how Mariah lost 4 stone

No carbs, lay off the snacks and lots of fish

‘she knows she has to stay on this diet for life’

After going to the drastic measure of getting a gastric sleeve last year, it appears all of Mariah Carey’s (and her surgeon’s) hard work has paid off. Last week, the singer was pictured going to an LA TV studio looking incredibly slim in a form-fitting black dress.

We’re told Mariah, 48, had been feeling miserable last year and was desperate to get in shape quickly, which is why she resorted to surgery. And since losing over 4st, a source tells heat she is now keen to make sure she doesn’t put the weight back on.

“Last year, Mariah couldn’t control her cravings and she desperately needed help,” we’re told. “She’s now on a postbariatric [weight-loss surgery] diet and she loves it so much, she’s recommending it to all her friends, even if they haven’t had surgery!”

In order to keep the weight off, we’re told Mariah is following a super-strict plan set out by a nutritionist. It involves eating three meals a day, no bigger than the size of her fist, as the surgery she underwent shrunk her stomach size.

“Mariah has to keep hydrated throughout the day, but she has to abstain from any fluids 30 minutes before a meal,” our insider adds. “She’s also been told to avoid snacking unless it is fruit, vegetables or nuts.”

The diva singer – who’s been dating dancer Bryan Tanaka, 35, for 18 months – famously used to enjoy eating extravagant meals out, and we’re told the list of things she now has to avoid is quite tough. “No bread, no potatoes, no tortillas, no rice, no rolls, no pasta, no soda and a maximum of two glasses of wine a day.” Mimi has also been advised to take vitamins and a protein shake daily to maintain her health, as well as eating, “one piece of fruit and at least 60g of lean protein – mostly fish.”

Sadly, for a fan of sweet things, Mariah is only entitled to one treat a week – which can be no bigger than “the size of her finger”. Best order in some Cadbury Fingers, then. The source adds, “She knows she has to stay on this diet for life if she wants to stay slim. She also has to do an hour of exercise a day. So far, she’s managing and, when she gets hungry or thinks of food, she tells Bryan and he finds other ways to occupy her.” n Katie holloway