Dr. Ann

This ancient “whole grain” was revered by the Inca’s and is arguably the healthiest of all whole grains (technically it is a seed, but we call it a whole grain because of its taste and texture).  It is a fantastic source of a full package of health – building minerals, is high in protein, including […]

In an uplifting evaluation that proves the right foods can triumph over bad genes Spanish researchers found that the potent antioxidant phenol compounds in extra virgin olive oil stifle the activity of several genes that promote inflammation. They fed 20 study subjects controlled breakfasts on different occasions. Some were fed a breakfast enriched with high […]

An eye-popping report just shed some powerful and compelling light on how quickly physical inactivity can harm the body, and I want you and everyone you love to know about it. Researchers had a group of healthy moderately active young adults reduce their daily physical activity by 50% and carefully monitored their blood sugar (glucose) […]

A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that including 3 servings of whole grain foods daily reduced systolic blood pressure on par with prescription drugs and could reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke by at least 15% and 25%, respectively.  (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Oct 2010) Amongst 4,497 young adults followed for 20 […]

If you want to have healthy cholesterol levels I would recommend that you include some green tea with your repertoire of cholesterol-lowering foods. Sipping on green tea is one of my most cherished daily rituals so I was particularly inspired by a report that provided strong evidence that this is indeed a heart-healthy habit. For […]

Here are some easy ways to save money while improving your weight control: Control your portions. This can reduce your grocery bill along with your restaurant bill and scientific reports find that consistently controlling portions may be the fastest direct route to weight loss.  Dump liquid calories (sodas, fruit juices/drinks, sport drinks.) These liquid sugars cost […]

Based on a growing and impressive volume of science, drinking coffee may come with a number of powerful health benefits including: liver cancer protection, diabetes protection and a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to this report, another healthy coffee perk may be protection from prostate cancer. In a study that included 48,000 men whose […]

Butternut Squash Soup This is a fabulous Sunday night soup for the cooler months. Ingredients 3 lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2 in chunks 1 large onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4+ cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 1/2 […]

Exercise is simply stellar for weight control. Check out all the different ways exercise can help you stay lean! Exercise burns calories. Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity (insulin action) which boosts calorie burning potential. Exercise builds lean body mass (muscle). The more muscle mass you have, the more calories you burn.  Muscles burn fat very effectively […]

Based on the latest science, the single most powerful predictor of functionality in older age is strength capacity. Let me repeat – as we age, maintaining muscular strength is the most important factor in maintaining independence. Unfortunately, the average person becomes more sedentary with age which accelerates the loss of muscles mass and strength that […]

Quick and Easy Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup vinegar of choice (apple cider, balsamic, rice, sherry, white wine, red wine, etc.) 1 heaping tsp. dijon mustard 1 tsp. honey Optional – Herbs or spices (fresh or dried) as desired (garlic, rosemary, basil, chives, curry, cumin, turmeric, dill, cilantro, etc.) I prefer […]

For the morbidly obese at imminent risk of life-threatening obesity-related complications, weight loss surgery can be acutely life-saving.  However, its extraordinary initial efficacy, like any other lose-weight-quick scheme, is clearly attenuated over time as many patients find they can eventually consume at or near their pre-bypass level.  I once met a clinical psychologist whose job […]