Swansea City striker Lee Trundle insists he is in the best shape of his career - the result of not eating burgers and running the streets of Liverpool.
The former Wrexham hitman has been fighting a weight problem since becoming a professional footballer four years ago with the north Wales club.
In his first season with Swansea, Trundle was almost 15 stone at one point, struggling to control his weight after being out with a knee injury.
However, after a busy summer, Trundle now weighs in at 13st 6lb after a strict fitness regeime and controlled diet.
Trundle's weight has been noted among fans, with many calling the former Rhyl player overweight and the likes, and that he will be a failure in League One with Kenny Jackett's side this season.
Trundle said yesterday: "I've trimmed down from last season. I've gone from 14st 3lb to 13st 6lb.
"As far as fitness goes, this is the best I've ever been. The squad did a triathlon at RAF St Athan last week and I finished fourth.
"I've worked hard since the end of last season and done a lot of weight training. That has got rid of a lot of body fat. I used to eat burgers but not anymore. Now I'm eating better food, food that I can burn off."
"A lot of what I've achieved is down to the gaffer and Dan King," he added.
"I went away to Magaluf with some of the lads after we won promotion last season. When I came back I went up to Liverpool and started my own training.
"I did a lot of street running and I also went to the boxing gym where my cousin works to do some circuit training and work on the punchbags. I've also taken notice of what the nutritionist has been telling me whereas before I wasn't doing that.
"I don't eat big meals anymore. I'm not starving myself but I'm eating less and I'm eating more often, so I don't get hungry. I'm also careful about what times I eat. I wasn't up on diets and nutrition earlier in my career. I was playing semi-professional football and my life was a normal one.
"But I'm older and wiser now. I know that if I want to keep playing and performing then I've got to help myself. If I'm lean and fit then I'll play better than I've already played in the last few years.
"That's what the gaffer has been telling me. He's been in the game a long time and he wants me to become a better player, so when he speaks I've got to listen."
Trundle is aware of the importance the forthcoming season is for Swansea City and is keen to help fire the Swans into the play-offs.
"This a massive season for Swansea. We've moved to a fantastic new stadium and we won promotion last season - I want to be right," he explained.
"All eyes will be on me, to see if I can do it at this level. People will think, 'He's done it in League Two, can he do it in League One?' But I know I can because I've already shown I can play at this level with Wrexham. I believe in my own ability and I know I will do the same this season as I've done in the last two.
"I can't wait for the season to start. I scored 23 goals last season."