Kiwi paramedic student Riley Hemson loses 25kg in a year

Riley Hemson, 21, has certainly noticed her weight loss and holds herself accountable for weekly exercise. She tries to eat as many vegetables as she can day-to-day. Photo / healthychick101

New Zealand paramedic student Riley Hemson describes herself as "just a huge girl trying to get some abs" on her Instagram page.

The 21-year-old's starting weight was 114kg and she has lost 25kg in a year. She hopes to reach her goal of 70kg by the end of her weight loss journey.

With almost 24,000 supporters on social media cheering her on, Hemson regularly posts "Transformation Tuesday" photos to show her incredible progression.

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Transformation Tuesday a day late sorry peeps. Not my biggest on the right but one of the many times I "started on Monday". I would take pics of myself and just be so unhappy. But then I would only last a couple of days eating healthy before I went back off track. My main issue was I would eat one bad thing and then go "oh well, may as well eat EVERYTHING BAD EVER and start fresh tomorrow" then this would happen day after day. As soon as I allowed myself to have a treat and then get back on track, not let 1 slip up ruin my day , I was away!!! I'm obviously trying to tense what I have in the second pic (bless 😂). And I've definitely still got all those stretchies and cellulite (just not as much ). But my insides are so much happier and healthier ❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by 👑 Riley Hemson (@healthychick101) on Mar 14, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

"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 told Daily Mail Australia.

"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."

As a vegetarian and full-time university student the 21-year-old doesn't stick to an exercise or eating plan but prefers to check in with her body along the way and access what she needs.

"I've mainly just cut out junk food. I eat mainly veggies and I workout at least five times a week, incorporating a mixture of weight lifting, high intensity interval training and circuit training into my routine," she said.

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If you wanna feel the burn, get on this thing! Ya hammys and ass will be on fire 🔥 12 reps with a 15kg plate, 3 sets. As part of my leg workout today 👏🏽 sprints and some incline walking today as my cardio. I used to battle at setting my treadmill to 9 even 8 sometimes. I was only on for 20 seconds at a time. Now I'm on at least 13, sometimes 14. Love non scale victories ❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by 👑 Riley Hemson (@healthychick101) on Jan 30, 2017 at 1:38am PST

But she certainly doesn't slacken off day-to-day when it's time to hit the gym.

"I think it's about staying organised and prioritising things.

"If I've got assignments due I will put that above exercise but sometimes it's as easy as getting up an hour earlier to fit it in.

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Transformation Tuesday 🤗 so glad I made the change when I did! I've achieved this body transformation (and will continue to) through eating healthy and exercising. There are no short cuts or tips and tricks! It's all hard work and dedication 😊 fuel yourself with positive thoughts laydees and gents 😋 and you will find this whole process a lot more enjoyable ❤️❤️❤️

A post shared by 👑 Riley Hemson (@healthychick101) on Jan 17, 2017 at 12:42am PST

"I haven't done anything drastic. This wasn't a crash diet. If I feel like hot chips, I'll have them. It's all about realising a treat is just that - a treat. And these foods need to be limited.

"Healthy eating is not as difficult as I once thought. It's really just about making the right choices. With exercise, I think it's important to find something you enjoy doing.

"For example I hate running long distance - so I've found other ways of getting in my cardio that I don't absolutely hate.

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It's 7pm and LIGHT OUTSIDE 🎉 daylight savings has my heart ❤️ gym for legs today! My back is feeling normal which is sooo awesome 👍🏽 My squat form is slowly getting better but I still lean so far forward which annoys me so much 😂 I try my best to keep my chest up and then almost fall onto my ass 😓 I'll slowly get there 👏🏽 after weights we did my booty blaster as always then core 💁🏼 I'm on holidays now for 2 weeks so all the focus is on this bod 👌🏽

A post shared by 👑 Riley Hemson (@healthychick101) on Sep 25, 2016 at 10:49pm PDT

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#transformationtuesday ! It's never too late to start guys 😊 hard work pays off 👊🏽

A post shared by 👑 Riley Hemson (@healthychick101) on Sep 5, 2016 at 4:44pm PDT

"I used to get sick of people saying there aren't any shortcuts but I've learnt it's just the truth.

"Many people ask me what my tips and tricks are and it really just comes down to healthy eating and exercise. No one wants to hear that but it's true," she said.