The dawn of 2024 swiftly approaches. It’s now only 18 days away. The air is buzzing with the spirit of renewal and transformation. The new year beckons with promises of fresh starts and the opportunity to embrace healthier lifestyles. Whether your aspirations include eating healthier, cooking at home or just making yummier foods, you’re in for a treat! To kickstart your journey and infuse your kitchen adventures with inspiration, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top ten health food influencers. These culinary minds are not just about recipes. They embody a lifestyle that celebrates well-being, creativity, and the joy of eating right. Join us as we jump into their world, where each dish is a vibrant, flavor-packed testament to healthy living
1. Jade / Mostly Healthy Desserts @panaceas_pantry 468K on Instagram
Jade is the creator behind Panaceas Pantry blog. She welcomes visitors with plant-based recipes that nourish and celebrate. As a former naturopath and nutritionist, and a mother of three girls, she emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. She combines quality whole foods with the joy of cooking. Her blog caters to various dietary needs, offering some recipes free from major allergens. Jade actively shares her culinary adventures and other interests on Instagram, inviting followers to engage and share their experiences with her recipes. Living near Melbourne, Australia, in her childhood town, she spends her time outside the kitchen homeschooling her daughters, gardening, walking, and crafting. She eagerly awaits building her dream home. And she encourages visitors to try her recipes, like the much-loved tahini banana bread, and share their feedback. All of her recipes are on her blog Panaceas Pantry.
Featured Recipes: Asparagus, Apple, + Hazelnut Salad, Banana Egg Pancakes, and No Bake, Fudgy + Decadent Raspberry, Hazelnut, Chocolate Ganache Bars
2. Jacqueline Alwill @brownpapernutrition 97K on Instagram
In 2012, Jacqueline launched Brown Paper Nutrition. It was initially a Facebook page known as “The Brown Paper Bag Nutrition and Wellness.” There, she shared healthy recipes and nutrition tips, with a focus on women’s health. Fueled by her passion for cooking and health, Jacqueline set up a whole foods stall at the Bondi Farmers Market. She sold nourishing muffins, raw treats, super seed bircher, and various kitchen experiments. The venture was pivotal in connecting with her community and fostering growth. It led to opportunities in the corporate world, integrated whole foods catering into her business, and opened doors to work in media, including TV and magazines. This period was a significant start for Jacqueline, a single mother striving for success. Despite the challenges, the rewarding experiences and supportive community she built were invaluable to her both professionally and personally.
Featured Recipes: Burrata, Berry, Watermelon, + Cherry Board, Spring Asparagus Tart, and Peanut Butter Protein Oats, Pineapple Lime Avocado Manuka Smoothie, + Berry Chia Mango Pots
3. Sophie Fisher @coconutandbliss 406K on Instagram
Nine years ago, Sophie Fisher founded Coconut and Bliss. And one of our favorite health food influencers was born. She was driven by her passion for nutrition, recipe creation, and healthy food. Initially, she used the platform as a personal space to document and track her interests. But soon her audience grew. Followers were attracted by her content and healthy lifestyle habits, with many requesting more recipes. This interest sparked a significant turning point. It led to collaborations with various brands and individuals, as well as the publication of her own e-books. Over the years, recipe design has become intuitive for Sophie. It’s evolved from a process that initially required extensive research and trial and error. Now, she cooks with a natural flair, experimenting with ratios and ingredient combinations, often leading to successful outcomes. Though she admits to the occasional culinary mishap.
Featured Recipes: Creamy Pistachio Pasta, Whipped Ricotta Toast, and Mango Cheesecake Smoothie
4. Jess Hoffman @choosingchia 309K on Instagram
Jess founded Choosing Chia following a transformative trip to India. There, she studied yoga and Ayurveda, eventually obtaining her yoga instructor certification from the Ajarya yoga academy. This experience ignited her passion for healthy, plant-based cooking and eating. Choosing Chia, her blog, mirrors her beliefs in a healthy lifestyle. It offers delicious, easy-to-make vegetarian recipes with a focus on fresh, wholesome plant-based ingredients. Jess aims to serve those seeking healthier eating options and stress-free ways to incorporate natural foods into their diets. The blog is a mix of whole food recipes, healthified desserts, and indulgent treats. She emphasizes simple and quick preparations for busy lifestyles. When not blogging, Jess can be found practicing yoga, enjoying the mountains, brunching, playing with her dog, and indulging in croissants. She loves sharing recipes, wellness and photography tips. And she believes in the philosophy that you cannot have both excuses and success.
Featured Recipes: Spicy Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup, One-Pan Mexican-Inspired Quinoa, and Blueberry Chia Pudding
5. Tieghan Gerard @halfbakedharvest 5.4M on Instagram
Tieghan, the creator behind Half Baked Harvest, finds inspiration for her recipes from her loved ones and experiences. Growing up in a family of ten, she began cooking to help manage the mealtime chaos. Eventually, she took over the family’s meal preparations. This led to the birth of her blog, where she documents her cooking journey with photos and recipes. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she now resides in Colorado. She lives in a converted horse barn and works in a studio barn designed around her lifestyle. There, Tieghan experiments with new recipes, photographs her creations, and embraces the messiness of cooking.
She aims to inspire others to love food and have the courage to try new things. Since starting her blog in 2012, Tieghan has gained recognition on various platforms. She’s received accolades including, Readers’ Choice Favorite Food Blog by Better Homes and Gardens and awards from Saveur Magazine and Bloglovin’.
Featured Recipes: Spicy Miso Braised Beef Ramen, Shaved Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad, and Cheesy Gouda, Bacon, + Pumpkin Pizza
6. Mia Elle @bitesbymia 724K on TikTok
Mia Elle is known for her culinary creativity. She shares her favorite recipes on TikTok and Instagram under the handle “Bites by Mia.” Her content has range. Think nutritious smoothies, perfect for a healthy start or a post-workout refreshment. And also savory vegan dumplings, offering a plant-based alternative to a beloved classic. Her recipes are celebrated for their ease and accessibility. She uses ingredients commonly found in local supermarkets. And she accompanies each with clear, step-by-step instructions and engaging video tutorials. Mia’s approach goes beyond simple recipe sharing. She provides valuable cooking tips, ingredient alternatives, and kitchen hacks, catering to both beginner cooks and seasoned foodies. Her passion for cooking and friendly demeanor make her a popular figure in the online culinary community. She inspires her followers to explore new, healthy, and delicious culinary creations.
Featured Recipes: Protein Cookie Dough Cups, Vegan Dumplings, and Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich
7. Michelle Tam @nomnompaleo 492K on Instagram
Michelle Tam’s passion for cooking is rooted in her childhood experiences in her mother’s kitchen. It led her to pursue Nutrition & Food Science at Berkeley with an ambition to become a flavor scientist. Embracing the diverse food scene with her future husband, she reveled in the culinary richness of the San Francisco Bay Area. In 2010, she wholeheartedly adopted the Paleo diet. She cut out grains, legumes, sugar, and processed foods. This significantly improved her energy and mood. It was a vital change for managing her responsibilities. Which included raising two boys, working night shifts at a hospital, and maintaining a rigorous fitness routine.
Her personal blog, Nom Nom Paleo, began with humble, amateur photography. But it evolved into a polished food site. It’s earned recognition including a Best Food Blog Award from Saveur Magazine. Over the years, Nom Nom Paleo expanded beyond a blog. It’s won two Webby Awards for its cooking app, a Best of Paleo Award for its podcast, and a James Beard Award nomination. Her first cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans, was a New York Times bestseller. It was followed by Ready or Not! in 2017, also a bestseller. The release of her third cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo: Let’s Go!, in January 2022, continued this success. However, Michelle’s greatest pride lies in the impact Nom Nom Paleo has had on home kitchens and dinner tables worldwide. Talk about health food influencers making a positive impact!
Featured Recipes: Pepper Steak, Chinese Garlic Green Beans, and Paleo Ambrosia Salad
8. Dennis Prescott @dennistheprescott 743K on Instagram
Dennis Prescott, a celebrated Canadian chef and cookbook author, has cultivated a substantial following of over 700,000 on Instagram. Initially a struggling musician in Nashville, his culinary journey began by self-teaching through Jamie Oliver cookbooks. This endeavor quickly evolved into a deep passion for food. It led to the creation of his popular Instagram account, featuring an array of mouth-watering dishes and diverse recipes. His growing expertise in the culinary field enabled him to work alongside chefs in various restaurants and even travel the world as a chef. He honed his skills through extensive experimentation with cooking techniques and recipes. Now he pays it forward, educating communities about cooking. Dennis has become an influential figure in the culinary world. His latest achievement includes a pivotal role on the show, Restaurants on the Edge. Not to mention the publication of his latest cookbook, Eat Delicious, which is currently available in stores.
Featured Recipes: Beef Shank French Onion Soup, Creamy Cupboard Tomato Soup, and Sundried Tomato, Arugula, Burrata, + Mortadella Sandwich
9. Susi Vidal @susi.vidal 3.6M on TikTok
Susi, a nursing graduate from the University of Arizona, discovered her passion for cooking during the challenging times of COVID. She found solace in the kitchen. She delighted in the joy her meals brought to others, using this as a respite from external chaos. This hobby turned into a productive outlet, leading her to start “OnlyPans.” The social media series aimed to portraying cooking as both fun and entertaining.
While continuing to post her culinary creations online, Susi completed her nursing degree. Then she worked as a nurse for a year before deciding to fully dedicate herself to her newfound passion. Grateful for the support that has turned her dream into reality, she shares her self-taught cooking skills — gained from cookbooks, YouTube videos, and cooking shows — on various platforms. Susi is excited to continue her journey as a home cook. She eagerly shares recipes and updates, along with her other interests like meeting new people, traveling, and snowboarding. She invites her audience to join her in this culinary adventure, promising new recipes and videos.
Featured Recipes: Chicken Tacos, Remy’s Ratatouille, and Crispy Parmesan + Kale Salad
10. Dr. Rachel Paul, PhD, RD @collegenutritionist 788K on Instagram
Rachel holds a PhD in nutrition and behavior change from Columbia University. But her food journey was not always an easy one. She overcame her own prolonged struggles with food. She transitioned from obsession to restrictive eating, which adversely affected her relationship with eating, body image, and self-confidence. Realizing the need for change, she pondered the idea of mastering mindsets around food to cultivate healthier bodies and lifestyles. Through her academic journey, Rachel discovered effective strategies for achieving freedom around food and making healthy eating effortless. She has since dedicated herself to helping thousands of women lose weight and feel their best, sharing her insights and methods through her program, Best Body, transforming the lives of many with her expertise and personal experience.
Featured Recipes: Stuffed Pepper Skillet, Alfredo Chicken Skillet, and Spicy Pesto Skillet
That’s a Wrap on Our Fav Health Food Influencers
We hope our guide featuring the top ten health food influencers provides an invaluable resource for those aspiring to a healthier, more flavorful culinary journey. These health food influencers are more than recipe creators. They are ambassadors of a lifestyle that harmoniously blends wellness, creativity, and the pure joy of nutritious eating. Embrace this opportunity to transform your eating habits and kitchen skills. Let each vibrant, flavor-rich dish be a step towards a healthier and happier you in the new year. If you’d like assistance creating health-focused influencer marketing campaigns in the new year, book a strategy call with us today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abigail Welcom | Marketing Magician
Abby wins hearts and gains trust as our Brand Marketing & Outreach Coordinator. She puts her Film and Television Production degree to good use dreaming up visual marketing for The Shelf. When she’s not dazzling us with out-of-the-box ideas, you can likely find her at The Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland!
