Anna Varriano - Perfect Resonance

09/04/2026

I love early mornings in our garden. Guess what I’m making for dinner tonight?
🍅🥒🫛🥕👩‍🌾💕

09/01/2026

I just read an article on Yahoo!Health (Real Simple, Neha Nautiyal) entitled "5 Snacks That Can Actually Make You Happier, According to Nutrition Experts".

Here are the 5 snacks along with my 2 cents worth on each one. :)

1 - Dark Chocolate. My two cents: the darker the better - 70% or more. Keep in mind that most studies show that 30-40 grams of dark chocoate per day (about 2 small squares) is the recommended amount. Support local chocolate makers like Hummingbird Chocolate Maker. Please read my blog "Is Dark Chocolate Toxic" (link below)

2 - Fruits and Vegetables. Berries were the focus in the article - and I love berries for sure! My two cents: If we eat more produce in general, we're going to feel better in general! Choose local produce whenever possible. The Ottawa Organic Farmers Market is open year round, every Saturday from 10am-12pm

3 - Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast. Nutritional yeast is often cited as a source of vitamin B12, which is associated with better mood and energy. My two cents: Buyer beware - nutritional yeast doesn't naturally produce B12 ... it is fortified with B12 ... as cyanocobalamin (a synthetic form). As for the popcorn, I personally avoid/limit it as corn used for popcorn may be geneticallly modified. Also, it can cause digestive issues for some individuals. A B12 deficiency is best addressed by supplementation with guidance from a nutritionist or other health care practitioner. Not all brands of B12 supplements are created equal. Know the facts before wasting your money on just any B12 supplement.

4 - Edamame. The article states that the protein and fibre content supports satiety and therefore energy levels. My two cents: Edamame is soy. Most of the soy grown in Canada is GMO, which has lead to increased soy allergies. Soy is one of Canada's 11 'priority food allergens'. Soy consumption has also been associated with hormonal imbalances and digestive issues. When eating soy-based products, choose organic and fermented varieties (e.g. miso, tempeh, natto) and remember that a little goes a long way. Variety & moderation is important here!

5 - Greek Yogurt with Toppings. My two cents: Sounds pretty healthy, depending on the yogurt and the topping. Look for organic, plain, WHOLE fat yogurts - and those made from sheep or goat milk are best. My current favourite is plain sheep yogurt by Ovino Farm & Dairy. I get it at Costco. It is rich and creamy and delicious. Great toppings would be a variety of raw nuts and seeds, berries, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Here's to happy and healthy snacking! :)

Shortly after Valentine’s Day, I saw a segment on the news regarding a Consumer Report (U.S. based) that investigated the dangers of dark chocolate. The results revealed that many brands contain higher-than-safe levels of the heavy metals cadmium and/or lead.

08/28/2026

Sowing some turnips and rapini right now and this beauty stopped by to have a snack. 💕

08/28/2026

We’ll be harvesting our gigantic sunflowers soon! Sunflower seeds are rich in the minerals zinc and selenium, both of which are powerful antioxidants and immune system boosters. Is it any wonder that Mother Nature provides us with these seeds just before we head into flu season? 🌻💕🌻💕🌻

08/23/2026

Garlic harvest cured outside in a shady, dry, breezy area for 2 weeks. Got it cleaned up and inside today just before the downpour! 3 dozen bulbs - will plant more next time around.

08/23/2026

This is what my kitchen looks like when I make the ‘lasagna’ version of my ‘No Pasta Zucchini Ravioli Rolls’ recipe! It’s soooo delicious and the perfect rainy day activity. 😋

Recipe link:

https://perfectresonance.com/no-pasta-zucchini-ravioli-rolls/

08/20/2026

Zucchini. Love it or hate it? I think it gets a bad rap because it’s often cooked to become a mushy, watery, flavourless dish. This recipe, inspired by my Italian mama’s ravioli, will change that! I'll be making this today!

I'm also sharing links to a few other yummy zucchini recipes as well as some interesting health benefits associated with this often overlooked veggie.

Enjoy!

08/16/2026

Higher water levels = creek exploration paddle. Was surprised to see so many fall colours. What a beautiful weekend!

08/13/2026

Just heard on the news that Costco Canada is warning shoppers about a recall involving certain yogurt products that may contain mould.

The products affected are Hain Celestial’s Greek Gods’ Honey Yogurt and Organic Yogurt Plain, both sold in two 650-gram containers that were purchased between June and August 2026.

A CTV article states that “The recalled Honey Yogurt has best-before dates ranging from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15, 2026, while the recalled Organic Yogurt Plain has dates ranging from Aug. 9 to Sept. 13, 2026.”

The recalled products can be returned to Costco for a full refund.

08/13/2026

Yummy open-faced BAT (bacon/arugula/tomato) on Ezekiel sprouted grain toast for breakfast this morning. Used hummus instead of mayo to boost protein, healthy fats, and fibre.