Northern Ireland snooker star Mark Allen has quit the fast food binges in a bid to find happiness on and off the baize.
The former Masters champion, 36, was “embarrassed” by how much he previously ate as he ballooned up the scales.
But the Antrim ace impressively made drastic changes behind the scenes after feeling short of breath at times around the table.
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A grim warning from a close pal saying he could miss young daughter Harleigh walking down the aisle spurred him into action in the summer.
And the stream-lined world No 9 has staggeringly shed almost six stone and feels better than ever.
“It’s embarrassing to say how much I used to eat,” revealed Allen, ahead of kicking off his UK Championship title charge today.
“There was a photo I distinctly remember when I was away with a friend at a tournament and I wouldn’t even think about it at the time but we were only in Sheffield for three days and there were like 12 different containers of food and takeaways.
“We’d eat pizza, we’d eat kebabs, we’d eat McDonalds. Anything that was bad, we loved it. We were making the most of it.
“Breakfast would be McDonalds, lunch would be out at a cafe for pasta or paninis and dinner would be pigging out on everything.
”We’d get starters, mains, sides and then snacking in the room on chocolate, sweets and crisps.
“Anything I could be doing wrong I was doing wrong. It’s embarrassing to say, but admitting it was the first big step to sort of cure it.
“There’s a huge convenience side, but it’s no excuse. It’s the same for everyone on tour and only a handful [of players] looked like me.
“If you want to be disciplined you will be and I just wasn’t. It’s been a big change, but one I definitely needed to make.
“Looking back now it’s really embarrassing what I used to go through and how big I was. You can’t let yourself get that big.”
Allen’s stark lifestyle changes have helped on and off the table.
He has a new-found perspective on the game where he doesn’t let tough defeats affect his home life.
The left-hander painfully lost in last month’s British Open final, but immediately bounced back with a magical title defence on home soil at the Northern Ireland Open.
And armed with sushi, carrot sticks and humous Allen feels ready to take on the world in his quest for titles.
“I feel like my game’s in good shape to compete in York,” added Allen.
“I’ve been playing well and it’s taken some good stuff to beat me recently.
“The most important thing is I’m happier and I’m feeling much better in myself.
“Snooker’s the only thing I’m good at, but I’ve worked hard to be a better person.
“I did it for my family at the end of the day and I’m pleased it’s helped my snooker as well.”
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