James Martin's health ordeal that forced him to change diet and ditch three stone

TV chef James Martin had always been a healthy eater but was forced to curb his sweet tooth and quit his favourite energy drink

TV chef James Martin has opened up about a health scare that led him to shed three stone and transform his eating habits.

The star, 52, was spurred on to make a lifestyle change after his dad suffered multiple heart attacks and strokes due to his wine-loving ways, which began during his time as an importer. Investigating his family's history of cardiovascular problems, James delved into a rigorous three-day medical assessment but eventually received a clean bill of health.

Despite the positive news, he now returns for yearly tests as a precaution. Moreover, James, who has a passion for racing, shared how his affinity for cars influenced his journey to weight loss. He had mentioned before how getting into a vehicle was easy but exiting was a struggle.

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Discussing his revamped diet on the Andy Jaye Podcast in 2021, the host of 'Saturday Morning' divulged that he had ditched fizzy drinks and chocolate in favour of healthier options like fish cooked in butter, reports Gloucestershire Live.

James reflected on cutting out his vices, saying "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."

When podcast host Andy queried about James' previously favoured Red Bull as a "kick starter", the culinary expert 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."

James has, however, since admitted to indulging in a Twix and Red Bull for breakfast and drinking in moderation. When quizzed about his peculiar morning meal on the Spooning podcast with Mark Wogan, he responded: "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."

Catch Saturday Morning with James Martin on ITV1 at 9.30am on Saturday mornings. In Saturday's episode, James chatted with choirmaster Gareth Malone, while culinary experts Sat Bains, Lesley Waters, and Francesco Mazzei share their delectable recipes.