The X Factor diet: Former fatty Gary Barlow's no-carb tips to his acts

By Sarah Hajibagheri


He has spoken of his own triumph over his past weight gain.

Now Gary Barlow is sharing his diet tips to help his X Factor contestants.

The Take That star, who is mentoring boys aged 16 to 24 on the show, has sent his own nutritionist to the X Factor house to work with his acts.

Visibly slimmer: Craig Colton says that he has lost a stone in a week as a result of the diet Gary Barlow has introduced to his X-factor contestants

Carbohydrates are apparently banned in a high-protein diet of fish and nuts. Barlow also encouraged his acts to visit the gym to ensure they are in the best shape to perform.

Contestant Craig Colton, 22, said: ‘I’ve lost a stone in a week. I am on this very strict diet, but it’s full of energy. It is pure protein and nutrition, there are no carbs. I wasn’t a big eater before, but ate at the wrong times.’

Proof it works: Gary Barlow shows off his larger frame before he shed four stones to weigh in at under 12 stone

Worries: Hopeful Sophie Habibis, left, said she thought Craig needed to take it a little easier, while Amelia Lily says the pressure of the show is causing her to shed the pounds

Finalist Marcus Collins, 23, said: ‘Gary’s given us a healthy eating plan. It is smoothies for breakfast and slow-releasing energy, so snacking on almonds and healthy things instead of eating sweets.’

Barlow, 40, this week spoke of his depression after his weight hit 16 stone 11 pounds following the band’s split.

He slimmed to below 12 stone by eating less and exercising. But Colton’s weight loss has raised concerns among fellow contestants.

Sophie Habibis 19, said: ‘You can see Craig wants to be healthy. I think he needs to take it a bit easier.’

Amelia Lily, 16, from Middleborough, who is not on a diet, believes the pressure of being on the ITV show is causing her to lose weight ‘from nerves’.

The other judges appear not to be following suit. Louis Walsh, 59, has told his acts to stay as they are.

And N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos, 23, cooked her groups a roast dinner last week.


source:dailymail