A Scottish mother-of-three has revealed how she lost an incredible 8.5 stone after growing tired of feeling like a 'catfish' in her own social media photos.
From Selfies to a Lifestyle Change
Danielle Davies, 35, from Fife, weighed 18 stone 7lbs at her heaviest and struggled to fit into a size 22. Her diet regularly included pizza and chip takeaways up to three times a week, alongside frequent snacking out of boredom rather than hunger.
Her turning point came after seeing an unflattering photo from her birthday. "I tried to cut out my belly from the photo - that's what made me change," she admitted. Dating experiences where people said she was "bigger than expected" despite warnings had also taken their toll.
A New Approach to Food and Fitness
Having tried "every diet you can think of" with only temporary success, Danielle decided to remove the pressure in October 2023. She stopped calling it a diet and simply began calorie counting.
She swapped out takeaways and crisps for protein pancakes, overnight oats, and tomatoes. By February 2024, she had lost 3.5 stone and decided to join a local bootcamp to accelerate her progress, taking up weight exercises and squats.
"I joined a bootcamp after that which gave me my exact calorie deficit," Danielle explained. "Three classes a week where I learnt my protein intake, water, steps." She later added gym workouts, which helped her shed a further 5 stone.
Life After Losing 8.5 Stone
Danielle now weighs a healthy 10 stone and comfortably wears a size eight to 10. The residential care worker has rediscovered her energy, playing actively with her four-year-old son and no longer worrying about aeroplane seatbelts.
"I'm no longer editing my photos or trying to shrink and make myself smaller when I'm having my photo taken," she said. "I don't try and hide or disguise my body anymore." A key milestone was reaching her goal weight for her sister's wedding in July.
Her advice to others is to "still enjoy yourself". She allows herself the occasional treat, like a single piece of chocolate, to maintain balance without derailing her progress. "I can still live my life and enjoy myself, but just in a healthier way," she emphasised.
Danielle's daily diet has been completely transformed:
- Old Diet: Toast with butter, fried eggs, baguettes with crisps and chocolate, multiple fajita wraps, takeaways, and bedtime chocolate.
- New Diet: Protein pancakes or overnight oats, a protein bagel with ham and tomatoes, and measured portions of meals like pasta-based fajitas.
