17 Apr 2025, Thu

A Day in the Culinary Life of Instagram’s Health Icons

A Day in the Culinary Life of Instagram's Health Icons

Looking for realistic healthy eating advice? We talked to three Instagram stars about their daily diets and how they manage to stay fit with their hectic schedules.

Instagram influencers definitely have busy lives, always on the move. So, when do they find time to eat? And more importantly, what healthy choices do they make during their busy days? We got the scoop from them, and they also shared some favorite recipes.

Meet Hannah Barrett, a.k.a. Yoga Girl London. She’s a mom of two who aims to spread the amazing benefits of yoga. Often, her kids and adorable dog make guest appearances in her videos. After a stressful stint in finance and experiencing post-natal depression following her daughter’s birth, Hannah found yoga to be life-changing. She even teamed up with physiotherapist Finola Burrell to create an eBook called Strength Through Yoga. People often wonder what she eats to maintain her toned physique, and she’s more than happy to share her eating habits.

Here’s a typical day on Hannah’s menu:

– Breakfast at 7:30am: Buckwheat pancakes
– Lunch at 12pm: Poached eggs with boiled sweet potato
– Snack at 3pm: An apple or pear
– Dinner at 7pm: Veggie stir fry with cashew nuts
– After dinner around 8:30pm: Dark chocolate

Hannah emphasizes that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and makes most of her meals from scratch with minimal processing. She enjoys making lunches when her daughter returns from nursery, usually whipping up something with eggs because they love eggs at her house. Eggs are nutritious, high in protein, and quick to prepare. Plus, for Hannah, using quality eggs marked with the Lion symbol is essential.

Even though she cooks fresh meals, Hannah doesn’t believe in restraining herself. She prefers mindful eating over restrictive dieting, indulging in a little chocolate or her current favorite, dim sum. She aims to enjoy food without turning it into a forbidden delight. While she eats intuitively, not skipping breakfast is a consistent part of her routine. Buckwheat pancakes are her breakfast favorite, made in bulk and conveniently stored in the freezer for quick meals.

When she’s hungry but not enough for a big meal, a green veggie smoothie is her go-to snack. Despite initial fears of sugar in fruits, she now advocates for moderation and doesn’t shy away from enjoying apples as a snack. Her pantry always has essentials like nut butter, dark chocolate, and plenty of veggies.

Laura Hoggins, known as @laurabiceps on Instagram, is another fitness influencer who balances being a personal trainer, podcast host, and founder of a fitness community. Her secret to staying energized is making small, manageable changes rather than drastic dieting. As a pescatarian, Laura relies heavily on eggs for protein, essential for her intense daily workout routines. She ensures her diet supports her active lifestyle by eating balanced meals and snacks like oats with nut butter, rice cakes, and a frittata packed with protein.

She believes in enjoying food without labeling it negatively as “cheat meals.” For Laura, food is about fueling her energy and lifestyle, not cutting out entire food groups or feeling guilty about enjoying a pizza or piece of cake. She plans meals ahead, making it easier to eat healthily on the go.

Finally, Rowan Cheshire, a British freestyle skier turned personal trainer, says her diet primarily revolves around maximizing performance. She opts for protein-rich meals, with eggs frequently on her breakfast menu alongside poached salmon. This breakfast staple is both nutrient-dense and sustains her energy through her intense training sessions.

Rowan stresses that nutrition should align with your daily activities, adjusting meals based on your level of physical exertion. She advocates for a balanced intake of protein, carbs, fats, and veggies at each meal, stressing moderation over restriction. Snacks like fruit, veggie stir-fries, and well-balanced meals keep her fueled.

These Instagram personalities highlight that healthy eating doesn’t need to be overly restrictive or complex. It’s about balance, mindfulness, and making choices that support an active lifestyle.