Galore Darling: SheLovesFood’s Emily Sundberg Knows Food
Out of all the food blogs on Instagram, there are a few that standout from the rest. Each blog has its theme, whether it be fine dining, dives or international eats. Emily Sundberg’s SheLovesFood bridges the gap between health food and visually appealing photography. Managing to look delicious while still being nutritious and photogenic, Emily depicts food in a refreshing and relateable manner. At only 20 years old with 11k followers under her belt, Emily shows that you can eat pizza and Chia Puddings, dine at Two Boots and Terri. We talked to her about nutrition, dining in New York and taking your creativity to Social Media. 
Photo by @HotGirlsEatingPizza
SheLovesFood is a website of yours as well as an Instagram. Was it your original intention for it to be a Social Media Site when it came about?
I started it about a year ago and I was a photographer before I was obsessed with food and back in high school I took AP photo and when people couldn’t model for me I realized I could take pictures of food. So I was always posting food on my regular Instagram and I realized that people get annoyed if you are always posting food so I started a separate one and then people started asking me for recipes and that is when I made the website.
How and why did this come about for you?
Because my whole aesthetic is focused very visually and some people just post the typical cronutty things, but I wanted to capture how beautiful food is and my lifestyle is also different than what a lot of women eat in that I use a lot of superfoods and eat a plant based diet and show people that you can eat healthy and it can be beautiful and easy and delicious.
Did you expect it to become so popular?
I really didn’t. I think that when a few larger accounts reposted my photos it brought in an influx of people. It started out that I didn’t even have my name attached to it, and then people started to figure out that it was me and I decided to own it. Then with the use of hashtags and continually posting my content it just blew up.
When I got 10k I realized the power it had. My messages have to be serious now because I can tell 10k people something with the press of a button. It can be overwhelming but it is awesome.
What got you into nutrition?
My dad has had celiac disease my whole life, my mother is a work out instructor and my sister has managed to heal herself holistically. My whole life I would bake gluten free for my dad and my mom would serve us brown rice and spinach. I was fortunate to have healthy food in my house. When I moved to the city I realized that I had to start watching myself more closely to make sure that I was staying healthy. I don’t think everyone has to work out but I do think everyone should watch some of the Netflix nutrition documentaries and educate themselves on what they are putting into their bodies. I worked for a year at a cleanse place and learned a lot about nutrition. Balance is important and I want to show through my Instagram that you can enjoy whole foods but still allow yourself to eat pizza when you want it.
Most popular Instagram Post of yours?
I have one with a spoon that has some Kanye lyrics “Uhuh Honey”. Also one of pancakes got a ton. All my summer ones, anything with a lobster in it. Pretty chia pudding pictures have done really well. 
The Infamous Pancakes
How do you manage to make your Instagrams so appealing? Any advice for someone who wants to find success on Social Media?
It’s important to brand yourself. Have a theme. Another big thing is learn how to use light if your focus is on photography. Use natural light, it will change your photos. Don’t use too many filters. Find somebody whos Instagram you love, obsess over their photos and figure out what they are doing and mimic it. Make sure to vary your angles, the eye gets bored if it is looking at the same angle too often. Be nice, don’t talk shit about other peoples businesses. There will always be someone smarter than you or someone who got a better photo than you. Post as much as you want and keep your content fresh and new. Be fearless! This is for you in the end.
Favorite foods and restaurants in the city?
I love tacos. Morimoto is great for sushi. Also Marea is amazing. And there is this place in the West Village called Risotteria. It is gluten free and serves pizza nd amazing risotto. I also love Hu Kitchen- its paleo but they also have some good vegan lasagna and sweet potatoes.
Deliciousness from Hu Kitchen
Plans for the future?
I would love to monetize it but I don’t know exactly how right now. I have a few projects coming up this season but a lot of companies love cheap labor. That is hard because I don’t want to just be a PR vehicle. I do have a passion though and I think if you love something you just have to go full throttle. Stay creative and love what you are doing. You don’t have to sit at a desk your whole life. 
The Darling Emily Herself
