As the trend of clean-eating reaches a peak, food is often associated with shame as we try live up to the impossible standards of the super-slim, kale-touting health influencers we see online. My novel, Shame on You, explores how even those who pretend to be perfect suffer under the pressure they put on themselves. Here are 10 foodie influencers who, whether they love a green juice or a plate of hot chips, always keep it real.
Shame On You
Not plant based, founded by Laura Dennison and is co-authored by Eve Simmons, is focused on providing positive posts for those recovering from disordered food and exercise habits. They celebrate ‘bad’ foods like cookies and pizza, and pepper their feed with non-patronising advice on self-love and a balanced approach to eating. (notplantbased)
TV Chef Gizzi Erskine’s feed is layered with lush burgers, hearty stews and sticky cinnamon buns. Her refreshing take on healthy eating includes a healthy skepticism for ‘healing foods,’ a creative eye for creating delicious nutritionally dense dishes and a firm belief to eat what makes you happy. (gizzierskine)
Food writer Ruby Tandoh passionately rejects food snobbery, and the unfounded claims about the healing properties of certain clean eating superfoods. However, her food philosophy is not a counterpoint to clean-eating, but rather an inclusive approach to food that embraces passion, heritage and hunger. (ruby.tandoh)
Author of Big Girl and creator of the anti-diet project, Kelsey Miller, is challenging society’s obsession with restrictive eating in favour of a healing, intuitive approach to food. (mskelseymiller)
Nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson fervently believes in following an eating plan that is accessible, achievable and free of shame. This is apparent in her latest pop-up with Gizzi Erskine, Pure Filth, which served up ‘healthy food for hedonists.’ (rosemaryferguson_)
Parody Instagram account Wellness Ted, has a laugh at the expense of clean-eaters and fitness freaks everywhere posting ‘inspirational’ fitness quotes, transformation pics of his drawn-on abs, and food shots of his chicken nuggets. (wellness_ted)
Deliciously Stella is another laugh-out-loud parody account in which blogger Bella Younger posts an array of unhealthy clean-eating styled snacks, such as Lindor eggs on avocado toast! (deliciouslystella)
However, not all healthy eating is restrictive and judgemental. Influencers such as Sarah of Sarah’s Day speak openly about hormone problems, injury, illness and more. While you won’t see many burger pictures on her feed, Sarah is so authentic and bubbly that you can see she is following the eating plan that suits her best. (sarahs_day)
Shannon’s Kitchen is using a healthy diet as part of her healing from endometriosis, but balances this with flavour-packed foods, an anti-clean eating philosophy and foul-mouthed Instagram captions. (@shannonskitchenaustralia)
Jessica Sepel, author and qualified nutritionist, has noticed how many aspiring clean-eaters were struggling with low self esteem and feeling comfortable in their own skin. Her eating philosophy is one that celebrates balance and self-love, without resorting to restriction, over-exercise or extremes. (@jshealth)
These influencers show us that eating doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Healthy food can be homely and delicious, and some days, a glass of wine and a pizza may be just the ticket. With a little self-love and less judgment, it is possible to celebrate all foods and flavours.
Shame on You, by Amy Heydenrych, is published by Twenty7.