Book Review: ‘Did I Eat That?’ by Andie Vowles

There’s something really refreshing about finding a fitness book that doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed, judged, or like you need to completely overhaul your life overnight. Did I Eat That? by Andie Vowles is exactly that kind of book — warm, realistic, and genuinely encouraging in a way that feels achievable rather than intimidating.

I interviewed Andie, who is also deaf himself, for the Limping Chicken here and I was really excited to get stuck into his book, given that I had recently decided to overhaul my own fitness regime too.

From the very first pages, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical fitness guide. Instead of pushing extremes or perfection, Andie focuses on balance, consistency, and making small, meaningful changes that actually fit into real life — especially if, like I do, you spend hours of your day sitting at a desk.

The book is packed with practical explanations about fitness and nutrition, but it never feels heavy or overly technical. Everything is broken down in a way that’s easy to understand and, more importantly, easy to apply.

One of the standout aspects for me is how well it caters to busy, sedentary lifestyles. There are thoughtful tips on how to squeeze movement into your day without needing hours at the gym.

Whether it’s short bursts of exercise, simple habit changes, or smarter ways to structure your routine, the advice feels grounded in reality. It’s the kind of guidance that makes you think, “Actually, I could do that.” No excuses!

The workout plans themselves are another highlight. They’re clear, approachable, and flexible enough to suit different levels of experience. I particularly appreciated the structured weightlifting programme included in the book.

Strength training can often feel daunting if you’re not sure where to start, but Andie lays everything out in a way that builds confidence. It genuinely feels like you’re being guided step-by-step, rather than left to figure things out on your own.

Food and nutrition are also handled in a refreshingly down-to-earth way. Instead of restrictive dieting or complicated rules, the book offers meal prep ideas and simple guidance on how to eat well without overthinking it. It’s all about making sustainable choices, not chasing perfection — and that message comes through clearly on every page.

Another thing that really sets this book apart is its personality. It’s funny, honest, and incredibly relatable. Andie’s tone feels like a supportive friend rather than an authority figure, which makes a huge difference when it comes to staying motivated. There’s no pressure, no guilt — just encouragement and understanding.

Visually, the book is just as engaging as the content itself. The animated illustrations add a lot of charm and make the information feel even more accessible. One detail that meant a lot to me personally was seeing hearing aids on the illustrated figures working out. As a hearing aid user myself, I felt seen!

The inclusion of over 50 pages of tracking progress sheets is another brilliant feature. These aren’t just an afterthought — they’re genuinely useful tools to help you track your journey, stay accountable, and celebrate your progress over time. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build consistency, having that space to reflect and record your efforts makes a big difference.

What I love most about Did I Eat That? is how complete it feels. It’s not just a collection of tips or a basic guide — it’s a full toolkit for building healthier habits. From understanding fitness and planning workouts to preparing meals and tracking progress, everything you need is right there.

As a deaf person, I sometimes feel as though I miss pieces of information when it comes to working out and getting the best from nutrition. But Andie’s writing succeeds in removing so many of the common barriers that stop people from getting started.

By the end of the book, I didn’t feel pressured to be perfect — I just felt ready to begin!

If you’ve ever felt put off by fitness culture, struggle with poor accessibility at a gym or just want to find something that fits around a busy lifestyle, this book is well worth picking up.

I genuinely loved it – and maybe you will too.

‘Did I Eat That’ by Andie Vowles can be found here.

Written by Rebecca A Withey