'I started eating more and my body really changed – I've never been happier'
Emma Apell, known as livewellwithapell on Instagram, said her mindset has changed a lot in the last four years. She used to be obsessed with the idea of having a six pack
A woman ditched her abs so she was able to enjoy her food more – and she's never been happier.
Emma Apell, an Instagram fitness guru known as livewellwithapell, has completely transformed her attitude towards body image and health. In a refreshingly honest social media post, she opened up about how sacrificing her toned bod for a more relaxed lifestyle led to a happier existence.
She talked about prioritising her well-being over a chiselled physique. Through her fitness journey, Emma discovered that balance is key, and six-packs don't equate to joy - a tough lesson she's embraced.
READ MORE: 'I didn't think I was good enough for my ripped hubby – but he loves my curves'
Read all the latest lifestyle news by the team at Daily Star
Emma got real with her followers about her mindset revolution over the past four years. Starting off with a thirst for abs, she eventually woke up to the fact that fitness isn't one-size-fits-all.
Switching gears to focus on overall health, fitness and mental well-being, Emma found she enjoyed life more. She shifted from weight gain fear to celebrating her gains - feeling proud and happy with the change.
Learning to love her newly acquired curves, Emma recognised that thin doesn't automatically mean healthy and expressed this in a powerful message. She wrote: "I always used to believe that being fit and strong was a one look fits all. But today I know that it will look different on everyone."
She had once thought shrinking in size would magnify her happiness, but now she proudly acknowledges the opposite. Emma added: "I used to believe that to become my happiest I had to become my smallest, but today I can proudly say that is not the case, because my happiness has increased alongside me gaining weight and strength.
"The body I live in today is my home. It is a body that is strong, healthy, capable, happy, educated. It is the house I live in, the home that makes it possible for me to live my life and the same goes for you and your body."
She aimed to spread a message that weight gain isn't always a negative thing and that, sometimes, a few extra pounds can bring more joy and freedom to someone's life. This, she believes, is truly remarkable and can greatly boost a person's confidence.
Emma's mission is to show people that they shouldn't waste their lives obsessing over the scale constantly going down. Her post resonated with many, garnering more than 2,200 likes and several comments from her followers.
They praised Emma for turning her curves into a symbol of strength, with one fan saying: "You're literally the best account I follow on Instagram. God bless you."
Another added: "I really appreciate your account. Your body type is similar to mine." A third also replied: "This is so true and eye-opening for many I think."
Want all the biggest Lifestyle news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Hot Topics newsletter.