Bender
One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.
-Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright
I feel like I should start by explaining where the name eating bender comes from. My family nickname is Bender. It has been since I was a little girl, and I have no idea why. My mom loves odd nicknames, and this one stuck! I also recognized that the word “bender” can signify a spree – thus the idea of creating a blog dedicated to “a lifelong healthy eating spree” was born!
I graduated from Northwestern University in June 2009 with a degree in broadcast journalism from Medill. Now I start my journey into the field of public relations, and look forward to finding new ways of communicating with the world. My hope is to someday combine my passion for writing with health and nutrition – and I’m always looking for ideas on how to do that, so feel free to send some my way!
My philosophy about eating and exercise is simple: both are needed to live a satisfying and gratifying life. I am constantly working to listen to my body and eat intuitively, and I work hard to develop new fitness goals so that working out never gets boring! I would love to share more, so if you have any questions – don’t hesitate to ask!
This blog was created out of a passion for food, nutrition and wellness. It is meant to serve as a place where I can share pieces of my life with you, ranging from food and restaurant reviews to meals, recipes and – when I’m not hungry – fitness and general life ponderings. My goal is to create a gathering of people who can look to each other for answers and advice on any and everything.
Through this blog, I have grown to know and love the blogging community. I have made new acquaintances, developed what I think could be lifelong friendships, and look forward to the times where I can sit in front of the computer and write about my thoughts, feelings and of course, FOOD.
But I had to ask myself how I could possibly keep things interesting, because I really am a creature of habit and, to be honest, I usually eat the same things every day!
To challenge myself, I am making the effort to cook at least one new breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert per week. There will be days that I rely on the food journal to convey these new foods – and some oldies but goodies, too! And then there will be days where I break away from the food journal to talk about a particular topic, including grocery trips, food and restaurant reviews and interesting links.
Here are just some of the possible segments that will be discussed on the blog:
- Mish Mosh: A list of links that have caught my attention
- Bender’s Blenders: My latest creation from the Vitamix
- The Lazy Chef: Easy new recipes for lunch, dinner or dessert
- My Portion: A longer form post on various topics
- Food Journal: A look at the day’s eats
- Reviews: Product and restaurant reviews
- Sunday Brunch: A new breakfast recipe to enjoy on lazy Sundays…and beyond!
~*~
Thanks for reading!
Pretty photo!!!!
)
I’m a sophomore studying business and I’d also LOVE to combine it with health/nutrition… somehow, haha. good luck with this blog! it looks great so far
andrea ~ thank you! we must try to figure out how to combine them – if i think of something i will definitely pass it your way
I’m a second-semester senior in public relations; so if you girls figure out good opportunities to combine the two, let me know! And quick!
are you from arizona? (i saw the 480 number on the salad carton from the pizza place, i swear i’m not creepy!) i’m in arizona right now and i graduated last year with a journalism degree and a minor in business. i dabbled in pr also and now i’m trying to get a media job… i think the best way to incorporate your passion for food and nutrition is to keep up with your blog because as far as i know there are no nutrition beats at any newspapers or tv stations but maybe we could start a trend…
-Karla
Karla ~ Yes! My family moved to Arizona recently
It sounds like you and I are a lot alike education and career-wise. Let me know how your job search is going — I’m looking at AZ after I finish school! We should definitely start a nutrition beat trend!
Hi Jenn,
Love your blog and the blueberry header!
I just started my own blog and linked yours on my blogroll. Please come check it out when you get a chance!
Foodie ~ Thanks
I will check out your blog now and add it to my blogroll!
“My family nickname is Bender. It has been since I was a little girl, and I have no idea why. My mom loves odd nicknames!”
Perhaps she went to the future and watched an episode of Futurama?
totaltransformation ~ I didn’t realize that my mom was clairvoyant – that opens up a world of new possibilities
Jenn – I never mentioned this to you, but I wanted to let you know that I graduated with a Journalism degree, and I’m now working in PR (as you know from my blog!)… I am so curious to see how you make out with incorporating nutrition into your writing! Please keep us posted!
Rose ~ Go journalism! I will let you know how the job search goes once it officially begins. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
This is a really fun blog! Keep it up!
~Erin @ “Vegan & the City”
Erin ~ Thank you! I’m glad you like it
Oh man–your quote at the top about eating dinner like a pauper–I tend to eat the opposite way! I just can’t help it! I love big dinners
Thanks for the “Food for Thought,” though!
Lara ~ No worries, I definitely eat my fair share of big dinners
It’s more of a “guideline” than a strict rule for me to follow!!
Hi,
I just discovered your blog by way of ZestyCook by way of Kath. It’s great! I am a reader from Chicago (re: the de-lurkification). Looks like you might be an NU student? I am a former/current NU student as well. Thanks for all the great ideas!
Kelsey
Kelsey ~ Thanks so much for reading! So are you in grad school at NU now? It’s so nice to see some fellow NU people on my blog
I’m getting my science prereqs done at SCS (the night school), so I can apply for PA masters programs. My undergrad was in theatre.
Hey Bender! I absolutely love your blog!! I was just wondering how in the world do you get people to follow your blog?! I have recently started up my own and wondered how you got some blog traffic flowing?! Any tips,hints,etc.? Thanks so much!!
Kelsey ~ Very cool! Nice to “meet” you
CaSaundra ~ Thanks! My best advice for getting readers is to start commenting on other people’s blogs and make sure that when you do you include a link back to your own (like you did in your comment to me). It’s the best way to get your name out there! I’ve also heard that coming up with titles that use key words that are popular Google searches can also help, although I’ve never specifically made an effort to do that because I like coming up with corny titles! Good luck with the new blog!
I found your blog when I linked through for the VitaMix contest (thanks for that by the way!). I love it and will definitely keep reading! Check out mine if you get some time
Ryan ~ Thanks for reading! I am glad that you enjoy the blog and best of luck in the contest
Hello, love your blog! where do you get your cute coffee mugs from?
Tanya ~ Thanks! I got the mugs from the grocery store, actually. The brand is “Joyce Shelton,” and unfortunately the company doesn’t appear to have a website of their own. If you Google the name, a bunch of mugs come up on eBay, etc. I wish they would get a site already! But I hope that helps.
I just discovered your blog this week and I love it! I can relate to a lot of the things you said about really trying to listen to your body and about getting stuck in a food rut. I look forward to reading more posts.
Katie ~ I’m really glad that you can relate to some of the things I talk about! Thank you so much for reading
You rock!
You don’t have to worry about a shortage of expert nutrition advice in Chicago – you’re in the home of the American Dietetic Association and tons of Registered Dietitians
Great blog!
http://nutritiontokitchen.wordpress.com
This has to be the most brilliant “nutrition” website ever! My boyfriend and i have been looking at nutrition blogs recently in hopes to get tips on a healthier lifestyle. he tends to prefer the ny times and similar but i find them to be BORING. your site is upbeat and fun. in one word ingenious! i love your site and will definately be spreading the word… truth be told, i am not even sure how i got here i just stumbled across it and fell in love! Kudos to you, you are a rock star!!
Tram Le ~ I didn’t realize that! Thank you for letting me know
Lindsay S ~ Aw, you’re too sweet! Thank you so much for your kind comment
I’m glad that you and your boyfriend are getting into nutrition! You are a rock star, too 
Awesome blog! I’m definitely gonna start reading it frequently
Good luck on everything in writing and such! I just started my own blog too
http://www.juliegolean.com
Not like yours yet..but hopefully some day!
Julie ~ Thank you so much – best of luck with your blog! I love the name of it
I’m a senior in college and will be getting my master’s in Health Communication – a great way to combine writing, creativity, and health!
Erin ~ Awesome! Best of luck with that
Cool blog- Just found it- congratulations on the good news! I just got married last year, and it was a blast! Can’t wait to keep reading!!
angiesappetite ~ Thanks! I’m looking forward to starting the planning process
i dig your ‘philosphoy’ about eating/exercising and life in general! keep up the healthy style!
mariah ~ Thanks
I appreciate the feedback!
I love your blog!! I just found it and am adding it to my google reader and blogroll right now!!
http://roseyrebecca.wordpress.com/
roseyrebecca ~ Thanks so much for visiting! I’ll have to check yours out
I love your blog! I’ve been a lurker for quite some time now, but the other day I decided to take the plunge and start my own blog! I love all of your super cool creations!
–Emily
If you want check me out at http://balanceislovely.wordpress.com
Emily ~ Hi there! After months of being a slacker, I tried to check out your blog but it’s not up anymore
So sorry that it took me so long – thanks for everything you said!
I just stumbled upong your blog and look forward to reading more!
Great Blog! I am definitely adding it to my list!
Hi! wow as I new blogger I am impressed with your blog and your views on eating and food. I can’t wait to read more
!
I love your philosophy! Your blog is so cute!
Fun blog…I’m excited to follow along.
-Jessica @ http://howsweet.wordpress.com/
I just came across your blog and am so glad that I did!
Looks like you have lots of fun recipes to share.
I look forward to reading more
Just wanted to let you know that I stumbled upon your blog and really like it!! I hope you don’t mind that I add you to my blogroll. My blog is http://www.2bahealthyfit.com, stop by sometime!
I like what you say about paying attention to your body’s needs and following them intuitively. I totally agree! Your blog is great, and I hope it gets wide exposure. Our society needs voices like yours right now. Thanks!
I was *this close* to going to Northwestern, and we would have been there at the same time!
On the other hand, then I wouldn’t have met my fiance at UW-Madison…
But I did really like the Northwestern campus when I visited–so pretty!
Julie ~ Ha! That would have been so amazing! However, I do have to agree that meeting your fiance must take priority in this case. Hopefully we can still meet sometime!
Hey, great Blog! Just wanted to let you know!
Thank you!
Hey Jenn,
I love your blog and was wondering if you would be cool with me adding to my blog roll? I was also wondering how I could get on yours? Thanks and I look forward to your next post!
cute nickname. I have some strange ones in my family: sasquatch and Rosebud. How I got both, I have no idea!
Just found your blog…very cute nickname! Very good recipes. I will be back often.
Hi Jenn! Just came across your blog and wanted to say hi to a fellow Northwestern Alum
I graduated in 2002 and desperately miss Chicago, but Cali isn’t half bad.
Have a great day!
Shanna
Hi Shanna! It’s always nice to see a fellow NU alum who has a food blog! I’m sure that Cali isn’t half bad
But if you ever do make it back to Chicago, we’ll have to get together! I see you’re a wedding consultant, too – mine is officially four months away today. Time is flying!
Talk to you soon! Thanks for saying hi
Jenn
Congrats on your upcoming wedding! It will be fabulous and wonderful
Hi Jenn,
I’m a huge fan of your blog (especially the name) and find myself spending way too much time here than I should when I have work to do–there’s so much interesting stuff to read! Like you, I tend to eat the same things everyday and really enjoy your recipes (especially when I actually end up making them!) Anyways, after writing an ebook about losing weight after college called ‘Cute and Skinny’ and reading yours and other great healthy eating/living blogs, I’ve been inspired to start my own! Keep up the great work, Jenn!
Jessica
http://www.cuteandskinny.com
Hi Jessica!
Thank you so much for the sweet comment. Congratulations on your e-book – that is phenomenal news! I’m going to check out your blog now. Look forward to reading and keeping in touch!
~Jenn
Great blog! I just found it but I am looking forward to reading some more. (You may be getting a chain of comments from me as I look through it.)
Thank you, Erika! You are very sweet.