Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge has credited a unique dietary approach, which he calls the 'dopamine diet', with helping him achieve a remarkable weight loss of 11 stone over three years. The 52-year-old television personality popularised the plan, which focuses on consuming foods that trigger the release of dopamine, the brain's 'happy hormone'.
How the Dopamine Diet Works
Kerridge detailed his method on his website, explaining that he devised a low-carb diet regime built around ingredients known to stimulate dopamine production. "If you're struggling with your weight and need to shift unhealthy pounds, this approach makes it easy, and is guaranteed to make you feel happier in the process," he wrote, according to a report by the Mirror.
Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and concentration. Insufficient levels can lead to fatigue, low drive, and memory issues. The Cleveland Clinic notes that dopamine also aids in bodily functions like flushing out sodium and can help reduce blood pressure.
Kerridge's 'Dopamine Heroes' Food List
While eating in general can boost dopamine, Kerridge identifies specific 'dopamine heroes' that are thought to have a pronounced effect while helping to curb hunger. His plan emphasises a significant increase in protein intake.
The foods he champions include:
- Good quality meats like chicken, beef, and turkey
- Double cream
- Yoghurt
- Chocolate
- Fruit and vegetables
Conversely, the chef recommends eliminating alcohol and starchy carbohydrates. He promotes the diet's family-friendly nature, stating online: "These are recipes that don't feel like diet food and can be shared with friends and family. It worked for me and it can work for you."
Expert Warnings and Considerations
Following Kerridge's success, variations of the dopamine diet have proliferated on social media. However, nutritionist Kerry Torrens has urged caution, highlighting several potential pitfalls for those considering the plan.
Torrens pointed out that swapping carbs for protein isn't always beneficial and that completely eliminating carbohydrates can make achieving a balanced, nutrient-rich diet challenging. She also noted that food preferences are highly subjective, influenced by genetics, psychology, and culture.
"For this reason, if you attempt the dopamine diet with weight loss as your goal and you know you have a weakness for certain high-fat, high-sugar foods, you may need to limit your exposure to them," Torrens advised in comments to BBC Good Food.
