Paul Hollywood has admitted the Great British Bake Off sparks a health issue that is getting “harder” every year.
Great British Bake Off judge Paul said he can gain weight during filming seasons, but manages to shed it off afterwards. However, as he ages, the 58-year-old has found losing weight becoming more challenging.
During an interview with The Times, Paul said: “I tend to put a little weight on, but then over the next few months I’ll lose a little bit and end up where I was at the beginning. As I get older, it’s harder to shift weight.
“I think I need not less food, just more exercise.” Paul hopes that shows like Bake Off can encourage viewers to bake their own desserts, which he claims is not only cheaper but also healthier than store-bought options.
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He suggests that baking your own cake could act as a “natural brake” to prevent overindulgence. He believes that if people had to bake their own cakes, they would consume them less frequently and treat them as special indulgences rather than daily staples.
He added: “A cake is a treat. It’s not something to be eaten every day.”
Despite being a passionate baker who makes bread every few days, Paul rarely indulges in cake. However, while filming Bake Off, he tries to reduce his calorie intake by eating less cake.
He revealed: “On Bake Off someone told me an amazing thing. They said, if you want to lose weight and have whatever you want, then simply cut the portion in half.
“If you want a slice of Victoria sandwich, you can, not a problem. Just cut that slice in half. You halve your calories straight away.”
Paul shared his simple tip to keep the weight off while still enjoying sweet treats
(Image: Channel 4)
Paul, who is set to appear on The Great New Year Bake Off on Channel 4 this evening, isn’t the only one from the show to talk about weight concerns. Co-hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding have also mentioned gaining the “Bake Off stone” while filming.
Alison, who has impressively shed 11 stone since her rise to fame, decided to reduce her indulgence in the show’s sweet offerings. In a chat with MyWeekly, she explained: “Instead of eating the whole amount, I had little tastes here and there. I was quite good. I only had it when Paul did a handshake.”
She revealed that it took her a year to lose the extra weight she put on during her debut series on Bake Off, saying: “You’re allowed to taste every bake and last year I put on a stone. It’s taken me a year to take that stone off.”
The Great British New Year Bake off airs at 7.40pm tonight on Channel 4.