ITV’s Saturday Morning host James Martin has overhauled his lifestyle in recent years, shedding three stone through a simple daily routine instead of hitting the gym
James Martin lost three stone in weight(Image: ITV)
Celebrity chef James Martin, who is set to welcome TV presenter Guy Martin to his Saturday Morning show on ITV this weekend, has opened up about the simple exercise routine that keeps him trim and boosts his wellbeing, following his impressive three-stone weight loss.
Despite previously joking on his ITV programme that people consider him “chunky” — with one viewer memorably telling James, “you don’t look as fat as you do on TV” — he shed an impressive amount of weight, dropping from 17st to 14st after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005. Since that turning point, James has completely revamped both his diet and fitness habits to keep the weight off for good.
Prior to his health transformation, James admitted to snacking on the road and indulging in treats including Mars bars, pizzas, and takeaways. Though he initially cut out his beloved chocolate altogether, he gradually reintroduced it into his diet in measured amounts.
Nowadays, James’ meals consist of roughly 80 per cent fish, with butter making a regular appearance in his cooking. The 53-year-old also disclosed the uncomplicated daily exercise that keeps him in good shape.
James Martin hosts ITV’s Saturday Morning(Image: (Image: ITV))
Speaking to Best magazine, he said: “I have a gym upstairs, But I haven’t used it though. I do about 20 to 30,000 steps a day walking my dogs.”
The NHS recommends a brisk 10 to 15-minute walk each day as part of the 150 minutes of physical activity advised for adults each week. Walking is highlighted as a “sometimes overlooked” form of exercise that can boost stamina, burn calories, and improve cardiovascular health.
James, who owns numerous restaurants across the country alongside his television career, has admitted he has little enthusiasm for working out, yet remains mindful of his weight to enable him to get in and out of the racing cars he holds so dear.
During an appearance on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, James explained: “It comes down to the fact that I race cars, or I still try and race a few cars and I actually struggle to get out of them now. Getting in them, you kind of fall in them, but then you’ve got to get out of them and it just doesn’t look very good.
James Martin and girlfriend Kim Johnson(Image: Dave Benett, Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“It comes down to the fact that I race cars, or I still try and race a few cars and I actually struggle to get out of them now. Getting in them, you kind of fall in them, but then you’ve got to get out of them and it just doesn’t look very good.”
He further commented: “I don’t go to the gym, [my weight loss] it comes down to the fact that I can get my a**e in and out of a car.”
Now boasting a noticeably slimmer figure, James confessed to Best Magazine that he remains ill at ease with being labelled a “sex symbol” by certain fans.
He is currently dating personal trainer Kim Johnson, 39, who appeared to confirm engagement speculation when she referred to James as her “fiancé” on social media back in January.
Taking to Instagram, Kim posted a photograph of a dish created by James, writing: “So proud of my fiancé”.