Hi and welcome!!! My name is Swetha Sivakumar, I live in Austin, TX with my husband, 2 daughters and a wonderful, old, grumpy dog Lulu. I am originally from Chennai, India. I came to the US for my Masters degree and settled here since then. I graduated from The Ohio State University and have worked in several manufacturing plants throughout my career.
I started this website in November 2016 and have enjoyed working on it since.
Motivation for this blog:
My dad died from diabetic complications many years ago. He loved life and good food, was a great cook and had an eye for culinary excellence. He is the inspiration for my blog.
Blog Goals
Goal #1: Make the science of cooking easy and accessible to everyone. I don’t know about y’all; but the moment I started viewing cooking through the lens of science, it has become much more easy for me. Plus I am able to step up my game because now I am no longer recipe-dependent.
Goal #2: Make healthy recipes. Yes, I know it is fashionable to make drool-worthy, rich food in food blogs. But, I just cannot make all those dishes, and then worry about my children’s, husband’s or my health after making it. I would rather just stick to making healthy food and make them well. I document those recipes for many of you who think similarly.
Goal #3: Make food research easy and accessible to everyone. Food labels are not hard to decipher, it just takes practice, that’s all. Let me help you by sharing what I have learnt so far. Let me also introduce you to some good food innovations happening (not everything is terrible about store bought food). We have much to be excited about!!
Other work:
I have been writing weekly columns for the Hindustan Times Weekend edition for about a year now. Just type in “Hindustan Times” and “Swetha Sivakumar” on google and you can see my collection. Here are some links: ketchup, icecream, bread, canned foods…
I have appeared twice on the Naan Curry Podcast, link here (topic oils) and here (topic pickles)
I have written for Truth be Told Newsletter regarding oils and cookware.
Connect with me:
SUBSCRIBE: The best way to connect with me is through the ‘Subscribe’ button down below. You will receive the latest blog posts and have a direct connection to my blog.
EMAIL: upgrademyfood@gmail.com
Media enquiries, writing requests, general questions, or if you just want to say hi….drop me an email.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/upgrade_my_food/
I post weekly reels on various topics on Instagram. Join me there….
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Upgrade_My_Food
I used to love twitter. But, of late, I find it emotionally exhausting. So, while not as avid a user as before, still I continue to post and engage with followers there.
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swethasivakumar/
Check out my professional qualifications on LinkedIN. I also write articles on food businesses and food science exclusively on the LinkedIn platform.
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/upgrademyfood
I post homemade cooking videos (many not featured on the blog) and if you like simple home cooking ideas, follow me there.
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIPrCkRm33SSOLuYafFNnvQ
I am just starting to try making some videos for Youtube. Just getting my feet wet…It is harder than it looks. I don’t know how these Youtubers do it!!
FACEBOOK : I am not very active on this platform.
Thank you for taking an interest in my blog. My readers keep me motivated and their feedback and love is what keeps this blog going.
Happy cooking!!
Cheers!!
Swetha Sivakumar