Staying in the Game with Food
At Staying in the Game, we believe that nutritious eating should fuel your body, support physical performance, and bring joy to the table. It’s about celebrating bold flavors and wholesome, plant-forward ingredients that turn every meal into an opportunity for creativity and vitality. With simple, satisfying recipes and practical tips, the resources below will help you cook with ease and eat with purpose.
Our Favorite Plant-Based Cooking YouTube Video Hosts
There’s no shortage of inspiring plant-based chefs and cooking videos out there, and we’ve highlighted a few favorites below to get you started. Simnett Nutrition caters to strength-based athletes, offering high-protein meals with a fitness focus. Derek Sarno, who was the former senior global executive chef for Whole Foods, brings bold unami flavors (such as his Lion’s Mane steak) and a playful touch—often featuring his dog’s humorous cameos (and seriously impressive knife skills). Nisha of Rainbow Plant Life is a former lawyer turned chef whose vibrant, Indian-inspired dishes are often taste-tested by her sometimes-skeptical, often-amused parents. For a calmer, more meditative vibe, Wil Yeung offers beautifully filmed, Asian-inspired recipes with a zen-like approach to cooking. The Happy Pear are anything but zen—each video bursts with Irish flair, infectious enthusiasm, and plenty of delicious inspiration.
Simnet Nutrition
Based in Canada, Derek Simnett is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner whose passion for fitness shines through his content. He creates practical, protein-rich plant-based recipes designed to fuel muscle growth and enhance performance. On his website, www.simnettnutrition.com, you’ll find a free downloadable plant-based meal planner, along with a variety of recipes and expert tips to help you fuel your strength fitness goals.
Yeung Man Cooking
On this channel, you will learn how to cook simple and delicious plant-forward dishes with absolute confidence. Wil demonstrates incredible dishes inspired by cuisines from all over the world. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just plant-curious, you will enjoy and appreciate Wil’s style and zen-like creations. For more about what inspires Wil, go to www.yeungmancooking.com.
Rainbow Life
At Rainbow Plant Life, Nisha shares everything from fancy date-night meals to Indian dishes from her childhood to meal prep guides that will help you eat well all week long. For more information on her meal planning options visit www.rainbowplantlife.com. Nisha is also the author of two beautifully crafted cookbooks.
Derek Sarno
Acording to Derek, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a statement, an art form, and a way to change the world. He spent his career redefining what’s possible with cooking, proving that indulgent, flavorful food and compassionate choices are not only compatible but essential.
For more about Derek go to www.dereksarno.com.
The Happy Pear
For those of you across the pond, The Happy Pear are Irish twins known for their infectious energy and passion for healthy living. Former rugby players, they swapped the pitch for the kitchen, launching a restaurant, bakery, food product line, and online cooking courses. They’re mirror twins—identical in every way except one’s right-handed and the other’s left. Their YouTube videos are upbeat, entertaining, and full of great cooking inspiration. For more information on their journey and resources go to: https://thehappypear.ie/about/
Organic?
We believe in supporting organic growers—especially when they’re local—but if you have to choose, go with local. Fresh, ground-to-table produce retains more nutrients than packaged or long-shelf-life alternatives and often tastes better too. From a health perspective, the most important thing is simply eating more fruits and vegetables, whether they’re organic or conventionally grown; in fact, most studies showing their benefits used conventionally grown produce. One area where we do recommend choosing organic is whole grains, due to their greater potential for pesticide residue.
““A plant-based diet keeps me light, flexible, and healthy.”
— Scott Jurek, ultrarunner