Sky News host’s top five rules for smashing the kilos

Talkback host Chris Smith reveals how a secret snack almost derailed his punishing mission to shed 10 kilograms in three months.

Drinking vodka lime sodas, hitting the gym, and going for bike rides with his twin boys — Chris Smith may seem unrecognisable to many who were used to seeing the talkback host downing beers and smashing a pizza.

So far, it is only some sliced cheese that has waylaid him, Smith says.

But the Sky News and 2GB presenter is determined to keep this ‘New Year New Me’ version of himself around for the long run after committing to losing 10 kilograms in three months.

It’s been two weeks since Smith paired up with his wife, nutritionist Susie Burrell, to shed the weight and he has already lost 3 kgs.

Personal trainer Clea Mahon with radio host Chris Smith at All Sorts Gym, Alexandria. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“I’ve got myself a bicycle and I’ve been doing a couple of kilometres yesterday and a couple of kilometres the day before and I intend to do another hour just now. I’m really enjoying this bicycle thing,” he says.

The 58-year-old admits he isn’t a gym enthusiast but will begin gym sessions this week.

“I’m transitioning out of beer and stuff and I drink vodka soda. I’m finding if I throw some ice in it and a little bit of lemon, this can be my replacement drink. The beer and wine are out of the house. I detest the gym but I’m going to the gym. When it gets colder I’m going to have to rely on the gym more so I may as well start now.”

It’s hasn’t all been easy, with Smith confessing he indulges in his son’s Gus and Harry’s cheese block after a hard day of staying healthy.

Susie Burrell was sceptical about her husband’s commitment to slimming down but say she’s seen a great improvement. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I crashed and burned one night this week and found some cheese. I found the kids’ cheese Susie uses to put on sandwiches. So I’ve only messed up once. I had a couple of cheating slices. I’m finding it difficult at night still (not to snack) … but if I go without it for another month I think I’ll be OK.”

“But he didn’t eat it all,” his wife and diet coach Burrell adds.

The renowned health guru had been sceptical about her husband’s commitment to slimming his waistline two weeks ago but says she’s seen a great improvement.

“He’s so much better in the morning, not so grumpy. I would like to see his habits in the morning better because he isn’t having a great breakfast or even lunch,” she says. “He’s gone very cold turkey on the night stuff. I’d like to see him walking more during the day. I walk at least 12 to 15,000 steps a day so next week I’ll try to get him to come with me.”

And the mum-of-two has seen her husband’s new healthy habits rub off on her sons as well.

Chris Smith says he detests the gym but will stick with regular workouts. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“We were so thrilled because when Chris bought the bike, for the first time, our little boys were like ‘Let’s go for a ride’. And it was just music to my ears, and the three of them went off and they’d never done that before,” she says.

1. Starting the gym this week to get in the habit for winter when he can’t exercise outdoors.

2. Bought a bike and going on daily bike rides with his sons and on his own.

3. Cutting out on unhealthy late night snacks like cheese and pizza. Susie is working on replacing these with healthier options to munch on.

4. Swapping high fat alcohol like beer and wine with low-calorie alternatives like vodka lime sodas

5. Slowly incorporating healthy shakes and frozen low-calorie meal into his diet plan

Originally published as Sky News host’s top five rules for smashing the kilos