'I cut two foods out of my diet and lost 14st in just eight months'

A renowned chef has shared his astonishing weight loss journey, shedding a dramatic 14 stone in just eight months by eliminating two foods from his diet.

Matteo Grandi, 34, weighed in at a hefty 29 stone (185kg) before he decided it was time for a radical change. Facing the challenges of long shifts and the demands of kitchen life, Matteo often found it difficult to maintain a healthy balance.

Matteo, from Basilica in Vicenza, Italy, Matteo made the decision to cut sugar and carbohydrates from his eating regime as a pivotal step towards shedding the pounds. In addition to altering his diet, he committed to increased physical activity and adopted intermittent fasting.

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Speaking to Cronaca, he said: "About eight months ago, I realised that, consumed by life and commitments, I had lost sight of my well-being-not just for aesthetic reasons but primarily for my health.

"I reached 185 kilos, perhaps more because at some point I stopped weighing myself. In June, a light bulb went off in my head: what you need is willpower; everything else follows..." his productivity at work.

Matteo says the hardest part was consistency, although he admits his low-carb diet has "changed his life". He claims his new diet leaves his mind "always clear" and has allowed him to "double" his productivity at work, reports Surrey Live.

The new eating habits led Matteo to banish processed foods from his plate, including staples like pasta, which alone resulted in a two-stone drop in weight. Furthermore, he noted that his "psoriasis disappeared" from his elbows and remarked significant improvements to his skin.

Matteo has recounted that he recently attempted eating "two forkfuls" of pasta, only to end up feeling lethargic. He said: "If for 20 seconds of pleasure I have to feel bad for hours afterwards, what's the point? It's just about changing habits to follow good practices that make us feel good."

He now follows a new eating routine which includes one meal at midday and another at 5pm, favouring dishes like eggs, salmon, avocado, chicken breast, green vegetables, meat or shellfish.

This lifestyle adjustment has spilled over into his work as well, where Matteo has introduced approximately 30 dishes to his menu that are free from carbohydrates and dairy.

Should I remove food groups from my diet?

However, when it comes to cutting out food groups, Nutritionist Daniele Nucci advises caution against excluding whole categories. Nucci insists that pasta and other carbohydrates should not be cast aside as villains.

He elaborates: "Carbohydrates should not be eliminated. What makes the difference is the quantity. If I eat 80 grams of pasta topped with plenty of broccoli and accompanied by a source of protein, I won't have any problems, it's a complete and balanced meal. If, on the other hand, I eat 200 grams of pasta all'amatriciana, things change."

Daniele highlights that eliminating carbohydrates primarily leads to fluid loss, which can give an illusion of weight loss, but cautions this is not sustainable in the long run.

What stance does the NHS take regarding carbohydrates?

The NHS has highlighted the significance of starchy carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and cereals, in maintaining a balanced diet. According to the health service, these foods should constitute just over a third of what we consume.

Starchy carbs are touted as a "good source of energy" by the NHS, offering essential nutrients including fibre, calcium, iron, and B vitamins. Despite common misconceptions that they lead to weight gain, the NHS points out that "gram for gram they contain fewer than half the calories of fat".

The health service also says pasta is a healthy option, although it says wholewheat or wholegrain options are healthier than normal pasta. It says: "Pasta is another healthy option to base your meal on. It consists of dough made from durum wheat and water and contains iron and B vitamins."

Can you have carbohydrates in a healthy diet?

A 2022 study study said: “Foods high in carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, since they provide the body with glucose to support bodily functions and physical activity.”

While a 2023 study highlighted the dangers of a low-carbohydrate diet. It said: “Several studies link low-carb diets to increased mortality. Epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have shown an increased mortality risk with a carbohydrate intake of less than 40 per cent.”