James Martin addresses secret to maintaining three stone weight loss despite 'temptation'

James Martin says he sometimes "struggles" with his diet while working (Image: ITV)

James Martin admits he can struggle to maintain his healthy lifestyle while working, despite an impressive three stone weight loss.

The chef rose to fame in the 1990s, appearing on various cooking shows. But it was in 2005, when taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, that James dropped from 17st to 14st.

This significant weight loss sparked a complete lifestyle transformation for the 52-year-old, who previously had a habit of eating unhealthy foods like takeaway pizza or chocolate bars while on the move during his busy schedule. Speaking to Express.co.uk, James admitted he used to "stuff his face" with these "really bad things".

In an effort to improve his health, James drastically altered his diet, incorporating more fish, fruits, and vegetables. Although he has a home gym, the chef prefers to keep fit by walking, often clocking up between 20,000 to 30,000 steps daily.

However, the ITV Saturday Morning host, who recently published a cookbook dedicated to cheese, concedes that being surrounded by food all day presents its own challenges. He often feels the urge to "pick at bits" while working in the kitchen.

James Martin lost three stone. (Image: Getty Images)

In a conversation with the Leicester Mercury, James reflected: "Everything's a balance - certainly as you get older with your diet. You get to 52 and you're working in the kitchen, you run around the kitchen, [but] you're not 22 anymore."

He added: "You're still working the hours, your brain is telling you, but your legs are telling you otherwise."

James Martin, the celebrity chef and a fervent motorsport enthusiast, has found a balance in his diet, especially when it comes to his fondness for cheese. He quipped "there's a happy medium" nearly ten years after shedding pounds during his Strictly Come Dancing stint.

The weight loss journey had an unexpected perk for James, who is passionate about racing cars. He confessed on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast that he now faces challenges with some of the lower-set vehicles.

James Martin lost three stone while competing on Strictly (Image: ITV)

James shared: "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."

Emphasising his lack of gym visits, he attributed his weight loss to being able to "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. 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."

Fans can catch James on Saturday Morning Live at 9.30am today, where he'll be chatting with actor James Buckley and his wife Clair, while chefs Romy Gill and James Tanner whip up some mouth-watering dishes.