Foodie Hacks for Breaking Into the Industry Using Social Media

A Collage Featuring Limbikani (Top left) , Kendall Jenner (Top Right) , Adriana Lima (Bottom Left) and Shadre Leonard (Bottom Right)

Hey Skinny Chef readers! I hope you’re all doing well and that your week was nothing short of fabulous! Welcome to the 46th weekly edition of the Skinny Chef Diaries blog—can you believe we’re just four weeks away from hitting the big 5-0? What a milestone!

Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to give heartfelt thanks to my incredible team—none of this would be possible without you.First up, to my insanely talented digital and blog designer, Limbikani: you amaze me week after week with the way you bring this blog to life through stunning visuals and seamless layout. You’re a true creative powerhouse!

And of course, to my better half and creative director, Shadre Leonard—your brilliance, consistency, and effortless ideation fuel this journey. Honestly, if you weren’t by my side, I probably would’ve thrown in the towel by Week 4—which, by the way, is when I hit my very first case of writer’s block! Let’s keep the fire burning and the content coming, even when no one’s clapping. I appreciate and love you both more than words can say.

Now, Skinny readers, let’s talk about this week’s juicy topic: social media hacks for breaking into the food industry.This one’s especially close to home—it’s a journey I’m still on myself.

Some of you might be thinking, “But Skinny Chef, aren’t you already in the industry?” And sure, on paper, I might be. But trust me—it’s a constant climb. The hustle never stops.

In fact, I kind of did things backwards—haha! As many of you know, my book Skinny Chef Diaries has been out for over a year now. But truth be told? Those book sales haven’t exactly been putting food on the table! 😂 Most successful foodies usually blow up on social media first and then release a book.Me? I wrote the book first, and now I’m playing catch-up in the digital world.But hey—we’re in this together.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef, an up-and-coming cook, or an aspiring foodie influencer, social media can do wonders for your career. So let’s explore some simple yet powerful hacks—all you need is your phone, a little creativity, and a whole lot of flavor.

🍽️ 1. Taste & Reaction Videos

Stefan Johnson is a Voice over artist best known for his entertaining food reviews

These are such a fun and playful way to promote your food or brand! Whether you're comparing wild flavor combos or doing head-to-head taste battles, these videos are bursting with entertainment value. People love seeing real-time reactions—they’re authentic and super engaging.

Plus, TikTok and Instagram algorithms love videos that keep people watching until the end.More watch time = more reach.It’s a win-win for you and your content.

🍳 2. Recipe Videos (#CookWithMe)

Hailey Burns is Youtube short and Tiktok creator that's popular for coming up with creative and healthy vegan recipes

When in doubt, teach something! People love learning new recipes and quick hacks online. We’ve all seen the viral cooking clips on TikTok—simple time-lapse videos, step-by-step narrations, clever tips.

The data doesn’t lie: #EasyRecipe has over 42 billion views on TikTok.

Whether it’s a quick smoothie, a wholesome dinner, or a creative twist on a traditional dish, people want to see your process. And if you're clever, you can subtly feature your products or tools as part of the magic. Influencers who master this art create content that feels both helpful and promotional—without the hard sell.

🎬 3. Day-in-the-Life Videos

Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietician that helps people maintain their Fitness goals by dispelling harmful myths related to dieting and physical fitness

This one always makes me chuckle—because I used to do these in my Orbit days, before TikTok was even a thing! Back then, I went full production mode with a cameraman, editing setup and all. 😂

(If you haven’t read my earlier blog “Oops, I Did It Again—with Food, Music, and the Body Connection,” go check it out for a nostalgic video throwback!)

These days? Much simpler.

“Go shopping with me,” “What I eat in a day,” “Come cook with me”—these formats are exploding because they’re raw, real, and relatable. They bring viewers along for the journey, and they’re a great way to organically promote your favorite brands or upcoming launches.

📸 4. Aesthetically Pleasing Food Photos

A snippet of one Chef Rod's many masterpiece's

Let’s be honest—Instagram was built for food porn. Beautiful, drool-worthy photos that stop the scroll and make people hungry.

And truthfully? I’ve got tons of stunning food pics on my phone from dishes I whip up almost daily. Ask me why I don’t post them more often… yeah, I don’t have a good answer for that. 😂 Something I definitely need to work on!

Whether it’s carefully styled flat lays, rustic behind-the-scenes shots, or up-close textures, visuals matter. Remember: people eat with their eyes first.

And if you can feature yourself or other foodies in the frame, even better. It adds personality and connects the plate to the person.

💡 Bonus Insight: What We Can Learn From Influencers Outside the Kitchen

Kendall Jenner pictured at the Academy Museum Gala Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Let’s not forget the power of crossover inspiration. Just look at the world of high fashion and pop culture. Models like Kendall Jenner and Adriana Lima—who gained fame through Victoria’s Secret—leveraged their social media presence to land brand deals worth tens of thousands of dollars. Imagine getting $50,000 just to hold a cold drink in an ad campaign!

That’s the power of visibility. The power of knowing how to present yourself. Whether you're in fashion, fitness, food—or a mix of all three—your presence matters. Social media is your storefront, your resume, and your personal billboard all rolled into one.

And there you have it, Skinny readers. Let’s be real: in 2025, knowing how to market yourself is just as important as knowing how to cook.

So here’s my challenge to you: Start thinking of yourself as a work of art. Invest in your craft.

Build your brand. Show up consistently—even when no one’s clapping—because just like fine art, your value increases the more you’re seen, shared, and celebrated.

Thank you for reading, and as always, I can’t wait to pour my heart out to you again next week. Until then—stay healthy, stay skinny. Same time, same place!