Connect with us

Food

Viji Moo’s Journey From IBS Warrior to Vegan Influencer

Published

2 months ago

on

viji moo vegan influencer - The Reelstars

For those seeking vegan recipes with a South Indian flair, Vijayalakshmi Vikram’s Instagram page is a must-visit. Known as ‘Viji Moo’ on social media, she crafts wholesome and nutritious plant-based dishes while sharing her journey of managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) through a vegan diet. Viji Moo’s content stands out not only for the delicious recipes but also for the unique way she presents them, often featuring her pet indie dog to promote the adoption of indie dogs.

Struggling with IBS

Vijayalakshmi Vikram, or “Viji Moo” as her legions of fans know her, wasn’t always the picture of radiant health whipping up vegan delights on Instagram. Her story began with a struggle – a constant battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that plagued her since childhood. Back then, gut health issues weren’t widely understood, and Viji’s condition was often dismissed. But Viji, a fighter at heart, wasn’t one to give up.

One fateful day, a magazine article on plant-based diets sparked a curiosity that would change her life. With a leap of faith, Viji embarked on a new path. Within months, it was a miracle. The constant discomfort vanished, replaced by a newfound lightness. Viji wasn’t just healing her gut; she was unlocking a world of vibrant flavors and a newfound passion.

This newfound knowledge ignited a spark within Viji. As she delved deeper, the ethical implications of animal agriculture tugged at her heart. The plight of dairy cows and their calves became a compelling reason to embrace veganism fully. Seven years ago, Viji made the switch, and a powerful voice for animals was born.

But Viji Moo’s mission wasn’t about deprivation or preaching. It was about showcasing the abundance of a plant-based world. In 2021, during the throes of the pandemic lockdown, Viji found solace in her kitchen. She started uploading recipes, aiming to show friends and family that delicious, familiar Indian food could be wonderfully vegan with a few clever swaps. What began as a personal project blossomed into a thriving online community. Viji Moo’s signature head-nods in her recipe reels became a beacon of encouragement, inspiring countless others to explore the colorful world of vegan possibilities.

Growing to a 542K community on Instagram

Today, Viji Moo is a successful plant-based home chef, blogger, and a champion for indie dog adoption. But above all, she’s a beacon of hope, urging others to embrace the power of plants on their plates and in their hearts. Her message is simple – go vegan, one delicious step at a time. It’s a journey, not a destination, and Viji Moo is there to cheer you on every flavorful mile of the way.

Looking for some food advice from the vegan warrior?

Viji’s journey to gut health and a plant-based lifestyle has resulted in a unique and practical approach to food. In an interview she had with weather.com, she shares a little on her personal eating habits for viewers to take inspiration from. She doesn’t shy away from summertime staples like mangoes, incorporating them in moderation and both ripe and raw forms. She’s a firm believer in listening to her body’s cues, indulging in sweet or savory overnight oats depending on her mood. To combat afternoon slumps, her go-to solution is a refreshing concoction of watermelon juice and mint.

Viji emphasizes a balanced approach, rejecting the idea of sacrificing favorite foods during the summer. Instead, she champions portion control and mindful consumption. Even her beloved hot filter coffee finds a place in her summer routine, proving that a plant-based diet can be both delicious and adaptable to seasonal preferences. This mindful indulgence, along with incorporating seasonal vegetables and fruits, allows Viji to enjoy a vibrant and satisfying vegan lifestyle throughout the year.

Try her watermelon rind molagootal recipe:

From IBS warrior to vegan rockstar, Viji Moo’s story is a testament to the power of food, community, and the unwavering spirit of a woman who dared to change her life, one delicious bite at a time.

Related Topics:

Anusuya, a Bengali girl in Bengaluru, is an experienced content specialist with a passion for writing compelling articles & blogs while crafting engaging social media posts & website copy. Currently a content manager, she thrives on being hands-on in the creative process. When not meeting deadlines, she enjoys Pinterest-planning her next trips; to explore new cities and immerse herself in local cultures, especially local food. Is it any wonder she chose a degree in Travel & Tourism?

Continue Reading

Food

Home Bakers Teaching Baking Tricks On Social Media

Published

2 weeks ago

on

July 12, 2024

By

Home Bakers Teaching Flavourful Desserts - The Reelstars

Home bakers on Instagram are revolutionizing dessert making by sharing expert tips, tricks, and delicious recipes. Balancing the challenges of running a baking business with content creation, they inspire followers with their engaging and flavorful desserts.

Top Home Bakers and Content Creators:

Mohena Ahluwalia @onceuponacakepune

Instagram followers: 68.5K 

Mohena Ahluwalia, popularly known as Cakewali Didi, is from Pune. She is a cake expert who is professionally trained in vegan and gluten-free baking. For healthy baking workshops, Cakewali Didi is the best baker. From diabetic-friendly breads to gluten-free cakes to healthy cookies, rajgira pista cookies to jowar lemon cookies, and much more.

Her story of becoming a baker is nothing less than a movie script. Coming from a computer genius family and getting a master’s Degree from Monash University Australia, Mohena always wanted to do something to show her creative side.

The simple joy of seeing a broad smile on a friend’s face after biting into one of her homemade delicacies is when she decided to start. She enrolled in the Lotus School of Cake Decorating Arts in Pune for a one-year course in Professional Cake Decorating. Since then Mohena has worked hard to spread the sweetness across Pune.

Here is a Healthy dessert recipe by her:

Saloni Mehta @pastrybysaloni

Instagram followers: 400K

Saloni Mehta is a vegan, dairy-free, and eggless home baker. She teaches unique vegan recipes, such as Oreo magnum bars, no-bake strawberry crunch cheesecake, red velvet marble loaf cake, peach crumb cheesecake, banana sheet cake, cinnamon sugar croissant loaf, and many more dessert recipes. 

Saloni has also written a book on vegan baking, ‘Vegan Baking Made Simple.’ 

Namrata Sanwal @pastrychefnam

Instagram followers: 166K

Namrata Sanwal is a recipe developer, baking mentor, and consultant. She is a trained chef with 9 years of experience in diverse culinary roles. She is one of Instagram’s first baking science content creator. 

Namrata merges pastry science and art to make baking easy. She started her baking journey because she used to love eating desserts as a kid. She started experimenting and cooking with her mom at home. She studied at Delhi University when she realized her calling was baking. Completing her hospitality management course, she has been trained with brands like JW Marriott and ITC hotels. 

After completing the course, during placement interviews, she was selected as a kitchen management trainee (specialising in bakery) at The Park Hotels. She worked for a couple of years until she was promoted to bakery kitchen executive (assistant manager). From then on, Namrata worked in various bakeries across France and has helped many bakeries and baking-related brands with creativity, content, menu planning, etc.

Here is a recipe by her:

Roshni Shukla @snfcakes

Instagram followers: 26.8K

Roshni Shukla is a baker and a cake artist. She started Sugar and Flour Bakes Bangalore in 2015. All those things she has exploded into baking, but her true passion landed in buttercream flowers.

2020 was a memorable year for Roshni because she won various cake competitions, conducted her first online classes, and was declared one of the top 10 bakers in India and Bangalore.

Buttercream design by her:

Ishleen Kaur @pastrybysaloni

Instagram followers: 140K

Ishleen Kaur is a cake artist based in Patna. She owns an eggless designer cake boutique specializing in Wedding Cakes. She creates impressive giant wedding cakes, which are mind-blowing. She is an educator and tricks and recipes from her baking journey. She also uses fondant to create unique shapes and designs on the cake to make it beautiful. 

Here is a cupcake icing hack by her:

These are some amazing and creative home bakers who are giving their best to their business and content creation journey. Follow them to support them and learn easy hacks for making cakes. 

Continue Reading

Food

From Food Show Champion to Butter Chicken King: Saransh Goila

Published

2 weeks ago

on

July 10, 2024

By

chef saransh goila - the reelstars

Do you consider yourself a butter chicken connoisseur? Can you sniff out a truly exceptional rendition from a pale imitation a mile away? If so, then you’ve likely crossed paths with the culinary genius behind one of India’s most beloved comfort foods – Saransh Goila. But Goila’s more than just a butter chicken extraordinaire; he’s a food creator who’s taken his passion for exploration and deliciousness to a whole new level.

Intrigued? Dive into the world of Saransh Goila, where reality TV stardom meets epic road trips, international adventures collide with a love for local flavors, and a single, iconic dish becomes a nationwide phenomenon.

From beginning with Sanjeev Kapoor’s approval to being on MasterChef Australia

Goila’s story began in 2010 when he emerged victorious on the prestigious Food Food Maha Challenge, a show judged by culinary legend Sanjeev Kapoor. This win was just the first course in a multi-course meal of achievements. He donned the chef’s hat again on shows like Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi, showcasing his skills to a wider audience.

But Goila craved not just competition, but connection. In 2012, he embarked on an epic 100-day road trip across India, documented in the show “Roti Rasta aur India.” This wasn’t your average sightseeing tour. Goila delved into the heart of rural villages, meeting families and learning the secrets of their regional cuisines. Every twist and turn on the road became a culinary lesson, a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors that defines Indian food.

Fueled by his travel experiences, Goila’s wanderlust extended beyond borders. His web series “The Spice Traveller” took him to Great Britain, where he explored the unique culinary landscape of that country. This insatiable curiosity to discover new tastes translated beautifully into another web series, “Run to Eat.” Here, Goila combined his love for travel and food, exploring the world on foot, one delicious bite at a time.

Goila’s influence transcended national boundaries in 2018. He was invited as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia, a prestigious platform where he introduced the contestants (and the audience) to his take on the iconic butter chicken. Here, he wasn’t just judging a dish; he was sharing a piece of Indian culinary heritage.

From Starting Goila Butter Chicken in 2016 to Reaching 100 Outlets in 2024!

Goila’s passion wasn’t limited to the screen. In 2016, his dream materialized in the form of “Goila Butter Chicken,” a Mumbai-based restaurant dedicated to his signature dish. The restaurant’s success resonated with food lovers across India, and Goila witnessed his creation become a national favorite. Recently, the brand reached a remarkable milestone – 100 outlets! This exponential growth is a testament to Goila’s ability to elevate a seemingly simple dish into a culinary phenomenon.

Saransh Goila is more than a chef; he’s a storyteller. Through his shows, restaurants, and social media presence, he bridges the gap between regional specialties and global palates. He isn’t just serving food; he’s serving an experience, a journey through the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Indian cuisine. As Goila continues to explore and innovate, one thing remains constant: his dedication to sharing the magic of Indian food with the world, one delicious bite at a time. Follow him for some great recipes! (But he’s probably never going to share how he really makes the most delicious butter chicken you’ll ever have!)

For now, try this easy recipe from this foodie extraordinaire:

Continue Reading

Food

#FitterBanegaIndia: Healthy Food Challenge for 180-days

Published

3 weeks ago

on

July 5, 2024

By

FitterBanegaIndia

Revant Himatsingka aka @foodpharmer is collaborating with @fittrwithjc Fitter Banega India for the next 6 months of 2024. Jitendra Chowksey is the founder of Fittr, a health and fitness company. Furthermore, while Revant educates his 2.6 million insta-fam on healthy eating practices with a humorous touch. Moreover, They’ve joined hands for a healthy food challenge to get fit together this year!

Revant launched Fitter Banega India on 1 July 2024, to continue for the next 180 days of the year.

Revant and Jitendra encourage Indians to participate in this challenge by posting stories and reels on their Instagram handles. Similarly, with #FitterBanegaIndia and #SustainableFitness for the next 6 months, i.e., 180 days until January 1st, 2025.

Food Pharmer says, “I don’t believe in crazy diets and scary workouts. I believe in SUSTAINABLE FITNESS.” 

According to studies, 50% of Indians are unfit and only go for a walk as a workout. However, so here are the 4 sustainable fitness habits that they are encouraging us to follow:

1) Motion- 6000-8000 steps daily and 30 minutes of strength training 4 days a week. 

2) Nutrition- Balanced diet with protein in every meal.

3) Hydration- 3 liters of water daily.

4) Rest- 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily.

They encourage the participants to post stories or reels of them following these 4 sustainable fitness habits and tag them. They’ll reshare the stories and videos to encourage them with #SustainableFitness and #FitterBanegaIndia.

They are on a mission to get fitter sustainably for the next 6 months! Moreover, Are you planning on getting fit with them?

Continue Reading

[trs_social_handles]

Advertisement

Trending

Enable Notifications OK No thanks