Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has revealed the key dietary strategy behind his remarkable transformation, shedding an impressive 11 stone over three years. The 52-year-old television personality attributes his success to a self-devised regime he calls the 'dopamine diet'.
What is the Dopamine Diet?
Kerridge's approach focuses on consuming foods believed to boost levels of dopamine, a crucial brain chemical associated with pleasure, motivation, and concentration. "I lost eleven stone and devised my own low-carb diet regime built around ingredients that are known to trigger the release of dopamine, the 'happy hormone' in your brain," Kerridge wrote on his website, as reported by the Mirror.
He champions the plan not just for weight loss but for enhancing overall wellbeing, stating it is "guaranteed to make you feel happier in the process." The diet involves prioritising so-called 'dopamine heroes' – foods thought to significantly impact this neurotransmitter while helping to manage hunger.
Foods to Embrace and Avoid
Central to the dopamine diet is a substantial increase in high-quality protein consumption. Kerridge's guide highlights meats like chicken, beef, and turkey, citing evidence that their amino acids can aid dopamine production and curb cravings.
Other recommended items on his list include:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Double cream
- Yoghurt
- Chocolate
Conversely, the plan advises eliminating alcohol and starchy carbohydrates. Kerridge emphasises that the recipes are designed not to feel like restrictive diet food and can be enjoyed with family and friends.
Expert Cautions and Considerations
Following Kerridge's publicised success, variations of the dopamine diet have proliferated on social media. However, nutritionist Kerry Torrens has urged caution, highlighting several potential drawbacks.
She notes that swapping carbohydrates for increased protein isn't universally beneficial and can make achieving a balanced, nutrient-rich diet more challenging. Torrens also points out that food motivation is complex, influenced by genetics, psychology, and culture.
"Although increasing the protein contribution of your diet may improve appetite and fullness, it may not be enough to reduce your carb and fat intakes, especially if you are exposed to highly palatable foods," she told BBC Good Food.
Her advice for those attempting the diet with weight loss goals is clear: if you have a known weakness for high-fat, high-sugar foods, you may need to actively limit your exposure to them for the plan to be effective.
