Dr. Ann

Evidence is rapidly mounting that junk foods may be truly addicting.  Both in animal and human studies, it seems that ultra palatable foods, especially those high in both fat and sugar (think donuts, milk shakes, cheesecake) can highjack our normal appetite regulatory mechanisms, throwing us into a perpetual cycle of desire and binging. A laboratory study […]

Past studies have repeatedly identified snacking as a risk factor for weight gain. As such, it was disheartening to learn that Americans are snacking at an all-time high. Based on this evaluation, snacking accounts for a whopping 25% of our daily calories or an average of 580 calories a day! Even more alarming, half of […]

I wanted to share a recipe that my daughter and I threw together as a protein-packed side dish for dinner.  I served it with some Wild Alaskan Salmon and fresh green beans, but it works great alone as a light supper or lunch as well. Edamame & Veggie Extravaganza Serves 6 This is a wonderful recipe to take advantage of […]

The food industry has mastered labeling their products in such a way that we are tempted to eat just about anything. Many so-called “health foods” are nothing more than nutritionally defunct, empty calories masquerading as the good guys you want them to be. What follows are the most notorious “health food imposters.” Flavored yogurt products: Although […]

Tomatoes are the most widely consumed non-starchy “veggie” (really a fruit) in America and this is a wonderful thing!  Tomatoes offer a treasure chest of nutrients for boosting your health, but their crown jewel is a super potent antioxidant called lycopene.  Scientists speculate that tomatoes’ rich supply of lycopene is the key factor in the […]

I was blessed to discover the joys of healthy living at a young age and have been hooked ever since. I also know that there is no way I could speak to people with the heart, passion, energy and authenticity it takes to compel them to improve their health behaviors unless I practice what I […]

Get into the habit of kicking up the flavor and health of your bean, poultry and rice dishes with turmeric and curry. Both are teeming with the golden yellow pigment, curcumin now world-famous for its anti-inflammatory power.  Inflammation plays a fundamental role in the genesis of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer and […]

One of my biggest pet peeves is the ever-exploding selection of designer waters now available on the grocery shelves. Despite their labels that include ultra healthy words like “vitamin”, “fitness”, or “skinny”, there is no evidence that fortifying water with vitamins, minerals, herbs, or antioxidants has any health benefits. To the contrary, given the growing […]

As even small amounts of excess body fat (especially if deposited in the belly) can boost your risk of a laundry list of deadly diseases – awareness of simple strategies to power up your metabolism can be very healthful.  Simply stated – your metabolism is how many calories you burn for the production of energy […]

Loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, is a common and potentially deadly accompaniment to aging and good nutrition proves to be a powerful ally to help counter this debilitating state. Maintaining muscle mass is fundamental to ensuring a healthy metabolism and plays a defining role in maintaining functionality in old age. In fact, muscular […]

Almond Oatmeal Pancakes Topped with Yogurt and Fresh Fruit Serves 4 Yep – this is a 100% healthy pancake recipe that is delectable. Ingredients 1/2 cup almond flour 1/2 cup oatmeal 2 omega-3 eggs 2 egg whites 4 ounces plain yogurt pinch of salt cooking spray For topping: 2 cups frozen blueberries or berries/fruit of […]

With the exception of occasional, modest use in diabetics, I do not use nor do I recommend artificial sweeteners.  Even though they will not elevate blood glucose or fructose levels like “real” sweeteners, they may indeed have other untoward effects in the body.   Although science supports their safety and lack of toxicity  (exception saccharin and […]