While diet brands and weight loss gurus often advertise their products or programmes with the message that inner confidence and happiness will be found through losing weight, an Instagram fitness star has proven that is not always the case.

Chinae Alexander, better known as getfitbrooklyn on Instagram, regularly posts pictures of her working out along with lifestyle advice and pictures of healthy food.

She also intermittently shares throwback pictures of when she was a US size 16 (UK size 18) and weighing 225 pounds to illustrate her weight loss journey.

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After keeping to a strict diet and exercising six times a week, Alexander reached her goal weight and size. However, while she lost weight, she says she also lost her confidence.

“When I reached what I thought was my goal, I suddenly realised I was the least confident I’d ever been,” she wrote in an article for Well and Good. “I was stuck in a cycle of cravings for affirmation, admiration and progress. Rinse and repeat.

“[…] I knew aesthetically I looked better, but my heart just didn’t meet me there. I’d sold my inner beauty for thinner thighs and increased wardrobe options.”

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Eventually, Alexander loosened the restrictions on herself in a bid to regain her confidence.

“I stopped obsessing over the number stitched onto the tag of my pants. Or how I compared with everyone else, both on social media and in life. I put away the food scale. I let myself have that extra glass of wine. I spent more of my time helping others and less time thinking of myself.

“And here I am. Not my leanest or most athletic, but so damn joyful. I feel content but not comfortable. I feel proud but not prideful I have the freedom to let myself live without overthinking.”

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She says she has learned not to let her mind become “consumed with your outer beauty because you might just arrive at your desired destination yet still be completely lost” and advises that while you should eat healthy most of the time you also have to let yourself live.