A mum-of-three from Australia now competes in fitness competitions after shedding an incredible nine stone.
28-year-old Natalie Hirst, from Adelaide, found her weight had increased significantly during the course of her three pregnancies.
After her third child was born, Natalie’s weight had shot up to 130 kilograms (20 stone, 6 lb), making her a full 48kg heavier than she had been on her wedding day. She decided to take action to improve her health and body confidence, with amazing results.
Natalie told Daily Mail Australia:
I was disgusted by my photos and couldn’t believe the difference. I was 48kg from my wedding body. A reality check that put a fire in my belly.
Determined to turn her life around, Natalie placed an emphasis on healthy eating and exercise, having previously struggled with unhealthy crash diets.
Natalie said:
I rejoined a gym with a creche and attended gym classes daily. I absolutely loved it.
It was time out of the house with three young children. They got to socialise as did I.
Natalie also re-evaluated her eating habits, revealing:
I started by making sure my water intake was on point so I drank roughly three litres a day, which is something I had been told to do.
Then I filled my cupboard with healthy options and I also watched my portion sizes.
She added:
I never missed out. If I wanted something like chocolate I’d swap out something else or would do a half hour walk to earn it.
Thanks to her new exercise regime and healthy eating, Natalie dropped 40kg. It was at this point she decided to go the extra mile and hire a personal trainer.
But Natalie didn’t just stop with improving her own health and happiness. With a new love of fitness, Natalie channelled her personal experiences into a rewarding new career, and all power to her.
Now a personal trainer, Natalie helps others to change their lives and body image:
I decided to become a personal trainer because I wanted to help others also on a journey.
I now work at the gym where it all began, Trend Fitness Morphett Vale. It’s a place I credit for my success and a place where I have always felt comfortable.
The road to her new life and career hasn’t been quick or easy, with plenty of hurdles along the way. Natalie has had to undergo surgery to remove 910g of loose skin, and has also had to have her abdominal muscles repaired.
She has advised others who are trying to lose weight to accept there will be challenges along the way, telling Daily Mail Australia:
Life will always throw road blocks and bumps and you can’t always be prepared.
Start small and make small changes. It all begins with just one small step at a time.
What a transformation. Well done Natalie!
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.