Josie Gibson Reveals Her Secrets to a Five-Stone Weight Loss Transformation While Embracing a Simple 1970s Diet and Intermittent Fasting in Thailand

Josie Gibson, the beloved TV presenter, has recently opened up about the incredible five-stone weight loss that has left fans in awe.

At 40 years old, Josie has been candid about her fluctuating weight, from once being a size 20 to now fitting comfortably into a size 8.

But behind her transformation is a story of determination, trials, and a new approach to fitness that’s worked wonders for her.

A Journey of Ups and Downs

For years, Josie struggled with yo-yo dieting, often feeling frustrated by quick fixes that didn’t stick.

In 2014, she made headlines with her impressive weight loss, but the battle with her body didn’t end there.

Despite previous attempts, she was never a fan of weight loss jabs or fad diets.

It was only after years of trying and experimenting that she finally found a sustainable plan that worked for her.

Josie recently shared the key elements of her current routine, and it’s a combination of simple changes that are easy to implement.

Her approach? A mix of intermittent fasting, regular gym workouts, and a return to an old-fashioned, 1970s-inspired diet.

But she’s quick to say that it’s not all about the diet—much of her success comes down to “stress” and, as she playfully admits, “good angles.”

Intermittent Fasting and Simpler Foods

One of Josie’s key strategies is intermittent fasting.

She fasts three days a week, eating nothing for eight hours each day.

But what she eats during her eating windows is just as important.

Josie swears by a classic “1970s diet,” which focuses on wholesome, simple foods like boiled potatoes, liver, spam, beans, and even a dessert classic, Angel Delight.

Her meals are all about small portions and less processed food, with an emphasis on home-cooked meals over ready-made takeaways.

The focus on avoiding refined sugars is another key part of her diet.

Josie cut out sugar entirely, opting for the natural sugars found in fruits instead.

It was this shift, combined with intermittent fasting, that helped her shed over 31kg in just six months.

Her meal plan might sound retro, but for Josie, it’s been a game-changer.

The Importance of Consistency in the Gym

Alongside her diet, Josie has also found a fitness routine that works for her.

She credits her trainer, Rick Parcell from The Body Camp, for helping her get comfortable with the gym—a place she once found intimidating. Josie’s gym routine is refreshingly simple.

She focuses on a 0.5km run on the treadmill, followed by 15 squats with a 22kg weight and 25 sit-ups.

This is repeated three times.

The simplicity of her routine helps keep her on track, and it’s clearly paying off.

Josie is proof that you don’t need a complex, high-intensity workout plan to see results.

Consistency and a straightforward approach are often all that’s needed to reach fitness goals.

A Balanced Approach to Food and Life

Although Josie follows a disciplined routine, she doesn’t believe in depriving herself of life’s pleasures.

While she loves a good brunch, she’s found a balance that works for her.

And when it comes to food, she’s learned that being healthy doesn’t mean always restricting yourself.

In fact, while in Thailand, she had no qualms about indulging in the amazing local food.

“I’ve eaten my way around Thailand,” she admitted, emphasizing that enjoying life’s pleasures doesn’t have to be at odds with healthy living.

Josie shows that it’s possible to have a balanced approach to food and still make progress on your fitness journey.

Stress and Lifestyle Changes

Interestingly, Josie also believes that stress played a role in her weight loss.

Between her busy career, motherhood, and renovating a house in Bath, she found herself overwhelmed.

This emotional and physical stress likely contributed to her weight drop, as it led to a period of self-care and rest.

“I got so overwhelmed I got to Thailand and slept for 27 hours,” Josie recalled.

She also reflected on how life in Thailand rejuvenated her.

“Coming to Thailand has been so good for the soul. I came emotionally burnt out and the energy here is so special.

It’s making me feel ready for anything,” she shared on Instagram.

A New Chapter: The 1970s Diet Show

Josie’s journey has even led to a new career opportunity.

She’s hosting a Channel 5 show, The 1970s Diet: Could It Work for You?, which explores whether the food trends of the 1970s could offer solutions for modern-day obesity.

As part of the show, Josie dives into the past to see if smaller portions and foods like boiled potatoes and spam can help people today achieve their fitness goals.

She admitted that the challenge wasn’t easy, especially because the foods she was eating weren’t exactly the ones she’d choose in her day-to-day life.

But she’s committed to showing her viewers everything, including the ups and downs of her experience.

“If I’m taking on this experiment, then I’m showing it all,” Josie explained.

The show also touches on the 1970s fashion and exercise, two aspects of the era that Josie finds fascinating.

While trying on clothes from that time period, she was hit with the reality of vanity sizing, which made her reflect on how body image has changed over the years.

The Key to Success: Consistency and Self-Love

Through all of this, Josie’s weight loss success boils down to one central message: consistency and self-love.

She didn’t resort to drastic surgeries or fat-burning jabs—she simply moved more, ate less, and educated herself on her body’s needs.

“I didn’t get a gastric bypass; I got off my big a**e, moved more, ate less and educated myself on what I was stuffing into my body,” she said in an Instagram post.

She credits her success to a plan called “Do The Unthinkable” from MuscleFood, which helped her eliminate refined sugars and provided a structured approach to both workouts and nutrition.

But she also makes sure to take a break every week with one cheat meal.

“If you’ve got that one day off, don’t undo all your hard work,” Josie advised.

“Just have your one cheat meal and enjoy it. Don’t have a binge.”

Final Thoughts: Josie’s New Normal

Josie’s journey is a testament to the fact that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss and fitness.

What works for her—intermittent fasting, a simple gym routine, and a throwback diet—might not be for everyone.

But her focus on balance, consistency, and self-love offers a refreshing take on achieving health and wellness goals.

Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply improve your fitness, Josie Gibson’s story proves that with the right mindset, anything is possible.