Lots of people have a "dream body" they'd like to achieve – but the secret to getting there isn't always through being super strict. Shannon Collins, known as thegymnurse on Instagram , is turning heads with her refreshing take on achieving success. Contrary to popular belief, Shannon has shown that weight loss isn't the only path to looking and feeling great.

She's been candid about her journey, revealing that she ditched the lean look to achieve the physique she truly desired, and the results are amazing. Since making the change, Shannon boasts better sleep , a zest for life and a healthier relationship with food . She's also kissed goodbye to the stress of eating out or indulging in the occasional treat.

For Shannon, life is all about balance now, and she's loving every minute of it. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she said: "I'm opposite of most women, when I see old pictures of myself when I was leaner, I cringe and think 'I don't ever want to go back to that time'. "So many women live like this for years and sadly so many other women are idolising their body.

But trust me, it's not all it's cracked up to be. It comes with a cost, and when they say 'I feel so good' it's a LIE! "No one is thriving when they are this lean. I'll take my extra body fat and all the other amazing things it has brought to my life.

It was a live and learn experience and thankful for me this was very short lived." The mum highlighted the fact that having body fat is a completely normal aspect of.