About
Welcome to Savvy Eats! My name is Julie, and I am a 24-year-old recent college graduate and newlywed.
My philosophy in life is “Smart Food, Smart Fitness, & Smart Life.”
Smart Food
I aim to eat whole, fresh and local foods whenever possible. In the past, I have tried both gluten-free and vegetarian diets in the quest to improve my health and lessen my hypothyroidism symptoms. However, I have found that I feel my best when I eat a little of everything in the world of natural foods.
In the “Smart Food” category, you’ll find the following:
- An organized, well-labeled Recipe Index
- Brain Food 101 posts answering your questions about the science behind food
- Food Preservation articles and how-tos, covering both canning and freezing
- Cooking How-To posts, such as How to Make the Perfect Risotto and How to Freeze Pumpkin Puree
- Gardening Tips, Tricks and Progress Reports
Smart Fitness
In the fall of 2008, I took up Pilates and running. Due to a string of IT band injuries, I switched my focus from running to cycling in the beginning of 2010. Cycling allows me spend more time with my husband, Dan, an avid biker. We actually biked through Italy for our honeymoon in 2010!
For more on my fitness, check out my Cycling Tips and How-Tos page
Smart Life
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I received a degree in Biological Systems Engineering–Food and Bioprocessing. I know, its a mouthful! Essentially, I am half Chemical Engineer, half Food Scientist.
I believe in pursuing your passions and doing what makes you happy. That’s why I’m choosing not to pursue a “traditional” engineering career, instead focusing my energies towards some other ventures that I hope to announce in the near future.
- The Little Things series, where I appreciate the little things in life (and the reader submissions page)
- Book Reviews
- Wedding recaps and details
- Home Organization and DIY advice
- My 101 in 1001 list
And finally, you will find information about my Savvy Blog Services. I help bloggers redesign their blogs and switch to a self-hosted platform. I’d love to work with you!
– Julie
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at savvyjulie@gmail.com
{ 68 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow girl thats alot on one plate. I went to University of Wisconsin-River Falls, graduated May 12, 2007 and got married June 16, 2007!
It’s hard but all worth it in the end. Also I was born with hypothyroidism, do you take synthroid?
Anyway, found your blog and love it!
Oh my goodness I think you could be my twin. I had my thyroid removed when I was 15 (four years ago), so I know where you’re coming from there.
BTW…Can you get Armour anymore? I started taking it in August and my pharmacy keeps telling me that Armour is on back order. =/
Great blog…I’ll definitely be sticking around. =)
-Lindsey
Thanks girl! I’ve been on Levoxyl since ’06, but my body stopped converting t3 into t4 (and synthetic thyroid medicine is only t3 whereas the armour/natural medicine is BOTH), so my endo thought it was the better option for me…but it’s so FRUSTRATING trying to find it!
-Lindsey
andshelostit.wordpress.com
Thanks, Leianna! I don’t take Synthroid, I’m on Armour because it is what my doctor prefers and it works better for me.
You are the cutest EVER girl! You have so many great things going on right now, and i’m so excited to read about them!
2 cousins of mine actually have hypothyroidism as well, so i know how challenging it can be.
Can’t wait to read more!
http://saladdiva.wordpress.com
Hey Julie – thanks for visiting my blog! First off, congrats on getting married…it is such an exciting time, I wish I could re-live the planning period all over again. Second, I also have hypothryoidism, so it seems we have some things in common. Great job on the half marathon. And I would loooooove to go to Greece!!!
Thanks, Lindsey! I’ve been having some trouble getting Armour too. The pharmacy I usually go to when I’m at home was out last month, so I had to call 5 other pharmacies before I found one that had Armour in stock. Now I’m back at school and need more Armour, so I’ll be calling more pharmacies today!
From what I’ve heard, the FDA is looking at natural thyroid meds as “unapproved drugs,” which is why all the natural thyroid meds are on backorder. I’m going to my doctor sometime in the next two weeks to see if I have other options for treating my hypothyroidism; I’ll let you know what I find out!
Cute pictures love them! loved reading your about me!!
I am a fellow Badger! I just found your blog and LOVE it! I’ve been wanting to start my own actually, but am not the most computer savvy. Maybe we could meet up sometime for some foodie-ness!
What a great blog! Nice to meet you
I love the engagement photos.
i have hypothyroidism too! i’m still struggling to lose the last 10 pounds of my 20 pound weight gain. i just started my own blog to help me stay on track!
Hi Julie
I love what you are doing. Food scientist, eng. aweseome. Mom-I-L has the other thyroid prob-loses weight from here to there, under meds easier to control. I wanted to maintain my weight after I had children, been active and hardbody half my life. I am losing inches-working out and eating smaller portions but throughout the day. Arbonne has a great weight-loss program you may want to look into. My two friends are testimonials-they both lost 30 lbs. in one year-regular exercise, meal replacements. Our products don’t have sugar but stevia, all natural sweetener. Need producs for makeup, etc.? Please visit my website-vegan, non-toxic-this is another way to take care of yourself, not just by eating but what you are putting on your skin. I am researching for a foodie website I am creating (Chinese culture and cuisine, can’t give too much away-thinking about WordPress), so any tips, etc. you offer on your website will interest me. I met a nutritionist who I hired to come into my kitchen to teach me and six friends how to make meals more nutritious without using low fat ingredients. We live in a world of over-processed everything and she taught us low-fat can mean more additives of sodium, sugar, etc. to accommodate. I am looking forward to the lesson! I wish you success with your health and your upcoming nuptials. Will stay tuned . . .
Your engagement pics are ADORABLE! Congrats on the upcoming wedding. Isn’t planning so much fun?
PS. You have some of the most delicious looking food on your blog!
Thank you!
Hi Julie! Thanks for sharing your story and blog. I found Savvy Eats through Oh She Glows.
I am a fellow Wisconsin blogger based out of Milwaukee.
Cheers!
Hey Julie!
I just came across your blog from Oh She Glows and it looks great! I can’t wait to read more about food science
Sounds really interesting.
I saw your moving to Ithaca in January. I’m currently living in Ithaca for Grad School at Cornell. Hope you like it!
Great blog!
Excited to keep reading. Great blog!
- Hillary
Beautiful photo’s! You were meant for each other!
Enjoy and blessings!
There is a group of ladies from Cincinnati and Dayton training to do the Princess Half. Our local running store – Fleet Feet and Miles that Matter are conducting the training sessions. I’ll have to have them look at your training schedule.
I’m going to be running the Disney Princess 1/2 in March 2010 too!!!
My degree is in Food and Nutrition Science
I’m a mommy though and the only food science I’m doing is in my kitchen…and loving it! 
Maybe we’ll get to know one another between then and now and will see each other on race day?! LOL
That would be great!
Hey! Just found your site and love it! Great stuff..what kind of biking do you do?
Thanks for stopping by! I’ve been getting into road biking lately, thanks to my fiance!
We have a lot in common. I got married on May 30,2009… two weeks after I graduated from college! Good luck!
These pictures are so beautiful! Looking at them I kind of regret not getting any engagement pictures. I guess it is never too late for some nice pictures!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I am sorry about your condition. I am glad you figured it all out! You seem like such a sweet person! Love reading your thoughts!
- Christina
Hi Julie -
Struggling with Thesis1.6 over here. Must I be self-hosted to install thesis? Do you know if I can use it in conjunction with WordPress? Will you share with me how you when about downloading and getting it into WP? Your site looks great =]
Hi Julie. It was so great to meet you this weekend. I wish we could have spent more time getting to know one another! Hopefully we’ll get to see each other again sometime!!
Awww! Love the engagement pics- thanks for sharing them
~Christie http://rollerkoesterrun.wordpress.com/
What were your symptoms of hypothyroidism besides the weight gain? I gained 15 pounds last year because of some medication I was taking. I recently stopped taking it and had yet to lose that 15.
Hello,
I found your site while searching Google and have found your website information and advice to be a very good fit for our visitors. As such, we are interested in buying advertising space on your home page http://www.savvyeat.com/.
Our budget is within $10/month. If you are interested, please send me your rate per month and PayPal information.
If we are happy with your price we will send you the link details that you can place on your website and we will make the payments to the PayPal ID provided.
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Joanne
Can’t wait to keep up with your blog! Loving the pictures. How sweet
So glad I just found your blog. I have knee problems too (chondromalacia in both knees) so I feel your pain. Can’t wait to read more!
You and your fiance are gorgeous. You’ve got a lot of exciting life changes coming up- can’t wait to read about it all!
What beautiful engagement pictures!
I’m a rising sophomore chemical engineering student who has a passion for food! How would you recommend building the bridge to fuse chemical engineering and food science into a future devoid of cubicles and nerdy male coworkers? :p
Hi Robin! A LOT of the big food companies hire Chemical Engineers for Product Research & Development, Quality Control, etc. I’ve noticed, too, that a lot of consumer product companies have a higher ratio of women in their R&D departments than the average engineering job. If you have more questions or want to hear more about my internship experiences (including one with one of the ‘big names’ in food), send me an email at savvyjulie@gmail.com !
Hi Julie! Glad to connect in blogworld – can’t wait to meet you in Chicago at HLS!
You are so savvy you deserve an award. Find out more on this post…http://itallchanges.com/2010/09/06/loving-yourself-blogger-award/
wow great blog!! love the organizatioN!
Love your blog-so glad I stumbled upon it! Looking forward to following you:)
I just found your blog and I LOVE IT!!! It is STUNNING!
I love the science behind food!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment! Welcome!
New to your blog, and I am definately subscribing. I hear you on the running injuries. I have my own limitations and it makes exercising hard. It’s good to see you found a sport you can do. I hope to find one soon!
I love your personal story! Thanks for sharing and being so transparent. I also struggle with two metabolic/endocrine disorders… The whole game is still very new to me and frustrating. It is great to know there are others out there who understand!
Chelsey @ Chew With Your Mouth Open recently posted..Myth Buster 4 – Superfoods- Are they really super
Good for you for following your heart and doing what you love!
I look forward to reading more
Tori (Fresh Fruition) recently posted..A Weekend of Firsts
Hi, Julie!
I wanted to head over to your blog, after signing up with HLB.com. Thank you for all the hard work that goes into HLB.com, and for giving us, a wonderful blog like yours! You are so organized and write so well!
I’m so glad to have found you through HLB, and love your blog!
Juju @ Get Fit with Juju recently posted..Book- A New Earth By Eckhart Tolle
Thank you so much. Welcome to Savvy Eats and HLB!
Hey girl! Just found your blog, I’m also a Badger
Laura @ prettylittlewords recently posted..Grown-up responsibilities
I found you on “Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life” and I love all of your photography! You have awesome skills!!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated recently posted..Wednesday’s Big Brother
Wow, I can’t believe I just found your blog! I’m a chemical engineering student right now, and you basically have the degree/life I want once I graduate, haha. Your photos are beautiful, and so are you!
Callie @ Callieflower Kitchen recently posted..The Great Fundraising Act
Thank you so much. Welcome to Savvy Eats! Where are you studying?
Hi Julie,
Congrats on your blog. I find it very good, well designed and inspiring!
Your 101 goals are also inspiring and made me write my own.
I see that part of the plan is to come to Montreal where I live. Wise choice. Montreal is amazing for any food lover. I could be your guide. I would be honoured to meet you and have a coffee.
Keep in touch. Keep on the good work.
Dominic
dominic recently posted..Travelling around Turkey in June
You sure practice life very smartly. Smart fitness, should this mean biking? Cause I’ve also started biking too.
Pearl recently posted..car parking games for girls
For me it definitely does!
you are what you eat!! that’s what my grandma always say!
hope to read more from you soon!! stay savvy!! yeah!
piliksalbador recently posted..play angry birds game
It sounds that you are a healthy person.. Hope I could be just like you..
Cynthia recently posted..Guide to Opening a Checking Account While on Chexsystems
How would you recommend building the bridge to fuse chemical engineering and food science into a future devoid of cubicles and nerdy male coworkers.. |
roronoa recently posted..play truck games
Have you looked into Research and Development or Quality Control at a food company? That’s where I’d start!
great post i am looking forward to hear from you guys..
Irene recently posted..angry birds download
Congrats on your blog. I find it very good, well designed and inspiring!
Your 101 goals are also inspiring and made me write my own.
I see that part of the plan is to come to Montreal where I live. |
jazz0506 recently posted..cool monster truck games
hanks for sharing and being so transparent. I also struggle with two metabolic endocrine disorders The whole game is still very new to me and frustrating.
Loganacia recently posted..angry birds cake
Just discovered your Blog LOVE IT…I am a fellow alum also from UWM (many moons ago! ) trust me on this one!
Hi,
I love your blog! I have Hashimoto’s (autoimmune thyroid disease that makes my thyroid hypo) and also love to eat as healthy as possible. Also take Armour too and love it! I have a boy with an autoimmune disorder and autism, and Armour saved my life and gave me so much energy and patience back. I am GF too, so will be converting your recipes a bit. I can’t wait to try the blueberry pie bars for my boys and me.
Have you looked into NAET (natural allergy elimination treatment) for your thyroid problem? We are using it for my son’s condition, which is associated with strep (PANDAS), and his autoimmune disorder is starting to decrease and go into remission. I can’t afford to do NAET for myself yet but plan on it when my boy finally finishes his treatments. I will let you know if it works for thyroid problems. It uses accupuncture to desensitize your body to whatever it is reacting to. I honestly can’t believe how well it works. I have a coworker who had great success with it too (she had multiple food allergies) but my son’s progress is just unbelievable.
you can find info on it at http://www.naet.com if you want more info.
My cousin has Hashimoto’s, and I know it can be a pain to manage. Good for you for doing what you can to help it!
I haven’t heard of NAET, but I will look into it. Thank you for that tip!
Hey Julie!
I just found your blog by accident! I’m studying at UW-Madison too, go badgers!
Are you still in Madison? I would love to meet up with you sometime! I’ve never met a food blogger before! (:
Loved reading the story behind the blog, I’m with you in feeling best when eating a bit of everything, as natural as possible! Can’t wait to try some of your recipes!
Anna @ hiddenponies recently posted..Whipped & Dipped Shortbread
Thanks Lizzy, you just made my day!
Sure! Feel free to email me at savvyeat *at* gmail *dot* com to set something up or ask any questions you have about starting a blog. Wordpress is super user-friendly!
{ 1 trackback }