Riley Hemson opens up about losing weight and being a role model

University graduate Riley Hemson lost 25kg last year after weighing in at 114kg.

The 22-year-old from Wellington, New Zealand, was juggling full-time study with exercising five times a week and avoiding junk food – although she did admit to eating the occasional serving of hot chips.

Daily Mail Australia spoke to the down-to-earth Kiwi about whether her routine has changed in the year since – and how she deals with the pressure of being a role model to 98,000 Instagram followers.   

University graduate Riley Hemson lost 25 kilos last year after weighing in at an astonishing 114 kilos (pictured before and now)

‘I guess my journey has transitioned from a weight loss journey to a health journey,’ she said. 

‘Now I train at least once a day because it makes me feel amazing. I love functional, circuit, HIIT type training as my cardio (preferably in the morning) and then I lift weights in the afternoon/night. 

‘I break down my week into muscle groups for each day (for example I train chest and triceps together on one day, legs and shoulders on another, then back and biceps).’ 

The 22-year-old from Wellington, New Zealand, was juggling full-time study with exercising five times a week and avoiding junk food - although she did admit to eating the occasional serving of hot chips

The 22-year-old from Wellington, New Zealand, was juggling full-time study with exercising five times a week and avoiding junk food – although she did admit to eating the occasional serving of hot chips

But even though she's exercising intensely - and following that up with a good amount of wholefoods - Riley's not one to shy away from a treat occasionally

But even though she’s exercising intensely – and following that up with a good amount of wholefoods – Riley’s not one to shy away from a treat occasionally

But even though she’s exercising intensely – and following that up with a good amount of wholefoods – Riley’s not one to shy away from a treat occasionally. 

‘Food that I crave big time is definitely a good cheese board and a glass of wine or two. Pizza, hot chips… the list goes on,’ she said. 

Riley Hemson’s usual day on a plate

I like to think of what I eat as fuel. I want to give my body the nutrients that it needs all while enjoying my life. You only live once and I’m gonna enjoy it sister! 

I’m vegetarian so my morning looks like protein oats or a protein shake, depending on how hungry I feel. 

Riley eats three balanced meals a day with her protein shakes

Riley eats three balanced meals a day with her protein shakes

Lunch might be some crackers like cruskits or similar with avocado, tomato, hummus, red onion, cucumber… whatever I’m fancying! 

I normally have another protein shake after training weights in the afternoon.

Dinner is something like a meat alternative like falafel or ‘fake meat’ with veggies and rice. 

‘I’m a savoury girl through and through and definitely treat myself. But I’m aware of how I’ll feel if I eat these types of food all the time, so choose to limit how often and how much. Its all about the balance and moderation. For me, its simple: Eat crap all the time, feel crap all the time.’

While she doesn’t weigh herself on the scales anymore, she has noticed a considerable change both physically and mentally. 

While she doesn't weigh herself on the scales anymore, she has noticed a considerable change both physically and mentally

While she doesn’t weigh herself on the scales anymore, she has noticed a considerable change both physically and mentally

Riley Hemson, 22, has certainly noticed her weight loss and holds herself accountable to weekly exercise. She tries to eat as many vegetables as she can day-to-day

Riley Hemson, 22, has certainly noticed her weight loss and holds herself accountable to weekly exercise. She tries to eat as many vegetables as she can day-to-day

‘Instead of focusing on losing a certain amount of weight, my goal now is to lift heavier, see my body become more toned, improve my fitness levels and feel amazing on a whole, mind included. This keeps me motivated and on track,’ she explained.

Riley continues to share her transformation on Instagram and has amassed a following of close to 100,000 people. 

‘I would be lying if I said I’ve never felt any pressure [to be a certain way on social media]. I never in a million years would have thought that I would have this many people following my journey. 

'Look how different my face looks!': Healthy eating is not as difficult as I once thought. It's really just about making the right choices

‘Look how different my face looks!’: Healthy eating is not as difficult as I once thought. It’s really just about making the right choices

Riley continues to share her transformation on Instagram and has amassed a following of close to 100,000 people

Riley continues to share her transformation on Instagram and has amassed a following of close to 100,000 people

‘It’s seriously incredible but a bit daunting at times. Whenever I feel pressure I always remind myself why I started. It’s there to keep me accountable and should be fun. So I make it fun and as care free as possible.’

Previously, Riley opened up to Daily Mail Australia about how her journey began. 

‘My weight loss journey stopped and started many times. I was overweight as a child and I can’t remember ever not worrying about my weight,’ she said.

The dramatic weight loss change isn't lost on Riley, who uses Instagram as a way to hold her accountable for the permanent lifestyle change

The dramatic weight loss change isn’t lost on Riley, who uses Instagram as a way to hold her accountable for the permanent lifestyle change

The 22-year-old credits cutting out junk food and exercising seven times a week to achieving the body she's always wanted

The 22-year-old credits cutting out junk food and exercising seven times a week to achieving the body she’s always wanted

‘For me sharing my journey was about accountability and I knew as soon as I started my account I absolutely had to stick to what I set out to achieve.

‘I never actually thought it would be something I would enjoy. What I’m doing is not a diet or a chore anymore, it’s just my life now and I love it.’



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk