Dr. Ann

Padding your dishes with extra veggies is a proven means to reduce caloric intake while boosting nutrient intake. Here are some simple ways to take advantage: Shred veggies (or buy them already shredded) carrots, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, etc. and add to meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, and baked goods like muffins. Add canned pumpkin or canned […]

Although they quite literally bring us to tears, the organosulfur phytochemicals unique to onions and the other members of the allyl food group (garlic, leeks, chives, and scallions) are truly medicinal in their power to protect our health. Red onions are the true superstar standout of this bunch however, as they are uniquely high in […]

Revered for its stunning color, unique texture and savory flavor – eggplant is brimming with healthy goodness.  It’s a great source of fiber, especially soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar, along with several other key nutrients including potassium, manganese and B vitamins.  It is super low in calories (only 27 in […]

Like other green vegetables, asparagus are chock full of nutrients, providing 20 different vitamins and minerals including a huge dose of folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A. This terrific trio makes them particularly valuable for heart health, healthy pregnancy, and keeping the immune system in good working order. Here is one of my favorite recipes to boost […]

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 […]

This savory vegetable is a striking exception to the “white foods are bad for you” rule.  Like its cruciferous cousins, broccoli, cabbage, and kale, cauliflower is a nutrition and cancer-fighting powerhouse.  Cauliflower provides a hefty dose of fiber, vitamin C, and folate, but is most prized for its anti-cancer chemicals called glucosinolates and thiocyanates. Here […]

Great as a small meal or a side, this recipe by is sure to be a hit with every member of your family! Ingredients Vegetable-oil cooking spray 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup quinoa or brown rice 4 large red bell peppers 1 tbs EVOO 1/2 cup chopped onion 6 oz zucchini, quartered lengthwise then […]

October was breast cancer awareness month but we should keep breast cancer fresh in our minds year-around. As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor and an enthusiastic member the Board of Directors of the Prevent Cancer Foundation (www.preventcancer.org), I want to share my top food picks for maximizing breast health: Beans/Lentils – This category of food is […]

Eggplant is my pick for superstar food of the month for June! If you are looking for ways to include this nutrient-packed veggie in your diet, try my delicious and 100% healthy recipe for Eggplant Parmesan. If you are looking for more healthy cooking ideas, you may want to check out my recipes for Blueberry […]

Spring has sprung and so have those delectable asparagus spears.  Like other green vegetables, asparagus are chock full of nutrients, providing 20 different vitamins and minerals including a huge dose of folate, vitamin C, and vitamin A.  This terrific trio makes them particularly valuable for heart health, healthy pregnancy, and keeping the immune system in good […]