For most of us, the adage “opposites attract” seems to hold true when it comes to love and relationships. The story of Jenny Kosiw and her husband Gord, a couple from the south Etobicoke area of Toronto, is a perfect example of this. With Jenny adhering to a lacto-vegetarian diet for 45 years and Gord and their Labrador Sunny enjoying an omnivorous diet, “A vegetarian and her omnivorous husband find nourishment together” in this interesting household.
Meeting Nutritional Needs With a Varied Diet
Jenny Kosiw has been a lacto-vegetarian for over four decades. Her diet excludes meat but includes dairy products, a choice that’s been influenced by her personal beliefs and health considerations. Despite the differences in their dietary preferences, Jenny and Gord approach their meals as a team. They prepare homemade meals using lentils, beans, vegetables, and cheese, ensuring that their daily nutritional needs are well catered for.
The Family’s Unique Meal Approach
While Jenny sticks to her vegetarian diet, Gord and Sunny indulge in a wide variety of foods, including meats. Jenny humorously refers to Gord as Sunny’s food tester, with the rule of thumb being, “If it doesn’t kill Gord, Sunny gets it.” Such an approach allows the couple to maintain their respective dietary preferences without creating a divide in their meal times.
Finding Common Ground in a Shared Smoothie
Every morning, the trio shares a smoothie made of bananas, frozen cherries, mangoes, blueberries, protein powder, and powdered peanut butter. This not only starts their day on a healthy note but also provides a shared meal experience, despite their differing diets.
Accommodating Different Diets in the Kitchen
Both Jenny and Gord have found innovative ways to cater to their distinct diets without inconvenience. For instance, they’ve split their barbecue into two zones to avoid cross-contamination. The right side is dedicated to vegetarian foods, while the left side is for meat.
A Garden for Health and Budget
Years ago, they invested in a dehydrator, which they use to preserve the herbs and produce from their garden. This includes kale, basil, oregano, and thyme. “The garden helps us eat nutritiously and save on groceries,” says Jenny. They also use the dehydrator to make healthy dog treats for Sunny, further demonstrating their commitment to a healthy lifestyle for the entire family.
Grocery Shopping Habits
The couple’s approach to grocery shopping is equally thoughtful. They use the Flipp app to scout for good deals and buy in bulk when items are on sale. For instance, when they go to London, Ont., to visit Gord’s family, they stop at the Arva Flour Mills to buy over $300 worth of flour.
Sticking to Healthy Eating Habits
Despite acknowledging her sweet tooth, Jenny tries to stay away from sweets as much as possible. Instead, she opts for healthier alternatives like dates, nuts, and seeds. Recently, they’ve also shifted their focus towards buying more Canadian foods, as a commitment to support local producers.
Five Essential Grocery Items
According to Jenny, there are five items that are always in their cart: pumpkin seeds, Halloumi cheese, lemons, Red River cereal, and plant-based burgers from Beyond. These items reflect their commitment to a balanced diet that caters to both their dietary needs.
Conclusion
In this fascinating household, a vegetarian and an omnivore have found a way to live together harmoniously, proving that dietary differences don’t have to create a divide. They have shown that with mutual respect, creativity, and a shared commitment to health, it’s possible to cater to diverse dietary needs under one roof.
