At 59 years old, renowned chef Gordon Ramsay has undergone a fitness transformation. Once weighing 114 kg, Ramsay successfully lost 19 kg, becoming an endurance athlete who regularly competes in marathons, ultramarathons, and even the "Iron Man", one of the planet's toughest challenges.
In a 2024 interview with Men's Health magazine, Ramsay affirmed his simple eating philosophy: "Good food doesn't mean bland, and healthy food doesn't need to chase fleeting diet trends."
The super chef admitted that during the peak of his career, he was caught in a work whirlwind, working 7 days a week, which led to his body being out of control. Determined to "reclaim lost time", he embarked on a journey of transformation. Sharing his daily menu, the MasterChef judge stated: "I drink protein smoothies for breakfast, eat scrambled eggs for lunch, and choose boiled chicken or fish for dinner. I don't eat too much salad, but I always try to balance my nutrition."
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Famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Photo: Tudum |
Famous chef Gordon Ramsay. Photo: Tudum
However, the key factor helping Ramsay maintain his weight is not only the ingredients of his meals but also his tasting principle. The nature of being a chef requires him to taste countless premium dishes daily, but Ramsay always limits himself to only two bites, no matter how appealing the dish.
"Initially, I always craved to finish the entire plate of food. But I knew that after the 4th, 5th, or 6th bite, things would get out of control. So, I told myself to stop after two bites. This self-control helps me maintain my physique", Ramsay said.
From a medical perspective, Ramsay's method reflects a scientific portion control strategy, though sudden reduction can put pressure on the appetite center. Health experts recommend that for sustainable effectiveness, one should combine a protein-rich diet from fish, beans, and eggs to stimulate hunger-suppressing hormones and maintain muscle mass. Additionally, eating speed plays an important role in regulating taste. When food enters the stomach, the body releases leptin, a hormone that creates a feeling of fullness and suppresses appetite. Leptin needs at least 20 minutes to signal fullness to the brain, so eating slowly and limiting leptin-resistant foods like carbonated drinks are key to mastering one's palate.
Furthermore, changing the eating order according to the rule: fiber - protein - carbohydrates is a useful tip. Eating fiber first helps slow down digestion and prevents blood sugar spikes. Pushing carbohydrates to the end of the meal helps us naturally reduce consumption because the body has already started to feel full thanks to the fiber and protein consumed earlier.
Gordon Ramsay is one of the world's most famous chefs, owner of many Michelin-starred restaurants, and a judge on numerous culinary shows. He has been honored with awards such as the Order of the British Empire in 2006 for his contributions to British cuisine, and the Most Influential Figure in the UK hospitality industry in 2009. Thanks to hit shows like MasterChef, Hell's Kitchen, and Kitchen Nightmares, Gordon Ramsay will soon receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Binh Minh (According to Men's Health, Chosun, Glasgow Live)
