Book review: Tom Kerridge's Dopamine Diet
Tom Kerridge's Dopamine Diet
By Tom Kerridge
Bloomsbury, £20
Over the past three years, Tom Kerridge has lost a whopping 12 stone after devising his own diet plan. So, of course, I was intrigued to read his new book and find out how he achieved such a colossal loss.
Reading the slogan: "my low-carb, stay-happy way to lose weight", I envisioned a disheartening array of recipes featuring no more than a sprig of broccoli wrapped in a lettuce leaf. Boy, was I wrong! Never before have I opened up a diet book to gaze upon something I actually wanted to eat.
The particular recipe that caught my eye was a mouth-watering, twice-cooked, four-cheese omelette.
Yes, four cheeses. But what did I expect from a man who is at the top of his game working in a business that is all about delicious, rich and calorific food?
The gist is straightforward: cut out the potatoes, pasta, bread and cakes, and push the protein. As Kerridge explains, it's all about disassociating certain meals with their carby counterparts - spaghetti bolognaise becomes bolognaise. Curry is eaten without rice.
But nothing is done by halves - following Kerridge's advice, I have come to realise it's not only acceptable but advisable to chuck a handful of pork scratchings on just about anything.
However, a diet like this requires commitment and that means giving up booze. But don't dwell on that - instead, get ready for fiery squid soup with pak choi and chilli; roasted onion salad with fried halloumi; salmon stew with samphire and seaweed; and rib eye steak chasseur.
And if you thought you would have to deny yourself the pleasure of dessert, think again.
Kerridge has included his versions of the classics, such as bread and butter pudding, tiramisu and strawberry cheesecake.
My diet starts tomorrow.
By Katie Pathiaki
If you like this, you may enjoy these
How to Lose Weight Well: Keep Weight off Forever, the Healthy, Simple way
Dr Xand van Tulleken
The Hairy Dieters: Fast Food
Hairy Bikers
Davina's Sugar-Free in a Hurry: The Smart Way to Eat Less Sugar and Feel Fantastic
Davina McCall