"I was very different in appearance from how I looked growing up, so to see myself carrying more weight than I was used to was a shock," she told news.com.au.
The Sydney local embarked on a lifestyle change two years ago, after becoming fed up with feeling unhappy.
"I started my journey mid July 2018 after being the heaviest I have ever been, weighing in at 78kg," Ay said.
It was when she joined macro nutrients-based diet Equalution, that her life changed completely.
Ay explained that the "flexible dieting" approach allows members to eat all the tasty food they would normally, but in moderation – with meal-plans customised, depending on clients' calorie goal which includes the amount of protein, carbs, fat and fibre you should be consuming.
For example, Ay, who is on a 1700-a-day calorie intake, said she can still enjoy burgers and pizzas while shedding the kilos.
"I also had a pretty prominent binge eating disorder so breaking that habit of over-consuming food and having write-off days also involved discipline."
However, she said once you start seeing results, it not only helps with staying focused, but motivated too.
"Starting is the hardest part but once you have some momentum under your belt you will never look back," she said.
"Gaining confidence is not only an invaluable gift you can give yourself but then maintaining optimal health is an added benefit that you will be forever grateful for."
Ay said regaining her body confidence has allowed her to become more comfortable in her own skin.
"I am less self-conscious and more inclined to do activities and live a balanced life more so than I did before," she told news.com.au.
"I feel so much better than I did before I started my journey. I feel really proud of how far I've come but also look forward to continuing to progress."
