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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Cauliflower is one the most nutritious vegetables nature has to offer, and you should be sure to include it in your diet regularly. Check out my daughter Lucie’s delicious and nutritious recipe for Healthy Cauliflower Fritters. Healthy Cauliflower Fritters Recipe (serves 4-6) 1 large head of cauliflower, steamed 2 eggs ¼ cup feta 2 tsp. […]

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 […]

To fully leverage all of the glorious goodness in your vegetables – be sure to eat them along with some form of healthy fat. Fat improves their flavor and texture, but most importantly serves as a vehicle for transporting their fat soluble phytochemicals called carotenoids, from the digestive track into the bloodstream. Carotenoids are one of the most revered […]

Savory, yet sweet, naturally low in calories, yet filling because of their super-high fiber content – sweet potatoes are a nutritional treasure. This under-appreciated super-affordable tuber is an unsurpassed food source of immune-boosting, heart-happy beta-carotene (1 provides 250% of your daily value!) that comes along with 8 other essential nutrients. And despite their starchy texture […]

  Want to dramatically lower your risk of chronic diseases and improve your mental well-being? Go dig into some fruits and veggies! The power of produce for lowering the risk of our most common chronic diseases is firmly established, and it looks like improving happiness and mental health is another worthy reason to keep this sensational food […]

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 […]

Dark leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods (arguably THE healthiest) on the planet and thanks to this study, their disease-busting credentials is even bigger.  Based on a review of six studies including over 220,000 people, eating more leafy green vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes (1).  There is such […]

In a review of 11 published studies including 247,510 adults, researchers concluded that consuming potassium rich foods was associated with significant stroke prevention.  People who consumed 1.64 grams or more of potassium a day (equivalent to 5 servings of fruits and veggies) were 21 percent less likely to have a stroke than those getting the […]

I always include 1 cup (that’s 2 servings) of fruit at breakfast. Most often, frozen berries or frozen berries with banana, kiwi, pear, or apple. I always include 1 ½ cups of veggies at lunch (that’s about 2 – 2 ½ servings). I most often have a combination of leftover dinner veggies and a fresh […]