We know her as the happy go-lucky bombshell brunette that graced our screens on last seasonโs Bachelor, but in a shock admission, Brittany Hockley has revealed not everything is always as it seems on the surface.
Taking to her Instagram on Monday evening, the 30-year-old opened up like she never has before by revealing her past struggles with mental health.
Her brave confession has been met with shock and support from her followers, who have applauded the reality TV star for opening up.
Accompanying a picture of Britt donning activewear at Bronte Beach, the brunette wrote: โYou know, Iโve always been into exercise and fitness. Since I could walk Iโve been doing all types of sport and at quite high levels.โ
She continued: โBut I havenโt always been healthy and had a great relationship with food. When I was a teenager I used to be scared of eating anything bad.โ
Brittany then explained that she had an idea that โskinny meant healthyโ and that was the only way for her to be โattractiveโ.
โI barely ate anything and worked out every day. If I ate something โbadโ Iโd literally put my joggers on and go for a run,โ she confessed.
The stunning reality TV star has opened up in a raw Instagram post.
(Image: Instagram @brittany_hockley)It seems the eating disorder took over Brittanyโs life for a time, with her explaining: โOn school camp, when we stopped at McDonaldโs I used to get an apple. I used to lie to my parents about having eaten at a friends house.โ
Then, things went too far for the Bachelor star, who who explained the harrowing event that made her think twice about the dangerous lifestyle.
โI had a seizure one day in front of my sister and woke up in hospital. After that dad drove me home and we stopped at a burger shop where he bought me a burger and chips and told me I was so anaemic that he wanted to watch me and make sure I ate it.โ
Since then, Britt explained that sheโs completely changed her thoughts about food, and that she now eats a lot more liberally.
โFood is life!! I am strong, fit and healthy and I eat whatever I want, in moderation, because life is about balance.โ
Britt is looking better than ever!
(Image: Instagram @brittany_hockley)She also explained that while she still exercises every day, she does it because she โgenuinely lovesโ it.
โI like what my body can do. It is so good for my mental health, it gives me energy and I donโt feel myself if I havenโt at least gone outdoors for a walk.โ
Ending her caption, Brittany struck home by saying: โIโm older, curvier, stronger, whatever you want to call it. And Iโm happier than ever. I wish I had someone to tell me these things when I was a teenager.โ
โHopefully, at least one younger person reads this and changes their thought process towards health, fitness, food and body image.โ
Hear hear, Britt!
WATCH: Brittany opens up to Nick on The Bachelor. Story continues after videoโฆ
Her post has been met with admiration from fans who have applauded her for bravely discussing the topic.
โThank you so much for talking about this. Youโre a great role model,โ wrote one follower.
Another wrote: โLove this! It can be so easy to fall into a toxic relationship with food and so difficult to break the cycle once you do. Thanks for sharing; youโre an inspiration!โ
Meanwhile Brittโs fellow Bachelor pal Laura Byrne, who is expecting her first child with Matty J also wrote to the brunette: โYa big bebโค๏ธโ
Weโre applauding the reality TV star too for opening up on such an important topic!
Fans have applauded Britt for her brave confession.
(Image: Instagram @brittany_hockley)Britt shares a lot of love on her Instagram account, with a plethora of images featuring the gorgeous brunette smiling and laughing with friends โ so refreshing!
Earlier this month, Britt wrote: โThereโs a lot of love around me at the moment (my love affair currently only involves coffee and croissants) but I have so many friends that are having babies, getting engaged, ticking bucket lists and just genuinely kicking life goalsโฆ and honestly, nothing makes me happier than seeing my friends and family succeed.โ
Keep spreading the love, Britt!
If you need support please contact the National Eating Disorders Supportline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) at the Butterfly Foundation
Healthy mind, healthy life! We applaud you, Britt!
(Image: Instagram @brittany_hockley)READ: Meet the six Australian women in Doveโs new campaign #ShowUs, a project dedicated to shattering existing beauty stereotypes and promoting body positivity.
READ: Meet the six Australian women in Doveโs new campaign #ShowUs, a project dedicated to shattering existing beauty stereotypes and promoting body positivity.