Danielle Ruhl Says She Gained 20 Pounds Filming ‘Love Is Blind’ Season 2

Reality star Danielle Ruhl is opening up about her weight gain during season 2 of “Love is Blind.”

Although Ruhl walked away from the show a happily married woman after she and spouse Nick Thompson exchanged their “I Do” at the altar, Danielle recently opened up to her Instagram followers about her self-love journey.

On Sunday, Danielle shared a few different photos, of her on her journey to self-love and acceptance.

“The past year I’ve worked so much on self-love and focusing on inner beauty regardless of weight and appearance,” she began. “I know I discussed my insecurities on the show, and want everyone who related to know that you can overcome those insecurities, and are beautiful no matter what.”

“I deleted all the pictures of me at my heaviest from existence because I was ashamed,” she continued. “But I realize I shouldn’t be and I regret it and now embrace it.”

“I wanted to share a few photos of how my weight fluctuates throughout the months and years. (I even gained 20 lbs during filming due to stress),” she revealed. “Showing this to remind myself and everyone that beauty comes from the inside. We should love ourselves no matter what.”

“My weight can change all of the time based on time of year, healthy habits, stress levels, how busy I am etc. Now I forgive myself when this happens, and refuse to be my own worst critic,” she explained. “Also I’m not saying I’m heavy, fat, etc in these photos. Just showing how it is all over the place and has been and continues to be today.”

“There are self-love workbooks for women and men online that I’ve done that have helped me greatly so anyone who has similar insecurities and feelings can look into those as well. As always, love u all,” she said. She said that her two favorite workbooks are the “Self-Love Workbook for Women” by Megan Logan and “The Anxiety Workbook” by Arlin Cuncic.

She also explained how she lost weight in an “unhealthy way” and explained how she learned how to finally take control of her eating.

“I lost weight an unhealthy way the first time, transparently, and gained back more than I lost,” she explained. “I did a weight loss program (there are many now) that send meals bc it helped w portion control & I needed a rly strict regime to stick to. It made me realize what I should and shouldn’t eat, made me less hungry/overall changed my habits so I was able to crave healthier food.”

“I got off of the meal plan & started meal prepping (using my fitness pal to count calories/ macros/ overall making sure I was getting the right nutrients) now I just am used to knowing what I should eat! (While indulging while I feel like it),” she added, mentioning that her sister @meghanruhlz is also a dietician.

For exercise, Danielle shared that she “started with cardio (was hard bc was out of shape but increased daily) mainly elliptical bc of back problems with running. Then got into light weight lifting!”

Husband Nick Thompson wrote, “I am so proud of you for putting yourself out here in this way solely to help others.”

One user commented, “@nthompson513 🔥1000% This!! I needed this post yesterday when I saw it! It reminded me that I can do it!!” Danielle replied, “@sunshine2daze u got this love❤️❤️👏👏”

Iyanna Jones commented, “You should be so incredibly proud. I sure am! ❤️” Danielle replied, “@iyanna.amor ty loveeeee❤️❤️❤️❤️”

Mallory Zapata commented, “So proud of you 👏🏼!!!” Danielle replied, “@malloryzapata thank u loveeeee.”

Deepti Vempati commented, “So incredibly proud of you babe 🤍” Danielle replied, “@lifewithdeeps thank you, love! Proud of u always being an inspiration to the world and to me every single day❤️ ur the best human.”

Zoe Roe (who was not on the show) also commented, “I love that you posted this. You have no idea how many people you will help by sharing. You’re beautiful in every picture. I can relate to this post and I know the struggle with weight. I’m proud of you!💖” Danielle replied, “@zozoroe appreciate you doing the work you do and constantly spreading light. ❤️❤️❤️❤️”