Parsley – This refreshing […]

Including more whole grains in your diet is one of the tastiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, many cancers and obesity. For best results include 3 servings of whole grains every day. Here are 7 easy ways to get 3 servings a day. (1 serving is […]

Although exercise is profoundly beneficial no matter what time of day you choose to do it, morning exercise rules! It begins the day on a positive “healthy” note that can set the tone for the rest of the day. It provides an opportunity to tackle and fully complete an activity critical for your health that […]