Tom Kerridge, the renowned 51-year-old celebrity chef, credits his astonishing 11-stone weight loss to a unique dietary approach he calls the ‘dopamine diet.’ This method emphasizes foods that naturally stimulate dopamine, the brain’s “happy hormone,” to help improve mood while promoting weight loss.
Over a period of three years, Tom developed his own low-carb eating plan centered on ingredients known to trigger dopamine release. “If you’re struggling to lose unhealthy pounds, this approach simplifies the process and boosts your happiness at the same time,” he explained on his website.
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in pleasure, motivation, and cognitive function. Low dopamine levels have been linked to symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, and memory issues. Beyond mood regulation, dopamine also plays an important role in bodily processes like sodium elimination and blood pressure regulation.
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While many foods can elevate dopamine, Tom highlights certain “dopamine heroes” that particularly support its production and help curb appetite. His diet encourages increased consumption of protein-rich foods such as chicken, beef, and turkey, as amino acids found in meat may raise dopamine levels and reduce snack cravings.
Fruits and vegetables also feature prominently in his recommendations. On the other hand, Tom advises limiting or avoiding alcohol and starchy carbohydrates. He emphasizes that the recipes are satisfying, enjoyable, and suitable for sharing with family and friends, ensuring “these don’t feel like diet food.”
Tom’s success has inspired many to try variations of the dopamine diet, especially across social media platforms. However, nutritionist Kerry Torrens offers a note of caution. She points out that replacing carbohydrates with more protein isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—completely cutting out carbs can make it difficult to maintain a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
Kerry also reminds us that the relationship between food and happiness is complex, influenced by genetics, psychology, culture, and environment. She advises, “While increasing dietary protein may help with appetite and fullness, it might not be enough to reduce cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods, especially if you’re exposed to them frequently. If weight loss is your goal, being mindful of your exposure to these tempting foods is essential.”
Tom Kerridge’s dopamine diet offers a promising approach to weight loss by combining nutritional science with the goal of improved well-being, but, like any diet, it should be tailored to individual needs and preferences.