Fans of James Martin, 49, will have noticed the chef’s weight loss and changed appearance in recent years. After shedding the pounds, James has managed to maintain his weight by focusing on his diet and doing more exercise. However, he did not have to avoid some of his favourite foods to reach his goal.

After losing weight a few years ago, James continues to keep fit and healthy by eating smaller portions and taking his dog for a walk in the fields that surround his house.

The chef has cut some fatty foods from his diet in the past, but he has never felt the need to avoid some of his favourite foods – such as butter.

Following the release of his new book, Butter: Comforting, Delicious, Versatile – Over 130 Recipes Celebrating Butter, James has praised the condiment.

Although some might think butter shouldn’t be consumed on a diet, James disagreed.

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James explained that many would be healthier if they cooked instead of consuming microwave meals.

He said: “To say that good food is elitist is just tosh. Good food is simply cooked food – it’s not rocket science.

“You don’t have to be a Gordon Ramsay to cook yourself a healthy meal. What could be simpler than pan-frying a little bit of salmon and serving it with some great new potatoes and seasonal veg?

“A good healthy diet is a combination of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, and with exercise you’ll keep the weight off,” the chef added.

When he left Strictly two months later, James had reportedly lost a huge five stone.

More recently, in 2018, James shed a few pounds again after noticing he had put on a little weight.

He started to notice the change in his appearance when he watched himself on TV, and he also received cruel comments about his weight online.

These issues motivated him to lose weight again.

Speaking to The Sun at the time, James said: “I looked on social media and every comment was about me being fat.

“So, I lost a stone and a half.”

When speaking to Mail Online, he added: “I just think it’s a lifestyle thing and also looking at yourself on TV.

“Before you used to watch TV on a small one and now, they’re massive.”

Source: Daily Express | Diet