Chef Matteo Grandi, renowned for his Michelin-starred restaurant situated within the historic Basilica Palladiana of Vicenza, has made headlines with his astonishing weight loss of nearly 90 kilograms over the past eight months. Grandi’s transformation was not just about shedding pounds but reclaiming his health and passion for cooking.
At 185 kilograms, Grandi faced significant health risks, leading him to reevaluate his lifestyle. “About eight months ago, I realized I had lost sight of my well-being due to the demands of life, not just for aesthetic reasons, but especially for my health,” revealed Grandi in an interview with Corriere della Sera. It was around June of this year when he had what he describes as a moment of clarity: “What I needed was willpower; the rest would follow.”
The crux of Grandi’s successful weight loss strategy lies within the fundamental shift he made to his diet. “The diet I followed was created by myself, drawing inspiration from various nutritionists I had consulted over the years without much success,” he explained. He adopted a low-carb diet, drastically reducing his intake of sugars and carbs, which he identified as the primary culprits of his weight gain.
Since implementing these changes, Grandi expressed, “Since I eliminated them, I not only lost weight but also feel incredibly well. My energy is through the roof, my mind is sharp, and I work with double the productivity.” He realized how every bite impacts not just the body but also overall well-being. “It was like coming out of a bank of fog,” he noted, describing the remarkable improvements he experienced.
Besides following this new diet regime, Grandi integrates intermittent fasting and maintains regular exercise—habits he finds rewarding and rejuvenative. “I eat only at noon and 5 PM, ensuring my body isn’t burdened with constant digestion and insulin production,” he detailed, describing how this structure allows him to remain vibrant and active.
Yet, the road was not without its challenges. Adjusting to his new dietary lifestyle meant rethinking familiar routines, especially when it came to meals prepared and enjoyed at his own restaurant. Grandi noted, “I modified the menu to include about thirty dishes without carbs or dairy—this way, I can demonstrate healthy dining out.”
His innovative approach has not only helped him but has also sparked interest from patrons eager to try his new low-carb offerings. “I now serve twelve different types of eggs from free-range farms, and my specials feature quality ingredients without added sugars,” he added, indicating the positive reception these dishes have garnered from visitors.
Grandi intends to share his transformative experience more broadly. He is currently penning a book about his weight loss and dietary philosophy, filled with simple, accessible recipes. “I want to help others by showing it’s possible to improve your health without extreme sacrifices or complicated diets,” he shared enthusiastically.
His ultimate goal is to shed the last five kilograms, which he identifies as the most stubborn, and to maintain this healthier status indefinitely. “I assure you, I will never gain weight again,” he confidently expressed, as he prepares for upcoming fitness competitions and activities this coming June. “From June 2024 to June 2025, I’ll be practically a new person; I’ve returned to being me at last.”
Chef Matteo Grandi’s story is not just one of remarkable weight loss but rather the epitome of holistic living—an inspiring narrative reminding all of us about the importance of personal health and confidence. Grandi stands as a beacon of motivation, teaching us all how changing habits can lead to healthier attitudes and lifestyles—all with delicious, wholesome food.