I Cant Go On Like This Anymore 

Health is of utmost importance, I wish you all the best.

DJ I starting watching you during covid and you’ve kept me sane ever since. You’re a brave guy being open about your weight, whereas a lot of us are embarrassed /in denial. I’ve noticed as soon as I hit 50 that it’s ridicously easy to add on the pounds, but so difficult to take them off. You appear to me to be a very determined person. You can do this mate. I saw you do all those pushups even though you probably weren’t in tiptop shape, but still it was far more than most of us your age range could manage. This can be inspirational to people, and it’s the next stage of your journey. Also as soon as your legs are okay again, get back onto the walking, as you could really get those steps in. You could be really brave even more and update everyone with your weight progress (downside and upside is it puts pressure on you). How many of us fail a diet? 95%. Good Iuck Darren and really appreciate your openness with us, and all the best to you and your health. You truly aren’t the only one mate in this boat, but you recognise the problem and now time to fix it…

Hi mate. I'm 61 and have ruined my life due to unhealthy choices. I was a front man in rock cover bands for 46 years. This is a pretty big deal in Melbourne Australia. Massive pub rock scene. I used to sing to around 8,000 people every week over 5 gigs per week. I'm a smoker, have been since I was a very young boy. I've never been able to give up and now have stage 4 emphysema. My music career is over other than about 1 gig every 12 weeks. No more rock band excitement, just sitting on a stool with my mate just making my way through a gig. I used to be considered probably the best vocalist in this state with little comparison. I retired from my band of 12 years in Feb 2023. Look after your health mate. I can hardly stand long enough to do my dishes these days, and my daughters are eternally worried. I wish I'd had the strength to put my smokes aside like you are putting your love of flavoursome food aside. God bless, and look after yourself.

on that last turkish review,i must admit i thought bloody hell ,thats enough food for at least two people.that was before i saw this video darren.i think most of us are sadly not shocked if being honest .but harsh as it seems at the time,a wake up call like this can be a very good thing in the longterm.

Hi Darren I know exactly how you are feeling, having going through a health scare myself which I’m still going through I know how emotional you will be feeling, as they say, do something about it before you can’t, I wish I had checked myself earlier and then maybe i wouldn’t be putting myself and my family through this nightmare, I honestly thought that was it and my life was going to be coming to an end, I’m beating this which also includes changing my diet to help things for the future, you have got the right mind set and I’m right behind you, I’ll be following your cooking and diet plans, sending love to you, you’ve got this xx

Good luck with it mate. When I came back from holiday in September I felt a bit like you are describing. I was shocked that I was 24 and a half stone. I've been off the beer and have been eating one healthy meal a day. I'm down to less than 16 stones now. So it can be done and to be honest I've pretty much got used to it and it seems normal. I've had the odd week off the diet for Xmas and the odd few days away. The important thing is to get back on it after. And like you I was thinking about my family and what would happen to them if I wasn't around. I'm on a motorbike trip to Europe next month. I'll start again when I get back. See where I am by Xmas. I'd like to get down to 14 stone. It can be done. Good luck.

I’d personally like a channel that hunts out the ‘healthier’ restaurants and eateries. When I’m cutting down I don’t eat out. Very anti social. Good luck Darren, you got this. 💪

Hey mate! Diets never work, Change your lifestyle forever. I’ve got massive health issues and changed almost all of the bad habits. Being a Chef was the killer but I feel much better and I’m in control not the cravings. I love your content and would hate not to see you!.👍

I think you are missing a trick . We will watch and support you and I think there is so much potential to upload videos about your own recipes or restaurants that maybe track your own journey. Please don't be hard on yourself

Agree with others on here pal. I have really enjoyed your foodie videos, they have been honest and down to earth and genuinely some of the best out there. The biggest moving trend in eating out at the moment is catering for exactly the kind of foods you are looking for! You are blessed living in London thats full of vegetarian, vegan and ethnic establishments all offering awesome food. Just use your talents to find these and bring them into the public eye, they are often tucked away in less affluent areas, and you never know, you may tempt many others to follow your example and take a closer look at their diet. Don't stop doing what you do, just change focus a bit and look after yourself! All this advice comes from a 68 year old, Curry addicted, 22 stone retired old school Chef but I for one will watch! Thank you for all you have bought us to date pal and please do look after yourself.

Darren we Love your channel..Bust most of all we Love you… please Look after yourself..what ever you do we are always here for you.👍❤️

No disrespect mate, you ain't a doctor, I've had multiple heart attacks and took gavisgon, until I found out why, from a doctor. On pills now and I'm sound. It's not just food. Self diagnostic is not the way forward!

When I first came across your videos, I loved the down to earth reviews of pies, fry ups, curries etc. However, this had manifested into a love and respect for you as a person. A healthy Darren who is happy and still with us is far better than a review of an English breakfast. There are plenty of healthy foods out there: Thai, Middle East, Vietnamese, etc. I look forward to a new beginning, a healthier Darren, and a better channel for it. Good health to you.

Health and family are priorities over everything!! Wishing you all the best with improving health and good luck with starting the new job too!! Take care

Darren,first thing to do is forget about 'Dr Google' get yourself an appointment with your GP, then get yourself in shape forThailand, it's over 80 degrees most days, even when it rains,it's hot, humid and sweaty,been there., it can be hard to handle some days .

A healthier channel would certainly help me to cut down. The hospital said they wont do my hip replacement until i get my bmi down. Its really not easy. Im down one stone so far. The best of luck with your journey. You are not alone. I have managed to turn being pre-diabetic round so i feel better about this. Take care dj👍

Health is of the upmost importance, I would still get a GP appointment just to make sure. I like watching you cook at home as well as eating out, do what is best for you, the content will still be great wherever you eat. Congratulations on the new job by the way.

Look after yourself. Please see your dr don’t do self diagnosis . They will help you so much. Take care.

When I had an ulcer bleed and was struggling to eat - I wasn't eating enough full stop but especially protein. When I had surgery to correct the perforation in the stomach (ulcer had perforated) - my Albumin (form of protein) was really low, I got referred to dietician. Prior to this I was suffering with swollen feet and ankles and also bottom of my legs - after surgery and I began eating properly again - my Albumin level went normal and the swelling never came back. Reason I say this is - I am quite sure it will be salt and that you have checked it out etc. but just in case check Albumin levels. Although to be fair given your diet I am sure you are eating enough protein and getting sufficient Albumin but sometimes people eat lots of carbs and fat but not enough protein. Good Luck fella.

Wouldn’t mind a few ideas on places to London where healthy ish food can be got - you’re right - being too healthy would unfortunately be boring, or maybe get a few different volunteers to accompany you and they could eat the food - not the same volunteer obviously. Whatever you decide I’m sure you’ll get there.👍

Sorry to hear your news. I don't know about any subscribers but I would like to see more undiscovered London, please. Take very good care of yourself❤

Always eat in moderation bud, once things have calmed down a little as they say a balanced diet. Theres nothing to stop you having a tasty fatty meal once and again. Always about moderation. You take it easy. Really like your reviews. ❤

I did drop you a couple of comments over 2 months ago about eating the food you have been eating. You can't do it as you get older. I'm 60 and I have one cooked breakfast a week . Health is wealth 🙏

Yes! There's many of us out here that watch you, overweight & in same boat as you Darren. Search out the Healthy meals, grilled, steamed, boiled, fresh fish, chicken, stirfrys...lots of fruit & veg! Good Luck, we're all behind you! Lizzo 🥰🤗

Will watch you whatever you do I enjoy when you go round different places and what about hotel reviews good luck with whatever you decide and wish you live to you and your family xx

The plain truth is that we can not eat what we want throughout our lives. I, for one, have been concerned re your regular food choices for review. USA was the icing on the cake. Be good to yourself fella, and your body will thank you. Best wishes fella, and please keep us updated with your wellness.

Hi Darren, don’t worry to much BUT have your blood checked then go from what your doc says. I was fine & had my yearly blood test 18 months ago & got a message that I was close to being pre diabetic with no more info. I cut out sugar, cut down on bread & spuds & lost 2 stone ( not trying to lose weight) I eat loads of veg & eat meat, chicken etc, & look at the amount sugar in things before you buy( you will be amazed how much sugar is in things like ketchup etc.)on my last boodtest I AM NOT pre diabetic now. So I have a little treat now & again but YOU MUST GET A BLOOD TEST FIRST like asap then you know…..

Don’t diagnose yourself from google. Get to docs ASAP. Fluid retention is generally heart issues. Also you need to have proper insurance for travel

Try the fasting way of eating- leave 16-18 hours between eating and try lower carb' foods, moderate exercise also helps, we don't eat after 6.30 pm and nothing before 1pm the following day. it was easy for us to get into and both lost 2 stone already, Worth a try.good luck.

Good luck with the new plan. I had cancer last year and gave up sugar and carbs, lost 6 stone and feel so much better.

Great post Darren. It happened to me too. What we did was to join a gym and get down to slimming world. I've done 3.5 stone and I'm really eating well. It's not the end - simply an exciting new direction - that's it. If you want any help contact me whenever x

Just cause someone's eyes look ok it doesn't mean they don't have bad kidneys my sister has really bad kidneys and she hasn't got bags and she's had bad kidneys for years

you have heard of The Hairy Bikers. You could be The Healthy Biker.

I was in hospital back in May with a blocked small intestine. Canulas,drips medication in left arm and a TPM (nutrition drip in right arm) which smelt like warm wheat. I was on a low fibre diet for a total of 6 weeks. Been off it since July but symptoms have returned. So I had a phone appointment on Saturday and I'm bring booked in for an MRI scan and back on the low fibre diet until further notice. No fruit or veg on this diet but as much bad food,bacon,sausage burgers as you want (crazy really) Please look after yourself Darren Keep The Faith

Look after yourself xxx

As a doctor I would advice you get your blood work done, to check for LDL cholesterol, sodium, pre diabetes or diabetes type 2 and especially kidney filtration. On top of that you should get a ultrasound of your heart to check for valve damage and or an enlarged heart. Of course you need to check your blood pressure regularly it's paramount for your kidneys and heart having a controlled blood pressure.

All your subscribers will be behind you every step of the way Darren and if your vlogs aren’t as frequent they’ll understand. You’ll be helping many with your own cooking I expect. Wishing you the success and good health you deserve.

Your health is the most important thing of all. Without it all is lost. I was diagnosed with lung cancer last Christmas. Everything changes. Look after yourself!

You should start doing health cooking vlogs my partner and I love watching your videos and will continue to support your Chanel Keep up the good work x

Evening Darren, you can't faff about with your health. I'm a 70yr old retired chef. I'm diabetic. I'm in heart failure. Now my latest,Prostate Cancer ( treatment starts in a few weeks) I weigh in at 25st. And it sucks. Make the changes NOW 👏👏👏👏 May your God be with you always. My very best wishes for you and by extension your family. Allan&Family

You don't say you have seen your doctor. All you say is you have read up on your symptoms. This is not a time for self medication. It is a time for professional help.

DJ get yourself off to the Doc for a checkup. The same thing happened to me with the swelling. Too much bad tasty food and too much booze. I lost 20% kidney function. Changed my diet and stopped drinking for the last 9 months and I`ve had a big improvement in my health. Look after yourself please mate. Can`t buy good health eh.

Table salt is the toxic salt in everything tinned etc,

thank you for the video about your health,will always watch what you produce, what ever it contains,wishing you all the best for the future.

So sorry to hear that regards Greg

Darren, I can only agree with all the advice you have been give. Get a proper check up to diagnose properly and take the advice to change what is necessary. As far as doing a channel for healthy eating is concerned I think it would still be followed based on you taking it from a different perspective, ie: you would be talking from their experiences and may be able to help them too.

You know Darren we love watching your personal approach to food, please keep the channel but let us follow your journey as you get health. So many people are in your position and desperately need to put their health first but don't have the inspiration that you give You're doing a great job. Use your audience to benefit all us to get healthy

This is great! I look forward to it🎉

Hi Darren, I actually made a comment about the huge number of calories you were eating with that cheesecake place in NY. I’m currently on a serious diet myself. I was 15 stone 9 in February and doctor told me my cholesterol was high and that I needed to lower it immediately with lifestyle changes otherwise I’d need statins, I’m only 61. Well it was the shock that I needed, I’m now 13 stone 3 and aiming for 12.5 stone hopefully by the autumn. It’s been a slog but I feel so much fitter and you can’t beat the buzz stepping on the scales and seeing the weight come off. I swim and walk a lot and eat sensibly and cut the beer by 50%. I want to make permanent changes as I’m not getting younger. I wish you luck with your health mate 👍

Hi Darren, you were 13 Stone ? Wow ! Obviously, the food in New York has really brought this issue to a head. I went through a similar situation which came to a head 10 years ago and culminated in an overnight stay in ER where I finally realized I'd been living with diabetes type 2 for years without knowing it. Too much eating of everything, drinking of cocktails. Only a few kilos overweight, not an alcoholic, but that's how you fly under the radar and tell yourself that all is good. I'm not on insulin, just some tablets, and being without a car now, I walk a lot. Keep your channel, Darren. It's not like we're tuning in to only see the food. We wanna see you, too, Mr John Thaw ! Gary over at Gary Eats has also put on weight, so these food reviews are something of a weight trap. I used to be a sales rep, and all the sales reps over 40 were carrying a gut because of all the fast food and sugary drinks consumed on the job. I've often thought that if we dined at a Michelin starred restaurant every night we'd end up looking like the Michelin Man. All the best, Darren. Look forward to the next video even if it's not about food.

I had a very similar situation a year ago. I was overweight and I never exercised. I am 59 years old, 58 at the time and I work in the medical field so I knew it was time to get some testing based on my age and family history. I had no prior health issues other than being overweight and having a little high blood pressure and slightly elevated A1C numbers. I had a test known as a calcium score. It's essentially a CT scan of your heart which pretty accurately tells your doctor if you have any blockages. I luckily did not have any major blockages but I did have a little plaque build up. Ideally you want your Calcium score to be zero or as close to zero as possible. Mine was 766 which is very high for somebody my age. It meant I had atherosclerosis. I additionally had an echo cardiogram which showed that I had a small amount of diastolic dysfunction which means that part of my heart is not pumping efficiently. To some extent everybody has this by my age. Both conditions are extremely serious and if I did nothing about either, there was a pretty good chance I would end up with a heart attack within 5-10 years. I immediately became vegan, it's the only known diet to reverse heart disease and I began exercising. I also gave up sugar, salt and fat. In fact, my diet is borderline Keto, it's a very low carb diet. Within a month, I lost 50lbs. I discovered, eating this way, I could eat as much as I wanted and would not gain a pound and if I wanted to lose weight, the only other thing I had to do is simply stop eating after dinner. That was it. I found a ton of vegan food that I love and I discovered sugar substitutes that are as good as real sugar, especially Sucralose and Monk Fruit. You don't have to be a Vegan to be healthy but for me, it was the best way to address my issues. As far as you retaining salt, you likely also have high blood pressure. You need to be taking hydrochlorothiazide. I am sure your doctor already told you this and you may want to add a beta blocker or other BP lowering drug. Ask your doctor for a Calcium Score and on your next blood test, you want to request that they check APOB and LP(a). Your doctor will know what these are. You must get your triglycerides and your LDL within range which I assume are not at this point. Water retention is often also an indicator of congestive heart disease so you need to get a stress test and an Echo Cardiogram too, to make sure your heart is healthy. At this point it's all reversible and it's great to hear you're taking it seriously. You know your friend Lee Davey had a health scare about a year ago and he initially said he was going to take it seriously but he fell back into his old routine. I don't know what it will take for him to take his health more seriously but he is looking for trouble with his diet. If you want some help with your diet like food suggestions, I think I can help. I would be happy to share some of my recipes and things I found that I really love that I bet you would really like too. I may start a RU-vid channel about healthy eating. I love cooking. I know how to even make desserts that you would swear are loaded with fat and sugar and are in fact extremely healthy and delicious. The most important thing, don't talk yourself into anything. I am willing to bet, you're not having a heart attack or stroke any time soon. Just stay calm, get all of the tests so you know where you are and everything will be just fine.

Best of luck with your diet Darren. It’s not easy I know. I’ve been a yo yo dieter for all of my adult life.

There must be a space I think for eating in a way that works for type-2 diabetics, there are huge numbers with that diagnosis - and even more close to it.

I’d like to watch you document a weight loss and healthy living transformation. Joining the gym and changing diet and showing us how you get on from a starting point of current weight loss to your goal. It may motivate you to stick to it

Good luck with the journey Darren. Definitely interested in seeing the journey. I started about 4 years ago and can’t get enough of it. I’d 100% recommend reading “ultra processed people” by Chris Van Tulleken.

Hi Darren, I’m very sorry to hear about your illness…although I must be honest and say that I’m not surprised. I watch all your videos and they have been very enjoyable, but…..you have been compromising your health over the last few years with not only the food and non-food you have been eating, but the regularity of it as well. I saw this coming and have dropped hints and suggestions in some of my comments to your past videos although I did not want to appear to be lecturing you. However, you are a decent bloke and I like you and I am now going to give you a monologue which you can read and take notice of, or ignore. I personally think it will help you recover. The good news is, as long as too much damage hasn’t been done, is that your issues can be reversed. First of all, get to your GP and get your tests done so that a proper diagnoses can be given. Your problems have been caused by 1) consuming far too much sugar, glucose, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup etc. 2) consuming too many refined carbs 3) consuming a far greater ratio of health destroying Omega 6 seed oils as opposed to health promoting Omega 3 fatty acids 4) consuming too much deep fried food and it would appear from your videos that you hardly eat any fresh vegetables or berries 5) lack of regular exercise work-outs It is especially bad for the heart, arteries, blood vessels and organs if seed oils are heated to high temperatures such as deep frying. Cafes and restaurants re-heat the same cheap oil over and over again making it even more toxic and converting into a trans fat which IS the number one cause of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. You have been eating in these places very regularly for years and I have to say, you do not always choose the healthiest option. I couldn’t quite believe what you were eating during your recent trip to New York and I did think to myself that your diet was not sustainable and you would get ill eventually. This is what you can start doing to immediately help your body recover. 1) Commence intermittent fasting - the 16/8 method. Have an 8 hour window only for eating and only water for the other 16. 2) Cut out all soft drinks, energy drinks and all fruit juice 3) Cut out alcohol 4) Cut out deep fried food 5) Cut out white mass produced supermarket bread 6) Cut out margarine and ALL low fat spreads 5) Minimise eating in cafes, restaurants etc. and go for grilled chicken, steak, eggs, fresh vegetables, salad, sourdough bread, olives, tomatoes, houmus, plain greek yoghurt, whole grains, lentils, seeds, grilled bacon, grilled sausages 6) Minimise consumption of baked beans 7) Minimise consumption of sauces, mayonnaise, salad dressing etc. 8) Increase consumption of Extra Virgin Olive Oil especially drizzling it cold over salads and also use it for light frying or baking - can also use Ghee and Coconut Oil for light frying (curries/stir-frys etc) 9) Increase consumption of grass fed butter such as Kerrygold 10) Get plenty of exercise - resistance training, walking, swimming - at least 5 times per week for 30 minutes 11) Cut out cakes, biscuits, pastries etc. 12) Eat plenty of tinned sardines, mackerel and anchovies in extra virgin olive oil or just olive oil - NOT sunflower oil or tomato sauce 13) Eat whole natural foods that have not been messed around with or been modified - fresh vegetables, berries, salad (cucumber, celery, avocados, tomatoes, wild rocket, fresh leaves, beetroot, olives etc.) and mushrooms 14) Limit intake of high sugar fruits such as mango, pineapple, grapes, banana etc. 15) Practice more home cooking with high quality, fresh ingredients just like you said you are going to do. You can totally control what you are putting into your body. I tell you what, the videos will be fabulous and well worth watching! VERY IMPORTANT - saturated natural fats such as those found in meat, cheese, coconut, avocados, extra virgin olive oil are NOT the problem. It’s sugar, refined carbs and seed oils that are the destroyers of health. Avoid anything low fat or sugar free because it means that they have removed the natural stuff and replaced it with unnatural chemicals, additives, flavourings, flavour enhancers etc. I’m sorry about this monologue Darren and I hope you aren’t offended…but I have done all this myself over the past three years and it has resulted in me losing loads of weight and my blood figures are the best they’ve been for years. The important markers for Cholesterol readings are your HDL figure which should be high and your Triglyceride figure which should be low if all is well. If they are OK then a high LDL reading is not that bad a thing. Basically Cholesterol is good as long as it is the right Cholesterol. You want large particle size LDL as opposed to small particle size LDL. Unfortunately many doctors are still ignorant on this information but ask for a full print out of your Cholesterol test. When your body is back to it’s best you can start to introduce the odd treat or meal into your life again that you have been going without 👍 I wish you all the best matey and I will definitely still be watching your future videos. Have a great holiday!

Hey buddy - what’s done is done so you’re doing the right thing in making changes. Health before everything cos without it we’re nothing! Always here if needed DJ! 👍👍🙏🙏

Good man Darren.

Look after you self It’s hard changing your Chanel as I no but it our health and well-being is first

You should start heavy Detox, start fasting 17hours to start them work it up to 72 and more if you can, , you can get patches for your feet while sleeping, Hot bath with cup of Organic Bicarbonate of soda, Borax or boron ( may have to use the chemical name to be able to buy it ) Epsom salt , Bentonite clay, freezing cold showers after a Shauna,

Good luck Darren take care of your self and maybe cooking healthy and filming it might help us all

Darren I’m so glad you are taking these steps, as a middle aged woman myself with a disability health does indeed come first, so far I’ve lost 7 stone and got some more to go I even set up a RU-vid channel this month to help keep me accountable and others seem to be liking it as health is all we have at the end of the day. Good luck DJ I’m right behind you ❤

Go for it. I’ve been on a low fat diet for 18 months and doing well I’d love to see your journey. Good luck I love your channel so honest and real. Take care and share your journey that is the way forward xxx

Don't beat yourself up on the weight. What about strategic use of doggy bags (off camera😉) Or going to restaurants with a friend who can take some of the eating off your shoulders. Reach out to your faithful followers for tips. Great honesty. I am incredibly fortunate. At the toughest time with the heart my wife would sit by my hospital bed crying and begging me not to die. That's when I stopped F***ing around. Same for my two kids.

I think cutting out sugars and salts is a good idea. You can help others with your new food quest. I cut out sodas and sweets entirely and staying on a reduced salt, and drank more water etc. IT will not be boring; it's more of a good challenge. Stay positive.

I think you do need to see a doctor asap. You haven't looked well for a while. I did think you had liver or thyroid problems, it happened to me a couple of years ago I didn't go to the doctor's and ended up in hospital for weeks. Take care and look after yourself.

Hi Darren get yourself checked out asap your health comes first. I have to cancel a trip to Malaga in October due to my recent health scare. I had a heart attack 8 years ago and I also have long covid which has left me with respiratory problems. See your doctor . David

Hi Darren its good that your confessing the truth I know I’ve struggle with my weight and I’m overweight myself. I’m 22 stone and a half and I used to be 11 1/2 stone at one point yeah it’s hard to lose weight when you got all this nice food. I love your homemade cooking, cook as need help losing weight as well 🧑‍🍳

You can show everyone how fun and easy it is to eat healthy

Get yourself to the doctors for a full check hopefully it’s nothing I could just be that long haul flight that you’ve just been on I’ve been watching you since COVID and been to a lot of places you’ve been to when visiting out capital from Sunderland and commented on a lot of your videos what ever you do on both of your channels I’ll still be with you take care Darren go and get checked asap

Darren - just some constructive feedback and thoughts on this video please. I’ve been following you for around 3 years and I always enjoy the content and way you present your vlogs. If my memory serves me correct about 6 - 8 months ago you started a new regime of trying to eat healthier and keep fit, I recall the mention of a suit that you were unable to fit into. In my opinion as you age, and we all do, it’s vital to eat a good balanced diet, watch your alcohol intake, and exercise when you can, even a walk of 15 mins each day helps. You started off well for a while but then I notice you went back to many foods that are not that healthy (high in salt and fat). You mentioned in this video the concern that if you start eating healthy again you might have to stop vlogging about food. I think you can tweak things in a way that works for your health and continues the development of your channel, I’ll explain how. You can concentrate on finding restaurants with healthy dishes, or just selecting items on the menu that are better for you, because you’d be amazed how many people would follow you if that was the case, I would continue for one. Today millions of people are all about healthy eating, especially a lot of younger people. I am originally from the UK, travelled the world for years with my job, but have lived in the USA off and on for past 14 years. You can still have the odd English breakfast from time to time, and the odd fish and chips, or a burger, but if 80% of your channel was all about a good balanced diet and eating healthy that might be the answer. I am convinced you will retain most of your current followers and you’d pick-up more. When you and I grew up in the UK in the 70’s there was only the chippy, Indian, and the Chinese takeaway, but today we have so many good healthy eating options, including Thai, Turkish, Greek etc. It’s even easier overseas in countries like, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and even the USA. I know you’ve just been to NY, and yes crazy cost of living today, but NY has many good vegetarian and vegan restaurants of all standards, or good meat and fish places where you just don't order items with loads of creams or sauces, and they are not that much more expensive than the fast food joints. There are many cities in the USA that are big travel destinations for culture and food, like, San Antonio, Asheville, San Diego, San Fran, I could go on. On your trip to Thailand, you’ll find amazing places even street food that is so healthy and very cheap compared to UK or the USA. I am sorry this goes on a bit, but I still think you can grow your channel and tweak a few things to move towards a healthier balanced diet. Keep up the good work!

I for one am looking forward to following your journey. It would be great if you uploaded cooking content with low calorie versions of things like fakeaways, when it's good food but cooked healthily (aite frier etc). I could do woth some motivation myself. Similar boat to you. I was under 14 stone when covid hit. Running, gym every day, eating well. But piled rhe weight on since. Looking forward to your new content for some motivation!! 💪

Cooking from home would definitely be interesting. Maybe do a restaurant review once a week.

In honesty Darren I would prefer to see you going for healthier options in your videos,it’s not all fish and chips and greasy spoons out there,set an example and change peoples minds to a healthier lifestyle,it could be the making of you 👍

I'm not surprised all the breakfasts you reviewed. You seemed to do them every other review, mixed among fish and chips! I have high blood pressure, and to combat it, I am always walking. I have a smart watch that tells me how far I walk, and I walk at least five miles a day, sometimes I do twelve. I do go to a gym occasionally, but walking burns more calories. So, don't just change your diet, exercise also.

Salt's a killer, Darren. We enjoy your videos but health must come first. All the best.

DJ, moderation mate, enjoy the food but keep up the walking / exercise, also you don’t have to finish everything. Thailand will be awesome, they eat clean. Love your work brother, Pellici’s was awesome on my visit from Australia last month!

On the plus side Darren you are always out and about. The secret to weight loss is don't eat Carbs. It's amazing how easy it is. Meat, dairy fruit and veg and include a sweet treat. Good luck Darren @Darren John

I wish you determination & good progress Darren ,with your self preservation,and all it's new foods & drinks, as you tune up ,back to a healthy ,happy dismeanor. Looking forward to some inspiring new videos ,I'm sure I speak for many on here ,wishing you all the best pal.

I suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease. Swollen lower legs and ankles are a very common symptom of damaged, diseased and failing kidneys. It might be a good idea to get that checked out, especially because whilst CKD isn't curable the rate of damage to the kidneys can be slowed and even arrested, That doesn't necessarily mean dialysis either. Mine has been succesfully treated for some years now by controlling my blood pressure and losing weight. For reference I am a 56 year old white male, 6'2" tall and now weigh about 14 stone. In the years leading up to my diagnosis I was at times up to 17 stone. Good luck, I wish you well.

Keep it up D J just cut out the rich stuff i came down from 107 to 80 kilos over 18 months [apple cider vinegar lemon juice with water burns the fat of you and friends say i lost a lot or have i been ill had colonospaty and full M R scan came back all fine ] good luck mate 🥰😂

DJ sorry to hear that you've got health concerns. I had a massive heart attack last year that left me with heart failure. I've had to change my diet but it's not as bad as you might think. Still plenty of food places to visit that ain't filled with fat. Wish you all the best!

What about vlogging your weight loss. Your meals which you could make challenges from. 1000 calourie a day challenge for a week. Veggies for a week etc. And then you jump on the scales.

Drink plenty of water..our bodies are mostly made up of water so if we don’t drink adequate amounts of water the body just holds onto what amount it needs. Please cut way down on sugar intake including drinks,desserts , hi foods high in starch and breads. Carbohydrates hold onto water also causing swelling in hands and feet. I am a medical clinician and I’ve experienced the same as you..cutting out the foods I’ve just mentioned has really helped my medical problems as well as high blood pressure..Rice.pasta are also culprits along with potatoes and grains. I’ve enjoyed watching you eat all the food hoping you wouldn’t be me ill. Meat and protein fills you up and is good for you. Hope this helps..I know it’s not easy to follow this way of eating but it’s worth it for good health and feeling better. I will watch whatever you decide to do. You are amazing and it shines through your videos. Best of luck❤

When you come thailand everything is covered in salt and sugar on the streets. Just a warning

Make this a home cooking channel darren, some are very popular on RU-vid these days, I would definitely still watch 👍🏻

Hi DJ I was about to comment on one of your videos about your health/weight but i didn’t want to offend you. I knew you would know yourself if you know what I mean but the only way you can help yourself is to admit the truth. I’m glad you have realised this and as I followed you for a long time, I have 100% faith you will get your health back on track. All the best I will continue to support you.

Darren combine some light exercise in with the food plan. Slowly slowly catchy monkey. Your original health videos inspired me on my journey. I would love to see you back at fighting weight. Take care pal

Please do the cooking , will be great for all everyone

Darren mate just look after yourself, we all want the best for you so if that means different kind of videos I'm all in. They say a change is as good as a rest. 👍

Having lost 15….(yes…fifteen )stone myself,I sure know where you are coming from Darren.I understand the dicipline it takes and concentration to shed that bit of excess you have there….If I may say so….you certainly carry the weight well….you must be tall.We ,your followers won’t forget you!.I am sure you will find new ways to present delicious and healthy options!…..and you will lose fast….Men always do….plus,you have a lot of water weight form your NYC trip…not to fret my friend……you shall overcome! You will be fit as a fiddle for Thailand!…Take care…..work hard!….we are all behind you!

Fasting 17 hour's to start with then upto 72 hours and more 5 days your body repairs all, ❤😊

Take fluezimide water tablets Daran ,they are very good for removing water and getting the swelling down on legs and ankles ,I am currently on saxenda to get my weight down which is quite abit higher than yours and I’ve lost about 10 kg in about 2 months .keep smiling and I’ll see you on ya next vlog 😊

Love your channel DJ! And thats from someone who has lost 40 kilos. No Sugar Low Carbs and look into the Keto Diet and even the Carnivore diet with time restricted eating. Ken Berry on You Tube is a good place to start .... and please do not do Low Fat!! - thats how we all got here in the first place! All the best to you :)

Hi Darren, I just wanted to drop a note to say how much I admire your content and the passion you bring to it. Your journey has been incredible, and it’s been amazing to watch you explore and discover hidden gems around London. I totally understand the shift in direction with your health journey, and I’m genuinely excited about the new content you’ll be creating! I would absolutely love to see you cooking up a storm in the kitchen. A live cooking session sounds like a fantastic idea-seeing you experiment with new recipes and make mistakes in real-time could be really fun and engaging! Since I’m a pescatarian, I’d be thrilled to see you try out some vegetarian and pescatarian recipes as well. Your dedication to finding unique spots and your willingness to evolve your content is inspiring. I’m looking forward to all the new adventures you’ll take us on, whether it’s exploring fresh recipes or finding more hidden culinary gems. Wishing you all the best on this new journey. Health is truly wealth, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

hope you feel better. remember no body expects you to finish every meal you review

I’d like just one channel with healthy cooking and more motorbiking combined😀. Look after yourself dj. Xxx

I would be really interested in seeing you cook more. I have recently been diagnosed as type 2 diabetic and trying to follow a low carb diet and lose weight. For my health I want to do it. Your cooking vids would really help me. We are only 55 and a lot more living to do. Look forward to seeing them.

Hi Darren - I agree with the comment below - 10 years ago I had a TIA - no warning as there never is - came out the other side OK in the end but the process of scans - check ups and so on I was diagnosed with arrhythmia, type 2 diabetes and hypertension so yeah go see a medic and get tests. In my experience swollen lower legs is caused by oedema and yes you are correct that can come from being overweight and consuming too much salt - it can also be a sign of blood pressure issues so doctors it is for you.

Do some videos about London if you want. It doesn't have to be about food. All the best for your health.