New Hucknall slimming group leader shows what's possible when 'all or nothing’ cycle finally ends

At 38, Danielle is open about the fact that her journey hasn’t been straightforward.

Her struggle with weight began during her university years, when the combination of newfound independence, irregular routines and social drinking led to years of yo-yo dieting.

What started as ‘a bit of extra weight’ gradually became a cycle of losing, regaining and feeling increasingly frustrated with herself.

Since then, she recalls repeatedly launching into strict fitness regimes, taking ‘before’ photos and promising herself that this time she would be militant – six workouts a week, perfect eating, and a complete transformation in three months.

But like many, she found that motivation alone wasn’t enough to sustain such intensity.

Week by week, the pattern repeated – work stress crept in, workouts became chores, progress felt slow, guilt set in and old habits returned.

And eventually, she would give up, vowing to start again when life felt less overwhelming.

She said: “It wasn’t laziness, I was using exercise as punishment and turning food as comfort but this often turned to bingeing and eating foods in secret that she didn’t even really even enjoy.

"I felt like I was failing at something everyone else seemed to manage.”

The turning point came when Danielle joined Slimming World and discovered food optimising – a plan she describes as ‘nourishing, flexible and genuinely life changing’.

Alongside this came a complete shift in how she viewed activity.

Rather than forcing herself through gruelling routines, she began choosing movement she enjoyed like long walks with her dogs, lifting weights, and running

These were activities she genuinely enjoyed, helping her find a rhythm rather than feel pressured, and showing her that movement doesn’t need to feel daunting to make a real difference.

The benefits were immediate and far reaching, including improved mood, better sleep, a calmer appetite and a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in years.

And food has remained a pleasure as she still enjoys Indian grill dishes, barbecues, roasts and fajitas — but now in ways that leave her feeling satisfied rather than sluggish.

She continued: “I never feel like I’m missing out, if anything, my meals are more satisfying now because I enjoy them without the guilt.”

Now a size eight to 10 and feeling healthier than ever, Danielle is determined to support others who may be stuck in the same cycle she once was.

And that has led her to open her own Slimming World group at the John Godber Centre in Hucknall.

Danielle hopes her group will become a supportive space for anyone who is balancing a busy life, mental health challenges, and the pressure to look after everyone but themselves.

The group opens this Saturday, April 18, with sessions at 7.15am, 8.45am, and 10.15am.

She adds: “This isn’t about perfection, it’s about healthfulness, happiness and finding a way of living that feels good long-term

"If I can break the cycle, anyone can, and I’d love to help them do it.”