Sophie Pokera has recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in English, complemented by a solid education in nutrition.
Growing up, she believed she was eating healthily by choosing foods rich in protein and fiber. However, during her first year in college, she started to question her awareness of what she was actually consuming.
“I stumbled upon a crunchy influencer on Instagram talking about seed oils,” Pokera shared. “It was a total eye-opener for me—I realized I was pretty clueless about the ingredients in my food.”
This led her to embrace the “Crispy” lifestyle, which emphasizes whole foods and avoids various toxins. This lifestyle generally shuns highly processed foods, plastics, “eternal” chemicals, and certain medications, opting instead for natural ingredients and alternative remedies.
The “Make America Healthy Again” movement has amplified this subculture’s visibility, particularly on college campuses, where late-night pizza and the freshman 15 are often a reality.
Clinical psychologist Laura Braider noted that when managed properly, this new wave of health consciousness can be beneficial. However, she also cautioned that some students might take these healthy practices too far, especially those dealing with eating disorders or obsessive behaviors.
“Moderately, it’s not a bad trend,” observed Braider, the assistant vice president of mental health at the university. “As long as this newfound awareness remains in a controlled environment, it can be quite positive.”
Filtering Online Information
Yet, there are concerns that those embracing crunchy lifestyles may not be receiving accurate, evidence-based advice. Online platforms, especially social media, often serve as hotbeds for misinformation.
“While social media can be a great source of information, we all know there’s also a lot of misleading content out there,” Braider mentioned.
“From a healthcare perspective, we must meet students where they are,” she added.
Upon diving into the crispy lifestyle, Pokera found herself turning to the Weston A. Price Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for nutritional principles that include traditional foods and raw milk while criticizing ultra-processed items.
She also tuned into the “Cultural Apothecary” podcast by Alex Clark, a contributor to Turning Point USA.
Critics argue that such platforms may spread harmful health misinformation.
Pokera brushed off the skepticism, explaining that after conducting her research, she has come to genuinely trust these resources.
Both Clark and Pokera share a personal connection—they both deal with Hashimoto’s disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.
Pokera learned about autoimmune issues from Clark’s discussions about her own struggles.
Encouraging Healthier Choices
Pokera shares details of her lifestyle on TikTok, promoting whole foods, daily walks, and breathing exercises. Months prior to her diagnosis, she began reworking her diet, swapping out what she once considered “healthy” snacks for items like ground beef, sweet potatoes, and avocados, while eliminating gluten.
She urges her 400 TikTok followers to make healthier choices, such as opting for organic coconut sugar instead of regular sugar.
“It’s shocking how many people don’t realize they’re consuming foods that aren’t real food,” Pokera stated, pointing to her online health coaching certification.
Seeking Balance
Another young individual, Courtney Beck, an 18-year-old student at Texas State University, began her own crispy journey on TikTok last December.
Beck, who spent years training in classical ballet, developed a warped perception of health that ultimately led to issues like anemia and anorexia.
Realizing that being thin wasn’t the ultimate goal, she moved away from ballet and sought healthier guidance.
“I fell into this journey where focusing on whole foods and counting calories became less critical,” Beck reflected.
“It just blossomed from there; I became really passionate about health and vitamins, and it changed my life completely.”
Starting to incorporate ground beef and chicken back into her diet, she even adopted the nickname “beef veterinarian” for a bit.
Beck sometimes laments about her skin not looking great. However, experts caution that this lifestyle might not suit everyone.
Most of her TikToks showcase her grocery hauls, recipes, and daily meals.
She advocates for moderation, openly confessing to enjoying sweets like Dr. Pepper and popsicles from time to time.
“I still go out with friends and participate in enjoyable activities,” Beck stated.
Facing Online Challenges
One downside to living a healthy lifestyle publicly is the negative feedback that often accompanies it.
“It’s hard not to let those comments affect me,” she admitted. Beck is a major in Large-Scale Communication with a minor in Nutrition as she aims for a comprehensive career in the field.
“Ultimately, I know I’m healthy. I know this is the best I’ve ever felt.”
Likewise, Pokera has faced challenges, recalling moments in college when sticking to her health goals proved difficult.
“A lot of social events center around dining out and drinking, which I try to avoid,” she said. “Sometimes I find myself at restaurants, opting not to order anything.”
She also mentioned that the sheer volume of health information can be overwhelming at times.
“But I think people in their twenties, when they say they want to enjoy life, don’t realize that I’m working toward a healthier future,” Pokera reflected.
