WELLNESS WOMAN
{ It pays to stay healthy. Andi shows us how. }
Photography Jorgensen and Giorgia Maselli
Andi Lew is a qualified food, lifestyle and wellness coach and co-author of two best-selling books, Eat Fat, Be Thin and Eat Fat, Be Lean, which created a ‘fat food’ movement. Following the success of her books, Andi launched a culinary school in St Kilda, Melbourne, where she educates and inspires people to cook ‘fit food’, fast. Her school caters for people with food intolerances or who want paleo-inspired meals. Though also recognised as a television personality, Andi’s most rewarding job she says, is being mother to her son, Beaudy, 5.
How and why did you get into the fitness and wellness industry?
I’ve always been a fan of all things natural, ever since I was small. I remember being 5 years old and getting upset by people smoking or from being forced to ingest cough medicine and the resulting hallucinations it gave me. There’s also the fact that my mother was a health food fanatic and we were never allowed any junk foods or drinks. As an adult, I worked as a fitness instructor for holiday resorts around the world. I found the chiropractic philosophy of not putting anything artificial into your body and allowing your body to heal itself by improving the workings of the nervous system, made complete sense. I started to write books about wellness as a result of my discoveries.
Tell us about your Real Fit Food Cooking School.
I’m a fan of cooking and creating healthy recipes. Participants in my school really take a hands-on approach to healthy food preparation in a stunning kitchen with views of St Kilda Beach. During the classes, I teach the principles of cooking healthy, paleo-inspired food. I also educate about which foods to eat and when, which fats to ditch in order to lose weight and I debunk some common myths behind sugar and salt.
I have other health professionals join me, providing information on the importance of gut health and demonstrating how chiropractic care may also help with digestion.
Your thoughts on gluten-free living?
When you make a decision to go gluten free – whether it’s a forced decision because you’ve been diagnosed with coeliac disease or because of an intolerance – I view this as a good thing. It means your body is giving you signs and signals that it wants you to be more mindful about your eating. It’s when we ignore the signs and symptoms and carry on with an unhealthy lifestyle, that something more serious manifests.
Do you eat gluten-free?
I love to eat gluten-free and replace oats with quinoa or millet. There are so many other grains that are so much fun and I don’t miss gluten at all. If I am out or someone has made something with gluten though, I will still eat it because I am not intolerant as such and I figure it’s the exception, not the rule. It’s important though to watch for hidden sugar in gluten-free products.
You’ve just released your own product range – tell us about it
The Real Fit Food Amazebars came about as a result of the success of my books – the recipes contained within were so popular. The Cacao Crunch is the same recipe as the original Amazeball. Readers asked for a bar because they didn’t always have time to make the ball. The Lemon Slice Amazebar is proudly 20 per cent protein, packed with micro-nutrition like chia seeds and good fats from almonds and coconut. Both bars tick all the boxes. They’re vegan and free of artificial ingredients, wheat, gluten, dairy and processed sugar. They’re also low GI and proudly made in Australia.
The Amazebars are the perfect glovebox, handbag or sports bag snack for those who are on the run.
Where are Amazebars available for purchase?
Get your box of 12 in either Cacao Crunch or Lemon Slice flavours with free postage via my website. They are also stocked in various health food stores and practices throughout Australia.
www.andilew.com
instagram.com/eatfatbethinwww.facebook.com/realfitfood
www.facebook.com/EatFatBeThin.cookingschool
www.facebook.com/AndiLew (public figure)