Celebrity chef James Martin has undergone a dramatic transformation, shedding three stone after a health scare that hit close to home.
The culinary star opened up about his father Ian’s health journey, which included three heart attacks, two strokes, and two triple heart-bypass surgeries. James says the issues were attributed to a lifelong passion for wine, dating back to his days as an importer.
This family history of heart problems prompted 52-year-old James to delve deeper into his own health. After a comprehensive three-day medical examination, James was relieved to receive the all-clear.
But he has since committed to annual check-ups and a proactive overhaul of his diet. The Saturday Morning host, who is also an avid racing enthusiast, admitted that his love for cars played a role in his decision to lose weight, having previously joked about how he “fell into” vehicles, but struggled to get out.
Speaking on the Andy Jaye Podcast in 2021, the Saturday Morning presenter revealed he had cut out fizzy drinks and chocolate to shed the pounds. Instead, he now opts for foods such as fish cooked in butter.
James said: “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t drink tea or coffee, fizzy drinks were my downfall and since changing that I feel so different, so much more alive, and that was obviously the sugar.
“I craved sugar and stuff like that. By giving that up my brain feels like it has been reborn, it’s just weird.”
Podcast host Andy Jaye questioned whether this meant giving up Red Bull, which was once James’ go-to “kick starter”. The chef confirmed, “No, not any more. Coca-Cola has gone, chocolate has gone.”
“I just woke up one morning and thought I’d give it a go and it’s just been totally different. It’s weird, you see, better. I know it sounds daft but you feel better, your brain feels much sharper.”
However, James has since admitted to indulging in a Twix and Red Bull for breakfast and now enjoys drinks in moderation. When quizzed about his peculiar breakfast on the Spooning podcast with Mark Wogan, he confessed: “I know it’s really bad. I don’t really drink that much, two units a month.
“I don’t really smoke. A cigar once a month, if that. You’ve got to have a vice in life. I used to be Mars Bars and then they changed the chocolate, so I’ve gone back to Twix.”
Saturday Morning with James Martin will air on ITV1 at 9.30am today. James will be speaking with choirmaster Gareth Malone, while chefs Sat Bains, Lesley Waters, and Francesco Mazzei will share their culinary secrets.