Episode Overview

In this episode, Lori Willinski, Integrative Nutrition Coach and Plant Powered Collective Founder, sits down with her partner, Chris, for an honest and heartwarming conversation about bio-individuality and what it really means to navigate life and nourishment when two people have different nutrition styles. Lori is vegan. Chris is an omnivore. And together, they’ve learned that food doesn’t have to be a barrier. It can be a bridge.

You’ll hear how their relationship has grown through respect, curiosity, and a shared love of flavor. From how they order at restaurants to how they build meals at home, this episode offers a refreshing look at how honoring each person’s unique needs creates deeper connection both on the plate and around it.

What You’ll Learn

1. What Bio-Individuality Really Means

Lori breaks down the core concept that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, wellness, or relationships. Your genes, lifestyle, history, stress levels, and rhythms make your path uniquely yours and that’s the beauty of it.

2. How Different Food Styles Can Actually Strengthen a Relationship

Lori and Chris share how they’ve learned to celebrate differences instead of trying to match each other’s meals. The conversations are fun, honest, and relatable.

“Curiosity becomes connection.”
— Lori

3. Practical Ways to Cook Together with Different Diets

Chris talks about how they make it work in the kitchen like building a shared base (soups, bowls, salads) and customizing from there. You’ll hear the story of the night Chris cooked vegan for Lori and how he won her over through food.

4. A Cozy, Seasonal Recipe to Try Together

Lori and Chris walk through their shared favorite: Hearty Tomato Soup

• Lori’s plant-powered version
• Chris’ grilled-cheese-on-the-side version

Same base, personalized finish — the perfect example of bio-individuality in action.

5. Food as a Mirror for Communication

This episode explores how the way we approach food can reveal:

• how we listen
• how we adapt
• how we respect one another

There’s humor, vulnerability, and a lot of truth here.

6. A Look Ahead: New Plant Powered YouTube Channel

Lori and Chris share exciting news... their new Plant Powered Collective YouTube channel where you’ll see them cook together, experiment, and show what real-life balance looks like at home.

🍽 Episode Highlights

• What Chris really thought when he learned Lori was vegan
• The restaurant in SWFL where the chef makes custom vegan dishes for Lori
• How Chris learned to appreciate tofu
• Why shared curiosity matters more than shared diets
• How to make midlife nutrition simpler and more joyful

💚 Lori’s Key Takeaways

• Bio-individuality is freedom and permission to tune into your own body.
• Relationships thrive when you appreciate differences instead of erasing them.
• Each meal is a chance to nourish yourself and also connect.
• Food is personal… and that’s what makes it powerful.

🎥 Join Us on YouTube

Be sure to subscribe to our brand-new Plant Powered Collective YouTube channel, where Lori and Chris cook together, explore plant-forward meals, and show what balanced living looks like in real life.
https://www.youtube.com/@PlantPoweredCollective

💌 If This Episode Resonated…

Please follow, share, or leave a review. Your support helps this podcast reach more women who want to add more plants to their plates, feel better in their bodies, and live with intention.

🌿 Connect with Lori

Website: plantpoweredcollective.com
Instagram: @plantpoweredcollective
YouTube: Plant Powered Collective (new!)
Podcast: Plant Powered Collective Podcast