Dr Alex George, the TV doctor and former Love Island contestant, has spoken about how overhauling his diet transformed his mental and physical health. Two and a half years ago, he weighed over 20 stone and was struggling with grief and depression. He described his diet as poor, with excessive alcohol and processed foods, and a lack of exercise.
George, who previously worked as an NHS A&E doctor, said he made a conscious decision to remove harmful habits. 'I stopped drinking for one and then I started putting things in my body that were helpful to my health, such as having a diverse diet that included proteins, carbohydrates, nutrients and plants,' he explained. 'When I started fuelling my body like that, everything changed.'
He emphasised that diet alone cannot cure mental health issues but can be a powerful component of broader health changes. Reflecting on his medical training, George admitted he initially underestimated the link between gut health and mental wellbeing. 'The gut is often referred to as the second brain... the building blocks for serotonin are synthesised in the gut, and an inflamed gut can impact our serotonin and the way our mind operates,' he said.
George now follows a balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. He has also partnered with Vietnamese food brand Pho, highlighting the benefits of bone broth, which is rich in collagen for skin and joint health. He advocates for small, sustainable changes rather than drastic overhauls, noting that his own diet is about 80 percent aligned with his goals.
He advises people to aim for a colourful plate and try to eat 30 different plants per week, while minimising ultra-processed foods. 'It is impossible to avoid ultra processed food in its entirety, but what we want to do is try and eat as little of it as we can,' he said. Ultimately, George stressed that food should be fuel, not a chore, and that enjoyment is key.
