{ W H E N Y OU A R E T H E FA C E O F Y OU R B U S I N E S S , I T PAY S T O S TAY H E A LT H Y . A N D I S H OW S U S H OW }

Words Samantha Kirton Daniel Photography Jorgensen and Giorgia Maselli

AUSTRALIA’S VERY OWN WELLNESS WOMAN

Y U M . | A N D I L E W

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.cominstagram.com/eatfatbethin www.facebook.com/realfitfood www.facebook.com/EatFatBeThin.cookingschoolwww.facebook.com/AndiLew (public figure)

Recipes on next page

Y U M . | A N D I L E W

EGG FREE

GLUTENFREE

DAIRYFREE VEGAN SOY

FREESUGARFREE

GREEN TEA AMAZEBALLS{ I N G R E D I E N T S }

2 cups quinoa oat flakes

1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped

½ cup shredded coconut

½ cup sultanas

½ cup almonds

2 tbsp organic peanut butter

1 tbsp cocoa powder

2 tbsp honey

¾ tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla extract

Matcha Maiden Green Tea powder, to roll balls in

Put all ingredients apart from the water into a food processor

and blend until it has the consistency of breadcrumbs. Add the

water and continue to process until it becomes sticky enough to

roll into balls. Use a tablespoon to measure the mixture and roll

into firm balls. Roll into desiccated coconut or Matcha Maiden

Green Tea Powder to make the outside look pretty. Store in an

airtight container in the fridge.

{ NOTE } You’ll need to make sure the peanut butter is a good

quality, pesticide-free kind. Spiral Foods do a great one. If your

guests are anaphylactic and cannot consume peanuts, you may

like to use a different type of nut butter or cold-pressed organic

coconut oil instead.

+ Makes 15-20 balls + Prep: 20 min.

LIMONCELLO SUPERFOOD PROTEIN BOMBS { I N G R E D I E N T S }

3 cups almond meal

½ cup shredded coconut

½ cup solidified coconut oil

6 pitted medjool dates

rind of 2 lemons

3 tbsp Amazonia Raw pea protein isolate, plain or vanilla

½ cup chia seeds, soaked in ½ cup water

Throw all ingredients in a food processor then roll into balls and

cover in dessicated coconut. Keep in the fridge and let set. Eat

straight from the fridge because coconut oil solidifies when it’s

cold and becomes an oil when it’s hot.

Enjoy with a cup of peppermint tea!

+ Makes 15-20 balls + Prep: 20 min.

EGG FREE

GLUTENFREE

DAIRYFREE VEGAN SOY

FREESUGARFREE