Dr. Ann

All standard teas from the Camellias Sinensis will have caffeine in them.  Contrary to what people think, all varieties including black, green white and oolong have similar amounts. Bag teas generally have a little less than loose leaf.  Unfortunately, the decaffeination process destroys most of the beneficial catechins. For those sensitive to caffeine that still want […]

We now have credible data to support that calories consumed late at night are more fattening than those consumed during the day.  An intriguing laboratory study revealed “hard data” to give us reason to be particularly food-wary during the wee hours of the night. Scientist have consistently observed that shift workers who are frequently forced to eat […]

If shedding some weight via exercise is one of your health goals for the New Year and you want to get the most bang for your time, you would be best served to incorporate aerobic vs. resistance exercise. In a study that marks the largest randomized trial ever undertaken to directly quantify changes in body […]

Resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant in red wine, has become somewhat of a wonder compound in the laboratory with new studies linking it with a host of remarkable benefits from cancer prevention to slowing the again process. Unfortunately, resveratrol is very poorly absorbed once it enters the gastrointestinal tract, but new research has shown that it […]

A provocative and scary report found that obesity has a “socially contagious” component to it. Meaning – your body weight can impact the body weight of your friends and even your friends’ friends. Now we have some much “lighter” and truly uplifting science that reports happiness is contagious too and that you can make your friends […]

This diminutive legume is surprisingly powerful on the nutrition front.  It is home to a full package of minerals, a big dose of hunger-fighting fiber and protein, and scores of vitamins. Scientists have learned that green peas also contain a unique assortment of powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that show great promise for general health […]

According to Vanderbilt University scientists, having a drink of ordinary water (no designer “vitamin” waters needed!) can make you feel more alert and even kick up your metabolism a bit. Apparently, drinking water stimulates our sympathetic nervous system.  The lead researcher calculated that drinking 3 additional 16 ounce glasses of water a day could translate to […]

Reduce Your Intake of the Great White Hazards. This includes the refined, high glycemic carbs – white flour products, white rice, white potatoes, and sugars/sweets. Increase Your Levels of Physical Activity.  Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, but more is even better. Additionally, avoid prolonged sitting. Increase Your […]

This study really made me smile. Presenting at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, scientists identified an effective appetite control agent that is 100% safe, 100% healthy, dirt cheap and requires no prescription – WATER! In this randomized, controlled intervention trial (the gold standard for proving cause and effect), study subjects who drank […]

This is one of my favorite healthy recipes: Healthy Stuffed Bell Peppers Serves 4 These are divine and hearty enough for a main dish. Ingredients Canola pan 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 […]

This is a super easy way to make a sweet potato dish that will wow your taste buds! Serves 4-6 3 medium to large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks with skin 1 1/2 tbs chopped fresh thyme 2/3 cups Greek-style plain yogurt Layer the sweet potato chunks on a baking dish and drizzle with a […]

As a mother of 4, I know that getting kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge. Here are some tips that have proved effective in my household. Go stealth. 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 […]