Australia’s popular vegan influencers revealed
These are some of Australia’s top vegan influencers as experts urge anyone changing their diet to seek professional advice. See the list.
National
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The popularity of veganism is on the rise, with an almost endless stream of vegan influencers popping up on social media apps such as TikTok and Instagram.
But the death of one high profile influencer, reportedly due to starvation, has renewed concerns about the potential risks of such a restrictive diet, if not followed properly.
39-year-old Zhanna Samsonova died on July 1, after eating only “fruits, sunflower seed sprouts, fruit smoothies and juices” for the past four years.
“Vegan diets are particularly difficult to get right,” explains certified accredited dietitian, Nicola Fox.
“You would need regular pathology and supplementation to ensure you were not becoming malnourished.
Ms Fox said many people following vegan diets failed to check the nutritional chemistry of the body with their GP, and therefore failed to properly supplement iron, B12, zinc and protein, if required.
“This way of eating does not necessarily contain all of the minerals the human body requires and most people will require supplementation.
“The volume of protein consumed each day would need to become a priority to ensure nutritional adequacy when following a restricted diet such as veganism.”
Melbourne based vegan influencer, Elizabeth Douglas, said she started sharing recipes after converting to veganism four years ago, to “show her friends she wasn’t deprived and that vegan food could be delicious.”
Ms Douglas said it was critical for anyone considering becoming a vegan to see a nutritionist or dietitian to ensure they understood how to substitute “meat, dairy and eggs correctly, to get the optimum amount of protein, omegas, iron, calcium and other essential nutrients.”
With more than 207k followers on Instagram, almost 26k on TikTok, and millions of views, there’s no doubt Aussies are interested in plant-based eating.
Ms Douglas isn’t the only vegan influencer amassing huge followings on social media.
We’ve rounded up some of our most popular online stars sharing their love of plant-based living. Here are some of the influencers who have successfully turned vegan.
To learn more about becoming vegan, listen to our podcast below.
CHERIE TU @thrivingonplants
Sydney based Cherie Tu has amassed a massive 124.7 followers on TikTok, 528k followers on Instagram by sharing a wide range of plant-based recipes.
The 24-year-old’s recipes are colourful and vibrant and range of main meals through to snacks and desserts.
She’s also written several ebooks.
CHLOE WHEATLAND @chloeevegan
With more than 230k followers on TikTok and more than 391k on Instagram, Chloe Wheatland’s vegan recipes are in high demand.
The Melbourne-based model’s pages feature plenty of desserts, along with simple to make main meals, work out videos and nutrition tips.
JANE GREFFE @veganonthegc
Based on the Gold Coast, Jane Greffe not only shares her favourite recipes via social media, but also reviews her local vegan restaurants and businesses.
Less active on TikTok, Jane’s has more than 11k followers on Instagram, where she occasionally posts ads and sponsored posts.
TESS BEGG @tessbegg
Tess Begg’s social media pages are all about vegan recipes and promoting wellness by enjoying a plant-based lifestyle.
With 29.8k followers on TikTok and 21.7k on Instagram, Tess, from Sydney, often collaborates with businesses such as iHerb and modappliances offering discount codes to followers.
ATUL CHANANA @tullyzkitchen
When Indian-born Atul Chanana and his partner turned vegan in 2017, they found little options when it came to delicious food. Both his social media pages and his business are dedicated to inspiring delicious Indian-inspired vegan food.
His spices and sauces are now sold all over Australia, while his uses his influencer status - 437k followers on TikTok, 10.3k on Instagram - to share recipes and promote the vegan lifestyle through comedy.
JACK ROCK @that_vegan_dad
Vegan influencer, Jack Rock, uses humour to educate and inspire his followers about the benefits of veganism.
His recipes also include lunch box ideas for parents struggling to find healthy options for their kids, that followers can download via ebook.
While Jack Rock is most popular on Instagram, with almost 18k followers, the Melbourne-based dad is fast gaining popularity on TikTok too with almost 3000 followers.
JANELLE @plantbasedfolk
With more than 5000 followers on both TikTok and Instagram, plus a popular YouTube channel, Sydney-based Janelle has amassed a following for her Lebanese inspired vegan recipes.
Janelle turned to vegan recipes to manage a number of health issues, including nodules on her thyroid, which she says have been management since she became a vegan.
Her recipes have been featured in vegan magazines including Vegan Easy, Parade and PlantBased.
Originally published as Australia’s popular vegan influencers revealed
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