A celebrity chef has revealed the secret behind his dramatic weight loss after shedding an impressive three stone. James Martin, 51, stuck to the same meal twice a day in order to drop the weight.
James, who has hosted the James Martin’s Saturday Morning show on ITV since 2017, made the major diet overhaul in order to get into shape.
The main change was making sure two of his three daily meals featured salmon, but changing the accompaniments to stop himself getting bored.
As reported by Hello!, he said: “What could be simpler than pan-frying a little bit of salmon and serving it with some great new potatoes and seasonal veg?”
According to the magazine he has also swapped out unhealthy sweet treats for fruit and cut out fizzy drinks completely.
“Losing weight is a balance of everything, it’s getting off your arse and doing more and not eating less, but eating a variety of different things,” he said.
On top of this James was reported to drink at least two litres of water a day.
He added: “Water is the key. As you get older, I realised I don’t need to go to the gym, I’m working [in the kitchen] all the time anyway.
“Water keeps your brain healthy and it keeps your skin healthy and it keeps you focused – it’s crazy when you give up soft drinks how much more your brain feels alive, it’s very weird.”
James is also known for hosting the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen from 2006 to 2016.
His diet reveal comes after his split from girlfriend of 12 years Louise Davies was confirmed.
A spokesperson for James confirmed they parted ways in December 2023 and remain firm friends.
Can salmon aid weight loss?
Salmon is high in protein while remaining relatively low in calories meaning it can help you feel fuller for longer.
A 100g portion of cooked salmon contains around 232 calories, 25.2g of protein and 14.6g of fat.
It is also rich in vitamin D, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, all which come with their own health benefits.
BBC Good Food lists the following benefits of the fish:
- Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy heart
- Supporting the brain, including reduction in memory loss
- Anti-inflammatory, easing effects of cancer and diabetes
- Anti-oxidant, improving cholesterol and protecting brain and nervous system
- Protein-rich, contributing to bone health and reversing muscle loss
- Skin-care staple when maintaining skin elasticity, anti-aging and UV damage.
The Mayo Clinic, in the US, also lists salmon as one of the top 10 great health foods to eat.
It says: “Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids — a type of fat that makes your blood less likely to form clots that may cause heart attacks.
“Omega-3s may also protect against irregular heartbeats that may cause sudden cardiac death, and they help decrease triglyceride levels, decrease the growth of artery-clogging plaques and slightly lower blood pressure. In addition to containing omega-3s, salmon is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein.”
However, some people are advised to only eat two portions of oily fish a week. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women.
To lose weight in a sustainable, healthy way the NHS recommends you:
- Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
- Aim to get your five a day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as one portion
- Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week
- Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option
- Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour
- Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives
- Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day.