By Hannah Cole
Every man and his dog seem to be upping their kitchen skills during this time of social distancing. Sourdough, pasta, banana bread and beans are the new celebrities on my Instagram feed. Just earlier this year, my scrolling was met with styled fashion posts and dream destinations, but this has since become a sort of digital, conversational cookbook (I’ve even started a FOOD folder for all my saved Insta recipes).
The good ideas keep coming, and we’ve got the time, so why not indulge it? I’m looking for meals that will satiate and nourish while aligning with my goal to eat more sustainable. If you want to follow me down this gastronomical rabbit-hole, read on for a few of my favourite accounts delivering the goods.
1\ Self Service (@self__service__)
We are well-aware that sticking to a plant-based diet is a sure-fire way to eat better for the planet. Head on over ASAP to Dania Portman’s account for all the inspiration you could (almost) ever need. Dania is hell-bent on eating low impact for the environment, highlighting essential ingredients like tofu, beans and a plethora of vegetables instead. Here you’ll find recipes based on all your old favourites – from tacos to pasta and faux shepherd’s pie all sans meat.
2\ Bianca Valle (@vbiancav)
Bianca Valle is a NY-based holistic nutritionist popular among the fashion set. One day at a time she’s encouraging us all to move a little more (“a little bit often”) and snack on nature’s candy: apples and dates. While her feed is a smorgasbord of cute outfits, her Instagram Stories provide some much-needed meal and snack inspiration. Firstly, if you haven't tried it take a leaf out of Bianca’s book and start making your own oat milk. Save on the packaging and stock up on some super cheap oats from the bulk food store. Within minutes you’ll have a fresh, delicious milk alternative – you’ll be wondering why it took you so long to try.
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3\ Green Kitchen Stories (@gkstories)
Embark on another plant-based adventure by digging deep into Green Kitchen. David and Luise Frenkel have been avidly building their collection of recipes since 2009 and now, with three kids in tow, continue to promote a veg lifestyle adaptable for all. There are so many kid-friendly recipes to try: rainbow pancakes, waffle plates, cauliflower “fish” and chips. Learn how to use cauliflower, tahini and apple in ways you had never dreamt even possible.
4\ Meghan Dixon (@root_for_food)
Arguably, one of the most sustainable ways to eat is to forage for your own ingredients, and that’s exactly what Meghan Dixon does. Not only does she traipse the woods for local mushrooms and herbs (all safely identified – no Into The Wild-like accidents here), but she also provides useful recipes for various balms, salves and syrups. If you’re looking for a more DIY, natural-based life, she’s got some of the answers.
5\ Meg Yonson (@megandveg)
Meg is our leftovers hero: she leaves nothing to waste and creates a delicious concoction every.single.time. Having worked with Sarah Wilson, she’s a big promoter of zero-waste eating, but also making it achievable and extremely drool-worthy. Scroll through her feed for a dose of inspiration - everything from toast toppers to thrown-together bowls, and an abundance of sustainably-minded dining venues (for post-lockdown partying). I’m waiting for a cookbook of her very own, tbh.
About the author
Hannah Cole is a writer and thinker, with particular interest in sustainable living, fashion and beauty. If it weren’t for isolation, you would find her soaking up the beachside sun - instead, she’s hunkering down and farming some backyard produce.