This week, Wonky Meets, we caught up with passionate plant-based foodie Holly White.
Holly has worked as a broadcaster & journalist for over a decade here in Dublin focusing on style, natural beauty and plant-based eating.
She is extremely knowledgeable having completed raw food mastery with the Life change Institute, Plantlab Raw dessert Fundamentals and Vegan Chef Training and wellness leadership with the Wild Food Cafe in London and regularly hosts demonstrations showcasing an introduction to vegan cuisine. She is also super passionate about animal welfare and is an ISPCA ambassador, so already you can imagine she is a pretty epic lady!
Your social media feeds are an absolute pleasure to scroll through, where did it all begin and what advice would you give to someone looking to start out?
In terms of social, I started my Instagram four years ago when I was working on TV3 as a stylist. I used it to share behind-the-scenes clips from shoots and when I made the turn towards eating a plant-based diet I showed what I was eating and asked for recommendations from followers. I would advise someone to consider do they want to have a personal or a brand profile as there is a difference. I think Instagram thrives on original content so take your own images, don’t share or use other people’s photos. Lastly, don’t get too caught up in perfection – I brighten my photos with an app called VSCO but I don’t edit or airbrush them. I think people connect with authenticity.
Have you always followed a plant-based diet?
No – I only began eating this way nearly 4 years ago. I watched a lot of documentaries and did a huge amount of reading and research and made the decision to eliminate all animal products. I didn’t drink any dairy products at the time so that was one less thing to remove from my diet.
It’s been one of the best decisions I have ever made and social media has been a brilliant resource.
Check out the recipe for Holly’s Vegan Shepardless Pie here!
What is the strangest ingredient in your fridge/pantry?
I’m really into Miso paste and recently went to the Asia market and picked up a few varieties. I am also into fermentation at home so I have lots of sauerkraut concoctions and kimchi fermenting away in the cupboards.
You’re on the run and need to grab a snack on the go, what do you reach for?
A few squares of dark chocolate and some almond butter if I am being honest. I adore good chocolate. My husband and I also have a snack company Nutmost (www.Nutmost.ie ) which are almonds and walnuts put through an activation process of soaking and dehydration. I adore the Tamari ones. They’re so satisfying and savoury.
If you had to choose one food that you cannot live without, what would it be?
Chickpeas – I use them in lots of casseroles, or stir-fries and make a lot of hummus!
We see you are a huge fan of early morning yoga sessions, how did you get into yoga?
I signed up for membership in Yogahub last October and even though it’s only been a few months – it’s been a great addition to my day.
I work from home so signing up for a class early gets me out into the fresh air and gives my day a positive start. I also love the fact that you can just unplug for the hour.
5 quick-fire questions at the end for a little bit of fun!
What is your coffee order?
Almond milk latte – from Coffee Angel!
If you were a fruit or vegetable what would you be?
A lemon!
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
My 3 cats Tom, Will and Julie.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Anyone who champions Animal Rights and Welfare.
Where is your favourite place on earth?
My kitchen – honestly – I love being creative in there and how you eat plays such a part in how you feel.
Be sure to check out Holly’s sensational Vegan Shepardless Pie here and all of her social channels, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube, she’ll constantly adding great videos over there! Plus you can keep up with all of her posts over on her site holly.ie.
Keep an eye out for the next instalment of Wonky Meets in 2 weeks time!
