Poppy O’Toole: ‘I’m just a chef – I didn’t think I’d have to talk about body shaming’
Chef and TikTok sensation Poppy O’Toole has faced body shaming from online trolls, shedding light on the issue while continuing to share her passion for creating delicious and accessible recipes.
Poppy, known for her potato recipes, expressed her surprise at having to address body positivity, saying, “People talk about weight all the time, but my goodness, I’m just a chef, I didn’t think I would have to be talking about body positivity.” Despite facing comments like, “She should put the potato down and pick up a salad,” she remains resilient in her stance.
With 1.1 million Instagram followers, Poppy has used her platform to confront trolls and advocate for self-acceptance. She believes in speaking out against hurtful comments to empower others who may be impacted by such negativity.
Previously working in Michelin-starred kitchens, Poppy gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with her inventive potato recipes. Her rise to social media stardom led to the publication of three cookbooks, including the latest, ‘Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Slow Cooker Cookbook.’
The chef, dubbed the Potato Queen, shares her love for potatoes as a versatile and comforting food, encouraging people to enjoy them in various forms. In addition to her culinary creations, Poppy addresses gender diversity in the kitchen, advocating for more inclusive spaces for women.
Poppy’s culinary journey has expanded to TikTok, where she embraces the slow cooker trend and shares recipes that cater to the evolving needs of home cooks. She highlights the practicality of slow cookers in saving time and energy, making them ideal for busy families.
In her cookbook, Poppy explores unconventional slow cooker recipes, showcasing a blend of traditional comfort dishes with a modern twist. Her experience in fine dining has taught her the importance of balancing simplicity and culinary excellence to meet the demands of today’s home cooks.
‘Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Slow Cooker Cookbook’ by Poppy O’Toole offers a fresh perspective on home cooking, emphasising the joy of preparing and sharing delicious meals with loved ones.
In conclusion, Poppy O’Toole’s journey from Michelin kitchens to TikTok fame exemplifies her commitment to promoting body positivity and culinary creativity. Her resilience in the face of online criticism and her advocacy for inclusive kitchen spaces highlight her dedication to empowering others through food and self-expression.