End of Summer Kitchen Fiesta with Nasseem Vazinkhoo & Veronica Kacinik
OMDI's End of Summer Kitchen Fiesta Sometimes we can become so focused on achieving long-term health outcomes, that we miss out on opportunities to celebrate the wins and immediate rewards available to us in the pursuit of our goals. With this in mind, our team is trying to be intentional about creating special opportunities to enjoy novel experiences, connect with others, and build skills that will help lay the foundation for our best lifestyle. The End of Summer Kitchen Fiesta is a virtual cooking session hosted by our registered dietitian, Veronica Kacinik, and the host of our Kitchen Connections program, Nasseem Vazinkhoo. During this event, they will be cooking a 3 - course menu, providing demonstrations and tips for how to prepare each dish. Participants will be emailed the grocery list and recipes in advance and are welcome to cook alongside Nasseem and Veronica, or simply watch and take notes for when they choose to prepare the dishes. Either way, participants are invited to a virtual seat at our kitchen table to join the fun of preparing these novel dishes. If you are interested in experiencing what our monthly Kitchen Connections program is like, this is a great opportunity to check it out. What You’ll Receive: 1 live 90 min Zoom cooking session with Nasseem & Veronica Session recipes A grocery list based on session recipes Any handouts relevant to the session By participating in this program, members will: Experience a supportive online community focused on learning, sharing, and growing practical cooking and food-planning skills for nutritious home-prepared meals. Gain accountability and ongoing support to stay aligned with personal health and nutrition goals. Apply balanced plate principles and healthy eating guidelines through hands-on meal planning and cooking experiences. Develop confidence in meal preparation, cooking techniques, and making nourishing food choices at home. Feel encouraged and motivated through peer connection, shared experiences, and collective progress. Session - August 25th, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30pm Cost: $15.00 *Please note that the clinic will not be providing refunds after the program starts on August 25th, 2026. Registration deadline: August 23rd, 2026. About the Facilitators: Meet Nasseem: Nasseem is a self-described food fanatic whose love for cooking was shaped early by her multicultural upbringing, where food and culture were deeply intertwined. She grew up in a home that celebrated curiosity in the kitchen, while the diagnosis of new health conditions challenged the family toward healthier food choices. She brings a strong foundation in cooking from her father, who cooked in several restaurants, along with her own hands-on experience in the restaurant industry. In 2023, Nasseem graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Nutritional Sciences, an experience that strengthened her belief in nutrition education and hands-on cooking skills as essential pillars of food security and long-term health. Since then, she has worked at the Obesity Medicine and Diabetes Institute as an Obesity Medicine Assistant, where she has had the privilege of listening to and supporting patients, gaining valuable insight into the real-life barriers people face when trying to cook and eat well at home. In January of 2026, Nasseem piloted the monthly Kitchen Connections cooking program offered through the clinic. Over the past 7 months of running this program, it has been incredible to experience the positive, supportive and inspirational community that has come together and grown in this virtual kitchen. She is excited to co-facilitate The End of Summer Kitchen Fiesta to provide the opportunity to invite current members of this program, as well as new participants to celebrate the end of summer, experience the joy of cooking with others, and explore healthy foods that nurture your body and delight your taste buds. Meet Veronica: Veronica Kacinik has been part of the Obesity Medicine and Diabetes Institute since its inception, bringing extensive training and experience in obesity management. Since 2011, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals living with obesity. She holds advanced training in Adult Weight Management (Levels 1 and 2) through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as a Certificate in the Principles and Practice of Interdisciplinary Obesity Management from Dietitians of Canada and Obesity Canada. Veronica is also a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) through Diabetes Canada and a Certified Bariatric Educator (CBE) through Obesity Canada. In addition, she completed the CHEF Coaching Program offered by Harvard Medical School and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, which integrates culinary training with health and wellness coaching to enhance nutrition. Veronica’s foundation in evidence-based nutrition and applied clinical experience stems from earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutritional Science from the University of Guelph in Ontario and completing her dietetic internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. With a passion for helping individuals build a healthy and balanced connection between food, body, and mind, Veronica provides practical, evidence-based guidance on nutrition, cooking, and meal planning. She empowers clients to make sustainable behaviour changes through nourishing food choices, active living, and mindful self-care, helping them discover the healthiest lifestyle they can truly enjoy. She is excited to be co-facilitating the End of Summer Kitchen Fiesta!