I attended one of Sandra’s workshops in Ghent some time ago. I loved her energy and passion. We met later on, on several occasions, connected and now we regularly work together on the organic market in Ghent, selling gluten free and plant based goodies. So thankful to have met this lady.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Who are you, where do you live, what do you do?
I am Sandra Maes, 29 years old and a passionate Raw Food Chef & Coach (Living Light Culinary Institute California, 2013).
In 2011 I got badly injured during my professional dance career which made me step out of that world. It abruptly took my passion away, my identity was lost and I became an enemy of my body. I underwent a physical decline which made me lose a lot of weight in a very short time. Rather that succumb to the dark negativity, I pursued the living food lifestyle. It became my passion and transformed my creativity and passion for dance into creating art through food.
My body responded so well it started to show changes very fast. It took back the balance between my body and spirit … It saved my life!
Since 2013 I am an educated Raw Food Chef & Coach and owner of Hooked by Uncooked, a medium where I inspire people to maintain optimal health.
Can you tell us a bit more about your studies?
I studied at the Living Light Culinary Institute in California to become a Raw Food Chef & Coach. After 3 months & finishing my education, I travelled further to the place where magic happens: Hippocrates Health Institute. The reason for subscribing, was to discover a different approach on healthy food and let myself guide into the world of detox.
The whole atmosphere & environment works: sun, mineral baths, treatments, colon hydrotherapy, workout classes, yoga, meditation, nice heartwarming people, living food all day, interesting food combinations (!) and… no fruits! The feeling is indescribably. It became an addictive good reason to squeeze out to Florida!
What/who inspires you?
Life, people & love.
My inspiration comes from energy. I am always hungry to share & help people.
It makes me the happiest person on the planet.
If you can give one piece of advice to start a healthier lifestyle what would it be?
Do it gradually. Step by step.
Don’t try to compare yourself with others. Do not diet!
TIP: focus first on taking all the unhealthy stuff OUT of your house, instead of taking immediately healthy goods IN your house
How does your ideal day look like?
I LOVE to wake up early, and start with my morning routine:
1. Oil pulling
2. Wheatgrass juice
3. Skin brushing
4. Lemon water
5. Making green juice
Afterwards I have a workout (varies every day: private fitness, yoga or cycle), an infrared sauna session of 30 minutes and end the routine with a cold shower.
When I did all of this, I already feel that my day will be great.
It is a way of taking care and time for myself.
The rest of my day(s) is preferably filled with health coaching, teaching & sharing:
That is what I like the most!
What are your favorite foods?
Greens & Sprouts – I cannot get enough of them!
Any advice what to do after a time where you get off track of living healthy? How do you get back on the wagon?
Try to reflect on what you really want to achieve (in your life) and stay committed to it.
If you see it happen, it WILL happen!
(About food, I would first cut out refined sugars, gluten & processed food)
What is your favorite quote?
Can I pick 3 ?
- Let’s help each other healing ourselves – Hippocrates
- Life in your food brings life in your life!
- Live for the moment, not for the memories.
Which projects do you plan this year?
I will teach two programs at Colruyt Group Academy, about Juice Cleansing and at the end of the year about how to make a Raw Holiday Menu.
Besides, I will give Vegan Chocolate Workshops in Leuven, host brunches at my house and would like to integrate healthy living events (about cosmetics & clothes).
I will also participate with Véronique from Pure Thing at the organic market in Gent Sint-Pieters (every Sunday morning), where we will have a (raw) vegan stand and sell healthy goodies!
What helps you when you are having a bad day?
Yoga & meditation & enough sleep
For the record: yesterday was one of those days… at 9:30 pm I shut the light and felt much better this morning!
What are you dreaming about? What would you love to achieve the following years?
Every single day, I am dreaming of the sun. I would love to travel more, and inspire people on my way.
My biggest dream is to go abroad, explore international raw vegan deliciousness, meet inspiring people and end up opening my own detox community place.
A place where people come to relax, to detoxify, to be themselves, to be taken care of, to get inspired, to eat healthy, to escape from the crowds, to change their lives… and to feel home.
Thank you!