Why do so many of us struggle with hunger, cravings, weight, and metabolic health—even when we know what we should be eating?

In this episode of Vitality by Design, Coach Dr. Ann Hester sits down with physician and author Dr. David Sherer to explore the provocative science behind his book, Hunger Hijack: How Your Eating Habits Are Changing Your Brain and Making You Sick.

Dr. Sherer takes us inside the complex connection between the foods we eat and the brain systems that help regulate hunger and fullness. We discuss how ultra-processed foods and modern eating patterns may contribute to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, potentially disrupting hormones such as leptin and ghrelin—and what that could mean for obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.

We also tackle the bigger question: If our food environment is working against us, how can we take back control?

Dr. Sherer is a physician, author, medical-legal and patient-safety expert who has devoted much of his post-clinical career to patient education and advocacy. His books include Hunger Hijack, What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You, and Hospital Survival Guide.

Learn more about Dr. David Sherer at DrDavidSherer.com.

Coach Dr. Ann Hester is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, CNN-featured health expert, author, health coach, and host of Vitality by Design. She is the author of Lifestyle Medicine: A Scientifically Proven Path to Prevent, Treat, or Reverse Chronic Disease and Patient Empowerment 101. Her mission is to make the science of better health practical, understandable, and actionable—so people can take a more active role in protecting their health and vitality.

Discover courses, resources, and the PTR Reset® approach to healthier living at PTRReset.com.

Thrive, not strive to survive.

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What if one of the biggest threats to your future health was developing quietly, without obvious symptoms, for years before you knew it was there?

In this eye-opening episode of Vitality by Design, Coach Dr. Ann Hester explores the growing global epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and why millions of people are at risk without realizing it. You'll learn how elevated blood sugar affects far more than glucose levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

But this episode isn't about fear—it's about hope.

Dr. Ann breaks down the science in plain English and shares practical, evidence-based strategies from the field of Lifestyle Medicine that can help lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes, improve blood sugar control, and support long-term health and vitality.

You'll discover:

✔ Why Type 2 diabetes has become a worldwide health crisis
✔ The hidden financial and health costs of diabetes
✔ How insulin resistance develops and why it matters
✔ The surprising power of beans, dark leafy greens, fiber, sleep, movement, and stress management
✔ Ten science-backed Lifestyle Medicine strategies that can help protect your future
✔ Why small daily habits often outperform extreme diets and short-term fixes
✔ How to create a realistic plan that works with your life—not against it

Whether you're concerned about diabetes, have prediabetes, support a loved one with blood sugar challenges, or simply want to optimize your health, this episode will give you practical tools you can begin using today.

Remember: your future health isn't built in a single dramatic moment. It's built through the small choices you make every day.

Learn more about PTR Reset® at PTRReset.com and explore Coach Dr. Ann's AI-powered health coaching apps at Studio.com/coach-dr-ann.

Why do some “healthy” foods leave you tired, hungry, or frustrated? In this episode of Vitality By Design, Coach Dr. Ann Hester—double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine—reveals the hidden science of food pairing and why how you eat foods together matters just as much as what you eat.

You’ll discover how simple food combinations can dramatically improve nutrient absorption, stabilize blood sugar, support gut health, reduce inflammation, and boost energy—without dieting, calorie counting, or cutting out entire food groups. Learn why fat unlocks the power of vegetables, how protein and fiber anchor carbohydrates, which food pairings enhance iron absorption, and how smart pairing supports long-term health and longevity.

This episode delivers practical, real-world strategies grounded in Lifestyle Medicine to help you prevent, treat, and potentially reverse many chronic diseases—always under the guidance of your personal healthcare provider. You’ll walk away with an easy, actionable SMART goal you can start today to make every meal work harder for your body.

If you’re over 40, navigating hormonal changes, managing blood sugar, or simply tired of conflicting nutrition advice, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and a smarter way forward.

🎧 Listen now and start designing your health with intention.
👉 Visit PTRReset.com/3030 to sign up for a 30-minute Mini-Masterclass designed to help transform your next 30 years through science-backed Lifestyle Medicine strategies.

What if building better health didn’t require perfection, extreme rules, or starting over every January?

In this episode of Vitality by Design, Coach Dr. Ann Hester—double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine—walks you through the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and shows you how to use them in real life to create more energy, clarity, and confidence in your health.

You’ll learn how:

• A whole food, plant-forward way of eating fuels your body without deprivation

• Movement can fit into real, busy days (no gym obsession required)

• Restorative sleep improves energy and decision-making

• Stress management keeps your nervous system from living in overdrive

• Positive social connections support health in ways food and exercise can’t

• Toxin avoidance reduces unnecessary strain on your body—without fear or overwhelm

Visit PTRReset.com to sign up for a free video overview of these 6 pillars.

Your gut isn’t the only thing that needs TLC—your whole life shapes the tiny universe inside you. In this episode of Vitality by Design, we explore how stress, exercise, sleep, and social connections all work together to create (or disrupt) a thriving microbiome. Learn how physical activity fuels microbial diversity, why quality rest acts as your gut’s nighttime repair shop, how stress can undo hard-earned progress, and how meaningful connections support both your mood and your microbiome.

We’ll wrap up with a practical, do-it-today SMART goal you can use to start building a happier gut and a healthier you.

💡 Want more momentum? Visit InspireHealth360.com to get free fillable SMART goals every two weeks—helping you take charge of your health, one doable step at a time.

Welcome to Vitality by Design, where science meets real-life solutions for lasting health. In this episode, we journey into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome—a microscopic universe inside your body that plays a massive role in digestion, immunity, brain health, and even your mood. You’ll learn how these tiny organisms can be powerful allies—or sneaky saboteurs—depending on the choices you make each day. From fermented foods to fiber-filled meals, we’ll uncover simple, science-backed strategies to nourish your gut and supercharge your health naturally.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your health routine.

Ready to go deeper? Explore expert-led on-demand courses, coaching, and resources on Lifestyle Medicine at PatientWorld.net—your hub for transforming health, one powerful habit at a time.

In this episode of Vitality by Design, Coach Dr. Ann unpacks the confusing world of nutrition and exposes the powerful truth behind ultra-processed foods. From misleading diet trends to addictive food engineering, you'll discover how your daily choices are either fueling your vitality—or silently sabotaging it. Learn why diseases like heart disease and diabetes often start young, how ultra-processed foods hijack your brain, and what science-backed steps you can take to reclaim your health—one bite at a time.

Whether you're overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice or just trying to eat better without losing your mind, this episode delivers clarity, encouragement, and practical tips for lasting change. Plus, you'll walk away with a realistic, S.M.A.R.T. goal to help you cut back on the foods doing you dirty.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Vitality by Design, where cutting-edge science meets the healing power of everyday choices. Hosted by Dr. Ann Hester—one of fewer than 1% of physicians worldwide double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine—this podcast is your gateway to reclaiming your health, naturally.

So, what is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle Medicine is a proven, evidence-based medical approach that uses therapeutic lifestyle changes—including a whole-food, plant-predominant diet, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, effective stress management, positive social connections, and the avoidance of risky substances—to prevent, treat, and even reverse many chronic diseases.

Decades of scientific research have shown that many of today’s most common and costly health conditions—such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and even some forms of cancer—are largely lifestyle-driven. That means your habits can be powerful medicine.

This podcast is the first in a transformative series designed to empower you with practical tools, real-life stories, and simple, science-backed strategies to help you prevent illness, treat existing conditions, and in many cases, reverse disease progression—naturally.

DISCLAIMER:
This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Vitality by Design, and all related content, should never replace personalized medical advice from a licensed health professional. Please consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or healthcare plan.