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5 Shocking Revelations About Danielle DeGroot's Life After Married At First Sight (The 'Danielle Cody' Update)

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The tumultuous journey of Danielle DeGroot and Cody Knapek on Married at First Sight Season 5 remains one of the most talked-about experiments in the show's history. Fans who search for "married at first sight danielle cody" are actually looking for Danielle DeGroot, the Chicago-based Registered Dietitian who married model and gym owner Cody Knapek. As of December 2025, it has been over eight years since the couple first met at the altar, and the transformation in Danielle's life since their inevitable divorce is profound.

This deep-dive article provides the freshest, most current information on Danielle DeGroot, revealing the five major ways she has completely rebuilt her life and career after the cameras stopped rolling and her marriage to Cody Knapek ended. Her story is a testament to prioritizing self-care and professional passion over reality TV fame, offering a powerful conclusion to her time on the Lifetime Network series.

Danielle DeGroot: Full Biography & MAFS Profile

Danielle DeGroot's time on Married at First Sight Season 5 (Chicago) was marked by a deep-seated struggle for intimacy with her matched partner, Cody Knapek. Her profile as a highly educated professional contrasted sharply with her emotional barriers in the relationship, creating a dynamic that captivated and frustrated viewers.

  • Full Name: Danielle DeGroot
  • Season: 5 (Chicago)
  • Original Age: 30 (at the time of filming)
  • Original Hometown: Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois
  • Original Profession: Registered Dietitian (RD), specializing in working with dialysis patients. She holds a Master's degree in her field.
  • Married To: Cody Knapek (26, Trainer/Gym Owner)
  • Decision Day Outcome: Stayed Married
  • Divorce Announcement: August 2017 (after one year of marriage)
  • Current Status (2025): Divorced, Single (as of her last major update), Registered Dietitian, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Entrepreneur.

1. The Intimacy Struggle: Why the 'Yes' on Decision Day Was Misleading

The core of Danielle and Cody’s relationship on MAFS Season 5 was their complete lack of physical intimacy. Despite being married, Danielle consistently expressed a lack of "spark" and a hesitation to move forward physically, which became a central and frustrating plot point for both Cody and the viewers.

A Deep-Seated Disconnect. Experts like Dr. Pepper Schwartz and Pastor Cal Roberson were brought in multiple times to address the issue, but Danielle remained guarded. This struggle was a major factor in the eventual failure of the marriage. While they shocked many by choosing to stay together on Decision Day, citing a desire to continue building their friendship, the underlying issues proved insurmountable.

The Inevitable Divorce. Just over a year after filming, in August 2017, the couple announced their decision to divorce. In a joint statement, they acknowledged that they valued and respected marriage but ultimately felt life was too short to remain in a relationship that wasn't fulfilling. This confirmed what many fans had suspected: a friendship, no matter how strong, is not enough to sustain a marriage, especially one started on a reality show.

The divorce was finalized, and while Cody Knapek has since moved on and is reportedly dating someone new, Danielle's post-show life took a different, deeply personal trajectory.

2. The Career Evolution: From Clinical Dietitian to 'Dietitian Gone Wild'

Danielle DeGroot was already a successful and "passionate about her career" Registered Dietitian when she appeared on the show. However, her life after Married at First Sight saw her completely transform her professional focus, merging her clinical knowledge with a passion for holistic health and wellness.

The Yoga Certification. One of the most significant changes was her decision to become a certified Yoga Instructor (or "yogi teacher to be," as she once described herself). This move signaled a shift toward a lifestyle focused on mental and physical well-being, a stark contrast to the high-stress environment of reality TV marriage.

The Entrepreneurial Brand. Danielle launched her own brand and blog, aptly named "Dietitian Gone Wild." This entity allows her to combine her formal education as a Registered Dietitian with her love for yoga and a more adventurous, less clinical lifestyle. Her work now focuses on a broader range of nutrition and wellness coaching.

Confirmed Active in 2024/2025. Her professional career is confirmed to be active and ongoing. A client review from 2024 on a major platform specifically mentions working with Danielle DeGroot for coaching, proving she is still actively helping clients in the health and wellness space, years after her season aired.

3. Location Change and Finding Her Community in Nashville

While Danielle started her MAFS journey in the Chicago suburbs, her post-divorce life saw a major geographical shift that aligned with her new professional focus. She relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

A New Vibe. In a community highlight interview, Danielle confirmed her move and discussed her backstory, noting that she became a dietitian due to her own health journey. Moving to Nashville, a city known for its vibrant and diverse community, allowed her to fully embrace her new identity as a yoga teacher and a wellness coach operating under the "Dietitian Gone Wild" banner. Her social media often showcases her hanging out with friends and enjoying a relaxed, healthy lifestyle, a clear indication of her contentment after the show's pressure cooker environment.

4. The Post-MAFS Relationship Status: A Focus on Singleness

For fans wondering about "Danielle Cody's" current love life, the most recent confirmed update is surprisingly straightforward: she has chosen to remain single.

Prioritizing Self-Growth. In a "Where Are They Now?" update video, Danielle explicitly stated that she has remained single since her divorce from Cody Knapek. This decision highlights a commitment to self-discovery and personal growth, rather than rushing into a new relationship. After the intense public scrutiny of her intimacy issues on Married at First Sight, taking time away from the dating scene to focus on her career and personal well-being is a powerful choice.

Topical Entities (LSI Keywords) Related to MAFS Season 5:

  • Ashley Petta and Anthony D'Amico (The only couple from her season still married)
  • Sheila Downs and Nate Duhon (The other couple from Season 5 who divorced)
  • Lifetime Network (The network that airs MAFS)
  • Chicago Season (The setting for MAFS Season 5)
  • Relationship Experts (The team who matched her)

5. Her Legacy: One of the Most Memorable MAFS 'Intimacy Issues' Couples

Despite her divorce, Danielle DeGroot's story remains an essential part of Married at First Sight lore. Her pairing with Cody Knapek is consistently ranked among the most memorable couples, primarily because of their unique and public struggle with intimacy.

The Reality of the Experiment. Their experience highlighted the deep complexities that can arise even when two people are matched based on compatibility metrics. It served as a cautionary tale that chemistry and a physical "spark" are crucial components that no expert can guarantee.

Ultimately, Danielle DeGroot used the experience as a catalyst for a life change. By shedding the pressure of the reality TV relationship and moving to Nashville to pursue her passion as a Registered Dietitian and Yoga Instructor, she successfully turned a public failure into a massive personal and professional win. Her "Dietitian Gone Wild" persona perfectly encapsulates her journey—leaving the structured, clinical world for a more passionate, holistic, and self-directed life.

married at first sight danielle cody
married at first sight danielle cody

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