Gemma Atkinson has been applauded by fans for her latest fitness post on Instagram.
The 37-year-old actress and broadcaster from Bury shared an honest plea to her followers after stepping on the scales and discovering she had gained weight.
The Hollyoaks star weighed herself after getting 'back on it' with her food and training after feeling sluggish from relaxing her usual regime between her birthday in November and the end of December.
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But despite feeling better in herself, she found that she had gained weight rather than lost it.
She told fans : "Yesterday I went on the scale and I was 73.3kg. HEAVIER than when I was feeling a bit Urgh."
Gemma explained: "Quick story, my b’day is Nov 16th. Every year from that day until Christmas I usually ease off my training regime and my food choices.
"I don’t binge and do nothing, heck no! But like most, from Dec it’s work do’s, tubs of chocolates, Xmas markets and we start the day everyday with a chocolate from a calendar.
"I weighed myself a few days before Xmas and I was 70.6kg.
"I felt sluggish due to my relaxed regime and daily sugar snacks and I was definitely 'softer' than usual.
"From the 29th Dec I got back on it with food and training. Eating more, but eating correct, training daily, loads of water, all the good stuff!
"Despite being flat out with work this month, I’ve had more energy and better sleep than I did over Christmas.
"I’m no longer 'soft' in the areas I was over Christmas. Yesterday I went on the scale and I was 73.3kg. HEAVIER then when I was feeling a bit Urgh… Do I feel great? Yes! Am I training and moving? Yes! Setting new PB’s? Yes! Is my skin ok? Yes! Sleep ok? Yes. All because I’m fuelling right and moving regularly, NOT because of a number on the scale."
She added: "Please, please don’t let that number define you.
"Of course, tracking progress is important, and if you are on a mission to drop body fat and regain your health then absolutely go for it. "But health is about all of the above and not just a number. Remember that. Health is a lifestyle. And with consistency and good habits and choices, we all have a better chance of being at our best."
Fans were quick to praise the star for her advice as they took to the comments.
Lynsey said: "Speaking the truth as always."
Becky said: "Thank you! Really needed this message this morning, just got off the scales feeling naff after a great week of training and eating (and no drinking)… so silly and seeing this has helped me to snap out of it and realise it’s a journey! Thank you."
Kelly said: "Thank god for women like you Gemma to be such a positive role model."
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