Dave Alastair hasn’t stepped into the gym, eating whatever he wanted, but somehow he completely changed his body within less than a year.
What’s the only thing that’s changed? He moved from the US to Europe, where he celebrates lifestyle changes and better food quality due to his dramatic results.
Photos from around the age of 33 show clear differences. His pot belly is gone and replaced by a defined breast, sculpted oblique, healthy glow.
But it’s not just about the appearance – Dave says blood tests will back it up.
Before leaving the US, his cholesterol levels were flagged as “elevated.” Eight months after living in Europe, the new test revealed that his numbers not only had declined, but had reached “optimal” levels.
Dave, who previously lived in Reno, Nevada, claims he hasn’t made a conscious effort to lose weight or become healthy.
He claims he did not overhaul his meals or start a workout. In fact, he leaned harder to dull.
“When I arrived in Europe, I didn’t follow my diet plan,” he said. “I drank a lot of wine and beer and ate all the local delicacies wherever I went.”
“I wasn’t trying to pass on the pain of Paris.
Before and after photos of 33-year-old Dave Alastair, he shows he modeled Svelter’s physique after his time abroad, and says medical tests also showed improvements in health. His tattoo is turned over in “after” photos as it is a selfie with a mirror
Despite his extravagant diet, Dave discovers that the pound falls, which he concedes to various differences between Europe and the US when it comes to food and lifestyle choices.
First, the YouTuber believes that “European foods are much higher quality and do not have additives, fillers (the ingredients that are mainly added to food to increase volume and bulk), genetically modified organisms, chemicals, etc.
The Tilly Distribution of Ingredient Distributors highlights why this difference in ingredients occurs between the two regions.
“In the US, the FDA has taken a more handoff approach, particularly to testing and testing, and in many cases it allows new food ingredients unless proven to be harmful.
“This includes ingredients such as GMO, growth hormone, chemical preservatives, etc.
“In Europe, EFSA requires that additives be safely proven prior to approval, banning the use of growth hormone and some chemical additives.”
Experts believe the ultra-processed nature of US food and European products can play a role in weight gain.
For example, many pasta brands in the US use additives such as thickening agents, coloring agents, and durability agents, extending shelf life, which is linked to swelling, blunting and diabetes.
Meanwhile, in Europe, pasta is usually made from semolina flour and water alone, excluding preservatives.
And science suggests that a shortage of processed foods can have real benefits.
For example, a 2022 study in the Journal of Nutrition found that less processed pasta tends to be slower digestion, and slower glucose into the blood.
Amie Alexander, a registered dietitian at Nutri Peak in Australia, previously told Dailymail.com that in European countries such as Portugal, Spain and Italy, the portion tends to be smaller in European countries that may help digestion.
She said: “Meals are combined with other nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables, which can further slow blood sugar response.”
Dave then says he observed how Europeans drank more coffee and smoking than Americans.
Many studies have shown that coffee is consumed moderately and can be beneficial for weight loss if added with excessive sugar or cream.
Following one 2023 study, coffee habits occurred in over 150,000 participants, and it was found that drinking unsweetened coffee was associated with a slight decrease in weight gain over the past four years after adjusting for other lifestyle variables.
Despite his luxurious meals, Dave discovers that the pound falls, and he places this on various differences between Europe and the US when it comes to food and lifestyle choices
Dave’s photo from when he lived in America before he transformed
With each additional cup, coffee drinkers were about a quarter less than their peers.
On the other hand, nicotine in tobacco is well known to suppress appetite, increase metabolism and, despite its significant increase in cancer risk, it also serves as a distraction from hunger and food cravings.
He didn’t change his workout regime, but Dave said he started walking a lot more after moving to Europe.
“When I’m in Europe, I’m definitely walking a lot more than I do in the US, I think this is due to design,” Globetrotter said.
“During the automotive boom of the early 20th century, many transactions were made to invest heavily in highways instead of trains, which is how America became such a car-centric culture.
“I think this contributes to the fact that on average Europeans walk a lot more than Americans.”
Walking after a meal has always been shown to help food digest more quickly, and gas facilitates the entire digestive system and prevents bloating.
A 2022 study even found that a two-minute walk after eating could lower blood sugar levels, as muscles absorb excess glucose into the bloodstream.
Finally, Dave says that food in US grocery stores is generally unhealthy than in Europe, and fast food culture is another major perpetrator of the obesity epidemic.
He explains that breakfast cereals in America are “comprised of corn and sugar,” but that organic grocery stores such as whole food are only accessible to wealthy shoppers.
Meanwhile, in Europe, he says, there is a market for fresher produce and farmers.
On the topic of fast food, he told viewers in one of his YouTube videos:
“In the US, it can be easier to go through a drive-thru, as life is very fast.
After posting about his weight loss experience in Europe, many viewers responded with similar stories
“Now there is a fast food drive thrus in Europe, but most people choose different, healthier options and eat fast food in moderation.
“European fast food is a much smaller portion than US fast food.”
In conclusion, Dave says he doesn’t claim that if he moves to Europe, he will magically lose all this weight and become extremely healthy.
After posting about his weight loss experience in Europe, many viewers responded with similar stories.
One commenter wrote: “I lived in Barcelona for a year and the same thing happened to me. And I ate everything. I drank fresh bread and other baked goods, fried foods, wine every day.
“When I returned to Los Angeles, I was lighter than ever and had zero food allergies.
“Here in LA, I think it’s beneficial to refrain from alcohol if you want to be low-carb, gluten-free and feel better and avoid gaining weight.”
Another viewer revealed: “When I was there, I realized the same thing. I was in Portugal for my first two weeks in Europe, and there I noticed the biggest difference.
“I was walking more and exploring more, my stress levels fell to anything and my food looked much healthier.
“I went at 31 waist and returned to the US at almost 30 waists. My 2 liters were once again six packs, and honestly felt ten years younger.
“We had sangria and gelato on a regular basis, but I feel that everything is more natural and not full of preservatives.”
