A Different Perspective: Food Imagery as a Tool for Positive Change

15 July

Scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, you’ve probably come across what’s often called food porn—those glossy, drool-worthy images of perfectly plated meals, melty cheese, decadent desserts, or vibrant smoothie bowls. While the term has gained popularity, it often carries negative connotations—especially for its potential to trigger the desire to eat (what researchers call visual hunger) and encouraging ‘unhealthy’ food choices.

But emerging research suggests there might be a silver lining.

The Dark Side of #FoodPorn

Traditionally, food porn has raised concerns—particularly among public health professionals. Sociologists have warned that constant exposure to highly stylised food imagery may contribute to harmful eating behaviours over time, heightened visual hunger, and a distorted sense of what’s “normal” when it comes to meals.

On top of that, endless polished food photos can create unrealistic expectations. We start to believe eating should always look Instagram-perfect—immaculate plates, gourmet ingredients, flawless lighting. This can leave us feeling like our own meals, or our eating habits, fall short. Instead of encouraging healthy behaviours, this pressure to match online perfection can backfire. Some people may feel self-conscious or worry that what they’re eating isn’t “healthy enough” or aesthetically pleasing. And for those already navigating body image issues or an eating disorder, these visuals can feel overwhelming or triggering.

But is all food imagery harmful? Or can we flip the script?

Let’s be real—social media isn’t going anywhere. So maybe it’s time we start using it to our advantage, instead of letting it influence us in ways that don’t serve our health & wellbeing.

A New Take: Reclaiming Food Imagery for the Better

A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Seal et al., 2022) offers a refreshing perspective. Rather than dismissing food porn entirely, the authors suggest it can be harnessed as a tool to encourage healthier eating.

The research explored how people responded to images of healthy foods when styled in indulgent, visually appealing ways. The findings were promising: when fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious options were presented with the same glossy aesthetics as typical food porn—think bold colours, good lighting, and mouth-watering textures—participants reported more positive emotional reactions, greater desire to eat those foods, and were even more likely to choose healthier options in real life.

In other words, nutritious food can be just as tempting—when it looks good. Just as a photo of a gooey brownie can increase visual hunger, an inviting image of a vibrant sushi bowl can spark interest in nourishing foods.

Our brains are wired to respond to food and what looks delicious. It was Apicius, the 1st-century Roman gourmand, who famously said, “We eat first with our eyes” (Apicius, 1936). Modern neuroscience backs this up, showing that visual food cues can strongly influence appetite, motivation, and eating behaviour.

But it’s not just biology—our surroundings and daily experiences also shape how we think and feel about food. When healthy eating is consistently portrayed as enjoyable, satisfying, and visually appealing, we begin to associate it with pleasure and reward—not restriction or obligation. Over time, this shift can help reframe healthy choices as something we genuinely want—not something we have to do.

Flipping the Script: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Since we spend so much time online, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the kind of content we’re consuming. Social media can either add pressure—or help us feel inspired and empowered.

Ask yourself:

Does this inspire me—or cause stress?
Do I feel empowered- or stuck in a cycle of comparison?
Am I following people who show balanced, realistic, and joyful eating habits—or only highlight perfection?

Curating your feed can be a powerful act of self-care. Following accounts that celebrate diverse bodies, foods cultures, and accessible, balanced meals can help reduce pressure and support a healthier, more compassionate mindset around food.

Here are some simple ways to make food imagery work for you:

Celebrate variety. Healthy eating isn’t about perfection. Enjoy and share meals of all kinds—big or small, fancy or fuss-free.
Inspire, don’t shame. Let food photos spark curiosity, not guilt. Use them as reminders that nourishing food can be both fun and flexible.
Keep it joyful. Eating well should feel good—not like a set of strict rules.
Make it yours. Whether it’s your grandma’s stew or a midweek stir-fry, eating well should reflect your life, culture, and personal taste.

Final Thoughts

Maybe it’s time we rethink how we view food porn. While polished food photos can create visual hunger, increase pressure or set unrealistic expectations, that same visual power can also be used to inspire and uplift.

Social media isn’t going anywhere—so let’s use it with intention. By following creators who promote a healthy mindset and share images that celebrate a variety of enjoyable food we can build a more positive relationship with eating.

Getting Support

If you’re finding that social media or your eating habits are causing stress, anxiety, or impacting your wellbeing, you’re not alone—and support is available.

Here are some helpful places to start:

Your GP – can talk through your concerns and connect you with the right support services.
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) – can guide you in building a healthier, more balanced relationship with food. If you would like to access our services at Eatwise, please get in touch.
Mental health professionals – psychologists and counsellors can support body image concerns, emotional eating, and more.

Helplines and online resources:

Butterfly Foundation (Australia): 1800 33 4673 or butterfly.org.au
Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Seeking help is a sign of strength. You deserve to feel at peace with food, your body, and your mental health.