Dr Michael Mosley’s fast way to lose weight: Tasty snacks to TURBO weight loss 

Despite everything we now know about eating healthily, it is alarming to see obesity levels in the UK continuing to rise.

Although many of us are clearly eating too much of the wrong food, I don’t believe it is simply because we are greedy or weak willed. New research suggests that current obesity rates are, at least in part, being driven by lack of one key macronutrient: high quality protein.

That’s why, on my three-stage weight-loss plan, you can snack on salami crisps or halloumi fries and indulge in the occasional dish of protein-rich chocolate mousse or mini cheesecake without jeopardising your weight-loss success.

Protein is essential for the building of muscles, hormones and much of the infrastructure of our bodies. Every cell in our body contains protein and eating enough of it is absolutely vital for growth and repair. Good sources of high-quality protein include eggs, fish, meat, beans, legumes and tofu.

Although many of us are clearly eating too much of the wrong food , I don’t believe it is simply because we are greedy or weak willed

Recent research from Australia has shown that we have a specific appetite for protein and when the protein content of the food we eat is too low, we are compelled to go on eating until we have satisfied that protein need.

Which helps explain why it’s so easy for some of us to polish off a big bag of crisps or a packet of biscuits in one sitting!

That’s why we have made protein a key part of each stage of my new Fast 800 keto diet plan. On the first rapid weight-loss stage of the diet, where you stick within an 800 to 900 daily calorie limit, you should aim to eat at least 50g of protein a day.

On the intermittent fasting (stage two), when you don’t need to count calories on non-fast days, 60g to 80g of protein a day is advised and closer to 100g for the elderly, as we tend to absorb less protein as we get older.

And on the ‘way of life’ maintenance plan, you can achieve optimal health and prevent weight gain by eating at least 1g of protein per kg of body weight (so, if you weigh 80kg, that’s 80g of protein a day).

All the recipes which have been created for the plan by my wife, Dr Clare Bailey (follow her on Instagram for recipe videos and tips at #drclarebailey), have been carefully calibrated to ensure just enough good quality protein in every meal.

On my three-stage weight-loss plan , you can snack on salami crisps or halloumi fries and indulge in the occasional dish of protein-rich chocolate mousse

Protein is essential for the building of muscles, hormones and much of the infrastructure of our bodies

On the first rapid weight-loss stage of the diet, where you stick within an 800 to 900 daily calorie limit, you should aim to eat at least 50g of protein a day. Pictured: Flourless ham muffins

On fast days (and throughout the rapid weight-loss stage), you can choose to eat three meals or two. And as long as you stay within the daily calorie limits, you can indulge in a selection of tempting low-carb, high-protein snacks and treats such as the ones here, safe in the knowledge you are topping up on fat-burning fuel.

MEDICAL NOTE: Rapid weight loss does not suit everyone. If you are frail, have a significant underlying medical condition, are on insulin, have type 2 diabetes and are on medication, are on blood pressure medication, have moderate or severe retinopathy, or have epilepsy or gallstones, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, please talk to your doctor before going on this diet. It is not suitable for teenagers, people with a history of an eating disorder, have a psychiatric illness, are unwell, underweight or doing endurance exercise.