How to Handle Meals when You Are a Vegetarian and Your Spouse is Not

On a typical night, I might be eating a vegetable egg roll from Whole Foods while my husband has a spicy chicken sandwich from Sam's Club. It works because I do the grocery shopping and he does the cooking. And when you're traveling to three different stores just to make everyone in the family happy, who do you think has the harder job?

So what if we're not passing around the meatloaf and potatoes like a typical American family. At least we're eating together, even if we're not eating the same things. And I don't mind getting milk at Sam's, produce at Whole Foods, and almond butter at Trader Joe's. At least everyone is happy, and that's not the way it used to be.

For a while, no one in our family was happy. Our teenage son wasn't full enough; my husband was sick of veggies, and I couldn't find enough variety. Now we have the menu down, and here's how:

Cook Separately Most Nights of the Week

And I don't mean three completely separate meals. I might have a Mediterranean wrap from Whole Foods (which doesn't require cooking) while my husband heats up bratwursts for him and our son. Or, I'll make spaghetti and salad which we can all eat. Sunday nights we usually try a new recipe. And that's fine. I get to try a new salad! Eating different foods doesn't have to be a huge dilemma, if you don't make it one.

Compromise When Eating Out

And guess who does all the compromising? Yes, it's me. And I don't mind. I don't want my family to make special arrangements just because I don't eat meat. I usually find something anywhere. As a vegetarian, it's a reality you have to get used to. For instance, if we go to Bandana's I just order three sides instead of a main dish. And I have really come to enjoy fried okra!

So, you can make it work. You just need a partner who understands why you eat the way you do, and won't complain on holidays, when you're the only one not eating the Turkey!