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We rate top celebrity diets from Kim Kardashians plant-based one to Adeles Sirtfood and Gwyneth Paltrows – The Sun

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:47 am

ROBBIE WILLIAMS is far trimmer than he was in his party days.

But it is not just giving up drink and drugs that has helped him slim down.

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The singer, 46, only eats one meal a day dinner and has no sugar for six days a week.

The dad of three said: You know people say I have been fasting, well, no. I dont want to be but I am very productive from 1am until 5am.

I get a lot done and I wake up at noon. Then I will have a meal at 5pm and I will feel full.

But is it a healthy way to cut calories? Yasmin Harisha asks nutritionist Amanda Ursell if eating like the stars really works and to rate each diet.

2/5

AMANDA says: If you only eat once a day then you only have to worry about what is in that one meal and will automatically cut out concerns about overdoing snacks.

It must be one pretty big meal if Robbie only eats once a day for six days out of seven, and is maintaining his current weight.

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This would make a very big load for his body to cope with. Its unlikely hed get all his vitamins packed into one meal.

PRO: Cuts out concerns for snacking on junk food and sweets.

CON: Not sustainable and can cause body to lose out on nutrients.

1/5

ELLIE, 33, sometimes goes two days without food and will limit herself to tea, coffee and water with added electrolytes.

Amanda says: Losing two days of nutrients by following a 40-hour fast is tough on the body in terms of all other vitamins and minerals.

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This feels like an extreme way of keeping in shape. Id avoid this.

PRO: Fasting helps give the digestive system a break.

CON: This diet can leave you feeling wiped out, stressed and struggling to concentrate.

4/5

THE X Factor judge, 60, lost 4in from his waist by banning red meat, sugar and opting for light beer.

Amanda says: If these dietary moves are taken with an overall lifestyle overhaul, it could help with weight loss.

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Cutting out red meat will see iron levels reduce, but you can make up for this vital mineral with wholegrains, green leafy veg, eggs, dried apricots and nuts.

PRO: Can help stop heart disease, stroke, arthritis.

CON: Red meat is one of our main sources of iron and the body needs it to produce new red blood cells.

5/5

REALITY star Kim, 39, sticks to eating foods derived from plant sources, as well as doing high-intensity workouts.

Amanda says: Very nutritious if well balanced. Be sure to have enough protein if doing regular training, and include plant-based proteins such as pulses, nuts and and tofu.

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Avoid trendy processed plant-based snacks and stick with good old-fashioned, home-cooked versions.

PRO: You are likely to achieve your five a day and it can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

CON: If you do not plan correctly, you may not meet your protein, vitamin and mineral needs.

1/5

THE 47-year-old actress follows the keto diet, which allows only 50g of carbs a day (ideally below 20g) but there is no restriction on fat intake.

Amanda says: This extreme diet has seen positive results when followed under dietitian supervision by people with epilepsy. Celebrities are using it to shift weight swiftly.

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You will probably lose weight quickly to start. Side-effects can include low energy, sleep disturbance and bad breath.

PRO: You can feel fuller for longer as fatty foods take longer to process.

CON: Because of food restrictions, you may find this diet a tough one to stick to.

4/5

THE Pointless presenter, 49, would fast for 16 hours a day and eat in an eight-hour window with no limits on the types or amounts of food.

Amanda says: Of all intermittent fasting plans, this is one of the most sensible.

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You are conscious of what and when you are eating.

Research shows our metabolism is better at burning fat during the night if we eat our last meal of the day earlier rather than later.

PRO: Great for cutting out grazing at night.

CON: Does not teach you much about healthy eating as it allows you to eat what you want.

4/5

THE singer, 32, has lost 7st. Diet is plant-based but allows dark chocolate and red wine.

Amanda says: Foods that are recommended on the Sirtfood Diet are said to stimulate proteins in our bodies known as sirtulins.

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"They may play key roles in the way our bodies burn calories and control daily rhythms like sleep.

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"The plan uses healthy, nutrient-packed foods, so the likelihood is following it will help you to lose weight and feel well.

PRO: Can activate a type of protein to regulate your metabolism.

CON: Drastically restricts calorie intake, which can make you feel lethargic.

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We rate top celebrity diets from Kim Kardashians plant-based one to Adeles Sirtfood and Gwyneth Paltrows - The Sun

Walking to lose weight: Does it work? – TODAY

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

Looking for an easy-to-start workout regimen that can show results, without having to go to the gym or spend money on equipment?

Try walking.

It might not seem like the most efficient exercise available, but experts on the topic say it can help with weight loss, mental health and more. Even a few thousand steps a day can burn hundreds of calories, and it's easy to add some modifications to your routine to lose weight.

According to Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, walking "certainly can" help with weight loss.

"It is a low-impact aerobic exercise that allows individuals to expend energy and burn calories, so it can certainly help with weight loss," said Bryant.

Some recommend walking as a form of exercise due to its simplicity and accessibility.

"I am a fan of walking as a form of movement especially if you're just getting started," said Marisa Moore, a registered dietitian in Atlanta, Georgia. "What's most important is finding a type of activity you like and will do."

If you are using walking as a tool to help lose weight, Bryant recommends walking for at least 45 minutes per day most days of the week.

"The basic recommendations in terms of general health and well being is to just to meet a minimum threshold of about 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week," he said. "If you're desiring to lose weight, you really want to work in the 45 to 60 minute range. The thing to understand is that it doesn't have to be all in one walking session, you can break it up through the course of that day."

Bryant recommends breaking up those walks into two or three large chunks.

"Maybe you go for a 30 minute walk in the morning, and then maybe it's another 15 or 30 minute walk following dinner or during your lunch break," he suggested. " "The idea is to try to accumulate, you know, for about 45 minutes to an hour of walking, which tends to correlate best with reasonable weight loss or or better weight control."

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Bryant said it's difficult to guess how much weight one may lose while walking due to the amount of factors involved, but said that people can expect to burn about a hundred calories for every thousand steps they take.

"Generally, the amount of weight once can expect to lose and the impact that you'll derive from usually going to be a function of how frequently you do it in terms of days per week, as well as the duration that you walk and also the intensity at which you walk," he said.

Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian based in New York City, explained that "the average 40 year old woman who's 5 '4'' and 165 pounds might lose five pounds in two months if she went from inactive to walking for an hour five times a week."

But you can't out-walk a bad diet, Cassetty said. "She would have to make some healthy tweaks to her diet, which result in a slight calorie deficit (around 100 calories a day).

"Maintaining this workout routine and the healthy eating habits can help keep those five pounds off, but the walking alone isn't likely to result in additional weight loss," Cassetty said.

"Generally speaking, the average healthy adult will likely notice a difference in how they feel by incorporating more movement and sprucing up the diet," said Moore.

"You may or may not lose weight with diet and exercise changes though. Whether you lose weight can vary with personal genetics and metabolism, age, overall physical activity level, stress levels and even sleep."

Walking is one of the easiest exercise routines to start just pick a route and get going! Bryant recommends wearing comfortable footwear, but there's no need to invest in fancy shoes or other gear.

A good speed to start at is walking at a pace of about three miles an hour, or walking one mile in twenty minutes.

If you're looking for a metric to compete with, Bryant recommends trying to work your way up to 10,000 steps, which will help you burn about 1,000 calories.

If you're looking for a full-body workout, it's possible to amp up your walking routine by changing the terrain.

"Walking uphill or inclining your treadmill increases the intensity and challenge of the walk," Bryant said. "You can also introduce some intervals where you change your walking speed. If you're outside, maybe, you know, walk really briskly from from from a stop sign to a stop sign and walk at a normal pace until you get to your next stop sign. If you're on a treadmill ... walk comfortably for three minutes and then for the next minute or two, walk you know a half a mile an hour faster."

You can also add weights, though Bryant recommends avoiding hand weights and instead investing in a weighted vest, which can make you push yourself harder without putting stress on the joints.

If you're looking for an equipment-free way to burn more calories, you can try doing something as simple as waving your arms. A study by the American Council on Exercise found that moving the arms vigorously expends more calories.

"It may look a bit odd but but vigorously pumping the arm certainly adds to the intensity of the workout," Bryant said.

Of course, there are more benefits to walking than just losing weight. Like any other aerobic exercise, walking will help improve the function of your cardiovascular system, will lead to better blood sugar control, and help lower blood pressure.

"Any benefit you can get from other forms of cardio exercise, like cycling, running, swimming, you can derive all those same benefits while walking," Bryant said.

Walking can also have benefits for mental health. Bryant said that the exercise can help relieve and manage stress and anxiety, and said it can be an especially helpful activity during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I would tell people, during this time of a shelter in place and stay at home orders and so forth, to really pay attention and focus on how walking makes them feel, because I think that can serve as a great motivator to kind of keep them in the game in terms of continuing to walk," he said.

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Walking to lose weight: Does it work? - TODAY

Weight loss: This is what happened when I did not eat anything for 2 days – Times of India

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

Intermittent fasting is one of the most talked about diets (or lets call it a lifestyle). If you listen to nutritionists and fitness experts talk about their daily routine, there are high chances that youd hear them talk about following intermittent fasting (IF). From lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho to Dr Anjali Hooda, they all have been talking about the goodness of IF. Honestly, all the buzz about resting your digestive system made me start my IF journey - however, I started with 14 hours of fasting. I gradually took it up to 16 hours to test how it worked. And I wont be lying that post the initial hiccup, I actually got used to it. Thats when I heard a fitness instructor recommending a 3-day water fast - an extreme form of IF. While 3 days sounded a lot, I decided to try it for 2 days and here is how it went. Since I was used to fasting for close to 16 hours, my body was working fine until then. But once I crossed 18 hours, I started feeling ravenous, wanting to eat something but I resisted the urge. Some time later I started experiencing a mild headache. I kept on sipping on water and went off to get some snooze time. The first day was tough, and I did have a cup of black coffee to keep myself going. By the second day, the hunger was tolerable and subsequently, even the discomfort was gone. I was surprised that my mid day, I was feeling generally fine. In fact it was a big feat to know that I hadnt eaten anything for the past 38 hours! I was low on energy but high on motivation.By hour 45, I was already thinking about what I would eat once the 48-hour period gets over. I had read somewhere that one should never break an extended fasting period by binging on unhealthy foods so I prepped a healthy meal with chicken, vegetables and a small portion of rice. Overall it went great and it felt like I gave my metabolic system a boost. I am planning to do it soon again, how about you?Disclaimer: If you are planning to try it, I would advise you to consult a nutritionist or your doctor as this may turn out to be extreme for some. Written by Pooja Sharma Kaur

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Weight loss: This is what happened when I did not eat anything for 2 days - Times of India

Weight loss: Why is it difficult to shed the last few extra pounds? – Times of India

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

Firstly, when we lose weight the calorie expenditure of our body decreases. Our metabolism decreases because less calorie is required to maintain and move a lighter body. Secondly, weight loss is always accompanied by increase in appetite. At the beginning of your weight loss journey, you might be able to control your hunger but as you reach near your goal, it may become difficult.

This is because of the hormone leptin, which tells our brain how much fat is stored in our body. In the starting of the weight loss journey, we have more stored fat, which leads to an increase in leptin level, resulting in loss of appetite. But with time, when we lose bodyweight, leptin level slows down, making us feel more hungry.

Both, change in the calorie expenditure and the effect of leptin in our body slow down the weight loss process in the end. But this happens for a very short period of time.

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Weight loss: Why is it difficult to shed the last few extra pounds? - Times of India

Ivanka Trumps Weight Loss Secret: First Daughters Diet, Workout, Morning Routine Revealed – International Business Times

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

KEY POINTS

Ivanka Trump is very careful when it comes to her choice of food and she also follows a morning routine to make her mind and body ready for the day.

The First Daughter is already a mom of three, but she has successfully maintained her pre-baby figure. In fact, it didnt take long for Ivanka to slip back into her skinny jeans after she gave birth to her second child, Joseph.

Ivanka attributed her 30-pound weight loss to spin classes, salads, lean protein and homemade veggie soups, Shape reported.

Ivanka admitted that her perspective about food changed when she got pregnant with her daughter Arabella. It was at the time when she pushed herself to eat more salmon, chicken, salads and veggie soups.

Slowly, I started to actually enjoy, if not crave, these healthier options. Now healthy eating is the norm for me, especially at breakfast and lunch, she told the outlet.

Ivanka confessed that she doesnt follow juice cleansing. Shetried it, but it didnt work well for her.

I tried a juice cleanse, and it was a total disaster. For the eight hours that I lasted, I felt like I was on the brink of starvation. For me, it's about making the right choices, she added.

Ivanka doesnt skip breakfast. In the morning, her meal usually includes cottage cheese or Greek yogurt because she goes full fat. She told Fit Pregnancythat she prefers it with blueberries or raspberries and cereal.

Sometimes she enjoys oatmeals for breakfast with her children.

If they choose oatmeal, I get out all sorts of toppings chia seeds, berries, flaxseed, goji berries, cinnamon, walnuts, and almonds, she shared with My Morning Routine.

Ivankaalso consumes fluid excessively. She only drink water, Tazo passion tea or coffee. Her excessive fluid consumption even became a joke.

Theres an ongoing joke in the office that I never have less than three glasses of water and some form of tea or coffee in front of me, she told Harper's Bazaar.

Ivanka also told My Morning Routine that she starts her day at 5:30 a.m. to meditate or work out.

I like to be fully ready for the day before my children get up so that my mornings are completely focused on them, Ivanka said.

Ivanka meditates for 20 minutes twice a day. Sometimes she skips her afternoon session, but she always makes sure to not skip the morning one.

It's been invaluable in terms of calming my mind and allowing me to think more clearly, Donald Trumps daughter said.

White House Senior Adviser Ivanka Trump at an event in which her father President Donald Trump unveiled proposals for lowering child-care costs. Photo: Photo by Michael Vadon/Flickr

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Ivanka Trumps Weight Loss Secret: First Daughters Diet, Workout, Morning Routine Revealed - International Business Times

Four dals that are best for weight loss – Times of India

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

This year has truly been about health, however, the way it has dawned upon us have been scary. And when we talk about health, one of the most important elements we should consider is our body weight. Simply because we all know that being overweight increases our chances of catching infections. Yet sadly around 5 per cent of the country's population is affected by obesity. Obesity not just makes one look fat but also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension and other serious diseases.

From crash diet, healthy eating to intense gym activity, there are multiple ways that people follow to lose weight. For some it is an easy ride while for others, it might seem just more than difficult.

A healthy diet along with regular physical activity is the best way to lose weight sustainably. And ultimately it is the diet, which has a bigger impact on your weight than even exercise.

According to experts, the humble dals present in our kitchen can be beneficial in losing weight. Here is a list of five such dals that you must include alternatively in your daily diet, to lose weight successfully and easily.

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Four dals that are best for weight loss - Times of India

Keto diet: The lazy keto diet that helps you lose weight without calorie counting – Express

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

All weight loss plans involve some kind of effort, whether its cooking up recipes that youre not used to, shrinking down your portion sizes or upping your fitness game. The keto diet plan, which has grown in popularity over recent years, requires dieters to really watch what they eat, as well as working out the maths of what goes onto their plate. But there is an alternative which could put an end to the stress and still help you reach your weight loss goals.

The ketogenic or keto diet involves cutting back on carbs, and eating a higher fat content than protein.

Sounds simple enough, but it relies on dieters working out a specific percentage of their food intake and tracking their macros.

The keto diet usually means sticking to a meal plan that gets you 70 to 75 percent of your calories from fat, 20 percent from protein, and as little as five to 10 percent from carbs.

Its this special formula that separates it from other low-carb plans such as the Atkins, and this combination is said to help the body to go into ketosis, where it will begin to burn fat for energy - helping you to lose weight.

READ MORE:Keto diet: Expert reveals the surprising downsides of low-carb diet

However, keeping track of exactly how many calories youre eating as well as exactly what the food composition is can take a lot of time.

Thats why some people have come up with the so-called lazy keto plan, which means only focusing on one of the numbers.

The lazy version of the plan involves the same high-fat foods, but means you only have to track the carbohydrates that youre eating.

This makes it much easier to stay on track and to stick with the diet, rather than giving up as it takes up too much time and energy.

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On the lazy keto diet, followers need to aim for five percent of their daily calories to come from carbohydrates, which works out at around 20 grams.

Then its just a case of getting the rest of your calories from high fat foods and some protein - but always with more fat than protein.

Followers of the plan have shared their success stories of how it has worked for them, with one mother of twins telling Womens Health that she lost almost 150 pounds on the diet.

Kimberly Powell, whose Instagram handle is @loving_lessofme_more, now has over 300,000 followers having shared her keto diet hacks.

The Arizona-based Instagrammer now shares body positivity posts and talks about how happy she is compared to when she first lost the weight.

The lazy keto hashtag also has hundreds of thousands of posts as people share their keto diet recipes and tips.

Some share what meals theyre having to keep carbs to a minimum, including coconut pancakes with as little as 1.3 grams of carbs per pancake.

Others are also sharing before and after photos of how they look now that they have seen dramatic weight loss results.

However, some experts have shunned the idea of the lazy keto diet and said its more like an adaptation of the Atkins diet.

Ketosis is difficult to maintain, but that is the goal of any keto diet in order to see the benefits.

Eating too much protein can also hinder your chances of entering the fat-burning mode, so you have to be aware of what youre eating even if youre not counting every calorie.

Other experts also warn of the side effects of the high-fat plan which may not suit everybody.

Anyone looking to start a new weight loss diet should consult a dietitian or doctor before starting, in case its not quite right for them.

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Keto diet: The lazy keto diet that helps you lose weight without calorie counting - Express

How pumpkin seeds help in weight loss and yummy ways to use them – Times of India

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

-Besides eating them on their own, Pumpkin seeds can be added to smoothies, Greek yogurt and fruit salads.

-They could be incorporated into regular meals by sprinkling them into salads, soups or cereals.

-Pumpkin seeds could also be used in baking, as an ingredient for sweet or savory bread and cakes.

-They could be blended with nutritional yeast, bread crumbs, and seasonings to make vegan Parmesan cheese.

-Crushed pumpkin seeds make a crunchy, flavorful coating for anything from flaky white fish to a hearty rack of lamb.

-Pumpkin seeds could be tossed with a mix of olive oil and savory spices from curry power to cayenne pepper roasted to create the ultimate bar snack.

-A handful of toasted Pumpkin seeds could be thrown into the food processor while blending hummus to add nutty richness.

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How pumpkin seeds help in weight loss and yummy ways to use them - Times of India

Protein-rich diet for weight loss: Potatoes are not as bad as you think – TheHealthSite

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

Several studies suggest that increasing your protein intake can help in weight loss and increasing muscle mass and strength. Eating protein-rich foods can make you feel full and satisfied for hours after eating. Protein also help boost metabolism and suppress hunger by reducing the levels of hunger hormone, and thus accelerate weight loss process. Because of these reasons, many dieticians recommend protein-rich diet for losing extra kilos and preventing muscle loss during weight loss. When we say protein-rich foods, you may think about dairy products, chicken, eggs, etc. No doubt these are great sources of proteins, but have you ever thought of potatoes or aloo? Also Read - Two shots of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine may be the solution to the pandemic

Potatoes are usually considered an enemy by those who are on a weight loss journey. But researchers from the McMaster University say potatoes can promote weight loss and help build muscle strength. According to them, potatoes, which is usually regarded as a starchy vegetable, contain high-quality proteins, though in small quantity. The findings of their study appeared in the journal Nutrients. Also Read - COVID-19: How to wear a face mask in the hot summer months

For their study, the McMaster University researchers roped in young women in their early twenties. While one group consumed diets containing protein at the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams of protein/per kilogram/day, the other group was given additional potato protein, doubling their intake of the RDA to 1.6g/kg/d. Surprisingly, women who consumed the additional potato protein showed increased rate of protein growth in muscles. Also Read - COVID-19 Live Updates: Cases in India surge to 4,56,183 as death toll reaches 14,476

This shows that the recommended daily allowance of protein is inadequate to support maintenance of muscle in these young women, the researchers said. Also, the researchers noted that their study provides evidence that the quality of proteins from plants can support muscle.

Today, many people are moving away from animal-based proteins and switching to plant-based substitutes. If youre one of them, potatoes can be an excellent choice.

Most people consider potato as a carb laden food, which can make us gain weight. But this is not entirely true. In fact, potatoes can prove to be very beneficial to your health, if eaten the right way and pay attention to the calorie count. Wait! Dont open that packet of chips. Were talking about the vegetable without the oil.

Potatoes are not inherently bad, but when they are smothered in cheese, mashed with mayo and deep-fried, it loses its good properties. Here are some benefits of potatoes and how to include a healthier preparation of potatoes in your diet:

Next time you cook potatoes, dont peel off the skin. The potato skin is rich in potassium, which can help in lowering blood pressure. Bake the vegetable to get the maximum benefit. Experts say one large potato baked with the skin on, contains at least 1,600mg of potassium, which is nearly half the recommended amount for a day.

Potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for your immunity system. One medium-sized potato can provide 45 per cent of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Studies have also shown that having adequate amounts of vitamin C can stop the secretion of stress hormones and keep stress away.

Thanks to the fibre content in its skin, potatoes can help in keeping your heart healthy and boosts digestion. Contrary to what many people think, potatoes are fat-free, sodium-free and low in sugar. For your information one medium-sized potato contains just about 1g of sugar. But if youre going to fry the vegetable, and add loads of unhealthy fat and salt, it will turn into a bad diet food.

Published : June 23, 2020 4:34 pm | Updated:June 24, 2020 12:06 pm

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Protein-rich diet for weight loss: Potatoes are not as bad as you think - TheHealthSite

Tom Kerridge on love, weight loss and the restaurant crisis: ‘There will be some horrific casualties’ – The Guardian

Posted: June 24, 2020 at 2:45 am

The mix maybe hasnt risen enough, or the tin is too big, says Tom Kerridge. Is it a wholemeal flour?

Its not every day that an affable Michelin-starred celebrity chef drops by, even if it is via the power of Zoom, and it just happens to coincide with my lockdown loaf emerging from the oven. Of course, I share the magic moment. Its not my proudest attempt at sourdough todays is under-risen, possibly overdone, not entirely un-brick-like.

It looks quite dense, Id be looking for something a bit more Kerridge, so chatty on the telly, suddenly seems lost for words. It looks quite rustic, he says, finally, before adding: And bread is supposed to be rustic.

Correctly rustic Ill take that. But this isnt about me and my fabulous sourdough; its about him, his restaurants, other restaurants and what future they have, if any.

As well as the television and the books, Kerridge, 46, has restaurants in London and Manchester, plus a brace of seriously foody pubs in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. The affluent Thameside town is also where he lives with his wife, sculptor Beth Cullen-Kerridge, and their four-and-a-half-year-old son, where his offices are and where he Zooms from today. He is wearing a grey sweatshirt and looks healthy and quite trim, with no extra lockdown weight.

Kerridge hasnt always been trim. A bacchanalian lifestyle (including sinking 15 pints a night) took its toll until, approaching 40 and weighing 30 stone, he realised he would be pushing daisies before he reached 50 unless he got a grip on his life. So thats what he did. Over a couple of years he offloaded about 12 stone via his own recipe for weight loss that involves a low-carb diet, loads of exercise and abstinence. Tom Kerridges dopamine diet he called it in his 2017 book.

I havent been able to get to the gym, obviously, and I havent got any free weights at home, so Ive lost a load of strength but Ive taken up running, he tells me. I hate every minute of it. Im not built for running but I try to do 20, maybe 25k a week. I make myself do it and I feel better when its done.

What about the diet? The deep-fat fryer did come out last night, he admits, to make fish and chips with his son. I didnt eat the chips. I did have bits of the fish but it was a very thin batter.

And the dopamine levels? Up and down. He has enjoyed time with the family, cooking, tea at home, family bike rides. But there is a really dark cloud floating above it. Theres something not quite right, he says. Its like being on a really shit holiday.

Working in a restaurant is more than a job. It defines you as a person, like being an artist or an actor or a sportsman, he says. Take that away and a big part of you has gone. He filled some of the void by setting up a charitable fund, making meals to serve NHS staff in local hospitals. It has been helpful, not just for the frontline health workers who have been able to sit down for five minutes and eat something that didnt come from a vending machine, but also for the members of his own staff who volunteered. It allowed them to feel they are still doing something proactive, cooking every day. I know we were out on Thursday nights clapping, but this felt like a physical opportunity to give somebody something back.

Restaurants and pubs, the whole hospitality industry, probably couldnt have been hit any harder. Its been a huge wake-up call, he says. Everyone knows the story that two out of three restaurants dont make it through the first year after opening. But everyone sees a busy restaurant and assumes its making loads of money. Most busy restaurants are just about surviving. If youre making 10% net profit on turnover youre seen to be doing good; 10% net profit is such a small margin.

Kerridge is reasonably happy with the government so far, from a business point of view, if not a public health one. His staff are nearly all on furlough, the grants have helped, but the future is massively uncertain. Theres going to be some horrific casualties, close friends, maybe us, who knows? We dont know, until we can open, what the appetite is going to be like for going out.

He says its hard to guess which businesses are most at risk. Theres the restaurant that has to borrow from the government just to reopen, and will then have to make a profit to repay the loan. Or those that had just opened when this happened; or even if you were an incredibly successful restaurateur but had just borrowed to open another restaurant and now cant fund the borrowing. Size is no guarantee of survival; Kerridge points to the report that Pret a Manger was looking to negotiate rents. If theyre having to do it, that means the little guys will have to. Each individual business will have its own sense of vulnerability, why and how it can come through this or why it cant.

If this all sounds incredibly gloomy, Kerridge himself doesnt. Yes, there are black clouds, worries, uncertainties, difficult decisions, but he admits that there is a part of him that finds it quite exciting. Its a little bit like when youre a young chef and youre in service on a Saturday night, theres a sense of fear. Fear about whether youre going to be able to make it through? It is kind of like that, just a bit more serious with a lot more money involved.

But restaurants arent all about money. It runs deeper, its about love and passion and connection to human beings. Youre in the hospitality industry because you like being with other people. There is something very special about working in restaurants, youre operating to give people a great time.

How exactly they are going to operate in order to give people a great time still isnt clear. Kerridge is hoping to be opening in some form as soon as he can, but the guidelines and protocol arent in place no one knows if its going to have to be 1 metre or 2 metres between tables, so he doesnt know what his capacity is going to be, or even whether diners will be ready to come out. How many staff hes going to be employing will ultimately depend on these things.

His pubs will have wooden screens between tables, which he says will be in line with them, as he doesnt want them to feel too different. Eating out is about enjoying yourself, he says. If you make it just about the process, in a sterile and uninviting environment, you may as well just go to a motorway service station.

But behind the scenes it will be more clinical: temperature checks for staff when they come in, questionnaires about symptoms. They need to feel safe, they need to feel cared for, they need to feel loved.

Care, love, social connectivity, these are words that come up a lot when Kerridge talks about his work and the people he works with. He gets very cross when they get referred to in parliament as low-skilled workers. If they think its low-skilled, I wouldnt mind seeing Boris Johnson or Priti Patel come in working the sauce section of the Hand and Flowers. Come and cook 70 perfect pieces of meat on a Saturday night and then tell me its low-skilled.

Surely the question should be: Why is food so cheap? Why can you buy a packet of chicken breasts for 1.99?

If coronavirus has shone a light on the vulnerability of the hospitality sector, it has also highlighted its importance, not least because of the millions of jobs involved in the industry and those connected to it. Hospitality is built on farming and producers, without us open these guys are losing so much. The knock-on effect is massive.

He thinks there will be more recognition of the process and people involved from the farmers to waiters and that good food costs money. When people ask why food is so expensive, surely the question should be: Why is food so cheap? Why can you buy a packet of chicken breasts for 1.99?

No chlorinated chicken at the Hand and Flowers then? Absolutely not, were going to be going the other way. I want to be even closer to the producer, the guy looking after the chickens. I want to be even more connected to the people we get things from, to a human being rather than a process.

There they are again, those human connections. We want and need to be out, saying hello to each other, having that connection. So the hospitality industry will survive, its not going to just shut. There will be some harsh realities and casualties, whether its restaurant groups or individual staff, there will be some very big bumps along the way. But we are a fantastic, forward-thinking, eclectic, diverse, rich, exciting industry that will adapt and come through the other side.

Taking a positive stance then, but he they, the industry need to, he says. Dont forget, this is a man who found positives in the burnt brick that came from my oven.

More:
Tom Kerridge on love, weight loss and the restaurant crisis: 'There will be some horrific casualties' - The Guardian


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