make them IG-worthy

Weight loss and calorie counting is a personal journey. You have to be comfortable with your decisions. For lunch I eat a 270-calorie meal-replacing powder shake at work. Every single day some random coworker says something about "real food" or the like. I've been doing it for 2 years. I have 30 coworkers. If I was worried about what they thought, I would be joining them at the local eateries, having $14 1200-calorie meals. You do it for you, not for them.

elaborate, menus, or try to “skinny up“ traditional options, or desserts

When I am looking to be amused/impressed by my food, I look to plating. I am a big fan of presentation. Keep the food basic, the portions small, count your calories, and style it up a little.

Skinny desserts don't really work because they aren't what you want. Diet soda tastes different. Sugarless gum tastes different. They are not what you want, so instead of having a lot of something you don't want, have a little of what you do want. One bite of full fat cheesecake will always be more satisfying than 4 bites of diet cheesecake.