The Rise of Veganism and Plant-Based Eating
In recent years, veganism and plant-based eating have exploded in popularity. More and more people are choosing to eliminate animal products from their diets for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. According to a report by GlobalData, the number of vegans in the United States grew from 1% of the population in 2014 to 6% in 2017. That's a 600% increase in just 3 years!
Social media influencers have played a major role in driving interest in vegan and plant-based lifestyles. Instagram in particular is home to numerous popular accounts dedicated to sharing creative and delicious vegan recipes. If you're looking to explore more plant-based eating options, these Instagrammers can provide tons of meal inspiration.
10 Top Vegan Instagrammers
1. Marisa Popp @veganbodies
Marisa Popp is a vegan athlete and certified personal trainer based in Los Angeles. Her Instagram account @veganbodies has over 30,000 followers. Popp shares her training routines and recipes focused on building lean, strong muscle on a vegan diet. Expect plenty of protein-packed meals featuring tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, and seitan. Popp offers online coaching programs for those looking to get in shape while eating plant-based.
2. Tabitha Brown @iamtabithabrown
Actress and social media star Tabitha Brown has inspired millions with her vegan cooking videos on Instagram and TikTok. Her page @iamtabithabrown has over 4 million followers who tune in to watch her make everything from juicy plant-based burgers to carrot bacon. Brown's down-to-earth personality and mouthwatering vegan dishes have encouraged many fans to reduce their consumption of animal products. She proves going vegan doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or creativity in the kitchen.
3. Rachel Ama @rachelama
London-based vegan chef Rachel Ama shares ultra-colorful and innovative plant-based recipes on her Instagram page @rachelama. With over 195,000 followers, Ama has become a leading voice in vegan cooking for the black community. She puts her own unique spin on Caribbean, African and soul food classics by recreating them with all vegan ingredients. Ama's feed overflows with vibrant dishes like jollof quinoa bowls, plantain carrot cakes, and purpleyam mac and cheese.
4. The Korean Vegan @thekoreanvegan
Food blogger Joanne Lee Molinaro publishes mouthwatering vegan recipes inspired by her Korean heritage on her Instagram @thekoreanvegan. With 1.9 million followers, Molinaro has become a best-selling cookbook author sharing her easy, affordable vegan Korean recipes. Follow her page for food photography that will make your stomach growl and quick videos demonstrating how to make kimchi fried rice, bulgogi mushrooms, and vegan jjigae stews.
5. Edgy Veg @theedgyveg
Canadian cooking duo The Edgy Veg are experts at veganizing junk food favorites. Their Instagram page @theedgyveg has 738,000 followers who love indulging in their recipes for dairy-free cheese sauces, plant-based chicken wings, eggless eggnog, and more. For those missing the tastes of their favorite fast food on a vegan diet, The Edgy Veg offers creativity solutions that don't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
6. Nicole McLaughlin @nicolemclaughlin
If you're looking for serious vegan food art skills, Nicole McLaughlin is a must-follow. This innovative fashion designer upcycles brand name apparel and accessories into sustainable plant-based meals. Her page @nicolemclaughlin displays out-of-the-box vegan charcuterie boards, avocado toast, burgers, and more in the form of Nike Dunks, Louis Vuitton bags, and Crocs shoes. McLaughlin proves eating vegan can be fun, creative, and sustainable.
7. Sergey Plotnikov @veganbodybysergey
Vegan athlete Sergey Plotnikov shares workout tips and plant-fueled recipes for building muscle on his Instagram page @veganbodybysergey. Plotnikov went vegan for ethical reasons and has maintained an impressively muscular physique on a plant-based diet ever since. Expect workout videos and protein-packed meal ideas featuring beans, lentils, seitan, tempeh, tofu, and vegan protein powders.
8. Yesenia Garcia @cakeitvegans
Dedicated vegan baker Yesenia Garcia proves you can still indulge your sweet tooth while avoiding animal products. Her Instagram page @cakeitvegans attracts over 95,000 followers with drool-worthy recipes for towering layer cakes, gooey cookies, fluffy pancakes, and more. Garcia relies on vegan ingredients like flax eggs, banana puree, and aquafaba to recreate classic desserts to perfection. Her feed is pure eye candy for those with a sweet tooth.
9. Bianca Zapatka @biancazapatka
German food blogger Bianca Zapatka shares her easy vegan recipes in both English and German on her page @biancazapatka. With 1.4 million Instagram followers, Zapatka has penned two vegan cookbooks after going fully plant-based in 2015. Her feed features comforting vegan dishes like creamy pastas, hearty stews and burgers, and nostalgic desserts. Zapatka has a knack for veganizing traditionally non-vegan recipes using simple ingredient swaps.
10. Gaz Oakley @avantgardevegan
English chef Gaz Oakley posts mouthwatering vegan recipes to his Instagram page @avantgardevegan. Oakley rose to prominence on Youtube with his easy vegan cooking videos before branching out to Instagram where he now has 565,000 followers. His feed overflows with vegan versions of fish and chips, kebabs, burgers, and other takeout favorites for the perfect plant-based cheat meal.
Eating Vegan Made Easy
Let these amazing vegan influencers show you just how fresh, delicious, and satisfying plant-based eating can be. Explore their pages for meal prep inspiration, helpful tips, and drool-worthy food photography. The vegan movement is going strong, with more options and support available than ever before. There's no better time to give veganism a try!
With a little creativity in the kitchen and an open mind, you may find yourself falling in love with vegan food just like millions of others have. Social media makes it so easy to connect with a like-minded community and discover new favorite recipes. Follow these awesome Instagrammers to immerse yourself in the exciting world of plant-based eating.
FAQs
What are some health benefits of a vegan diet?
Research shows that well-planned vegan diets are associated with lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Going vegan may also help with weight loss and cholesterol reduction.
Is it hard to get enough protein on a vegan diet?
It's easy to meet protein needs on a vegan diet from high-protein foods like lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Combining different plant proteins ensures you get all essential amino acids.
How do you replace eggs in vegan baking?
Ground flax seeds, mashed bananas, applesauce, and aquafaba from chickpeas can all substitute for eggs in baked goods. Commercial egg replacers made from starches or gums are also readily available.
Is vegan food more expensive?
Beans, lentils, grains, and many veggies and fruits tend to be inexpensive. Meat and dairy substitutes can be pricier, but making your own seitan or nut-based cheeses helps save money.
What nutrients do vegans need to watch?
Vegans should ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3s, vitamin D, and iodine. Eating a varied diet with supplements can help meet needs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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