Ruth Jones, celebrated for her varied performances in Stella, Little Britain and Gavin and Stacey, has shared her journey to a healthier lifestyle. The turning point came after an indulgent holiday when Ruth decided it was time for a change in January 2010. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Ruth saud: "I came back from holiday - January 2010 - and we all overdo it on holiday, don't we? Something just clicked, I felt this is now or never, I wanted to make a positive change for me and I haven't looked back."

With the task of writing Stella on the horizon at the time, Ruth capitalised on the chance to modify her habits. Eschewing severe dieting rules, she concentrated on managing her portions and tracking her calorie consumption to achieve a deficit.

Her steadfast commitment saw her shed 4.5 stone over 22 months and she shared: "Although I have done loads of diets in my time I have never done it the old-fashioned way: taking in less calories than I was using."

Targeting a modest calorie intake of 1,250 to 1,500 daily (a figure below the typical 2,000 calorie guideline for women) enabled Ruth to attain significant progress, slimming down to a size 12, according to the Express.

Ruth said not every day was easy, but said she maintains a pragmatic mindset: "Some days are better than others. But, if you think about it, there are calorie values on the back of everything - supermarket sandwiches, chocolate bars, everything."

Ruth Jones smiles for the camera on the red carpet
Ruth Jones smiles for the camera on the red carpet
Ruth Jones smiles
Ruth Jones lost four stone as she managed her weight 'the old-fashioned way'

Ruth adopted a gradual approach to weight loss, avoiding extreme dieting methods and instead opting for a steady, sustainable transformation. She explained: "The main thing is that I realised I was going to have to be patient. When diets promise you things like 'lose a stone in a week' it's just not realistic. You have to make a decision that if you've got a few stones to lose, seven in my case, then it's going to take time."

To achieve healthy weight loss, Ruth incorporated a calorie deficit plan into her daily routine. This involved monitoring her calorie intake and ensuring she burned more calories than she consumed.

Ruth Jones and James Corden, the writers and stars of Gavin and Stacey
Ruth Jones and James Corden, the writers and stars of Gavin and Stacey

The recommended daily calorie intake varies from person to person, depending on factors such as body size, genetics, and activity level.

The NHS provides general calorie guidelines, stating: "Generally, the recommended daily calorie intake is 2,000 calories a day for women and 2,500 for men."