Social media is often filled with the highlights of life, but some people, like Jalyssa Brown, keep it real by sharing the lows too. The personal trainer recently revealed that maintaining a toned physique came with a price that she is no longer willing to pay.
“Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can make your way up!” the 28-year-old told Newsweek in an exclusive interview. She discussed her July 29 post with almost 1 million views.
During the clip shared to @fitwithjalyssa, she can be seen wearing shorts and sports bra on a hot day. Her arms are defined and she has chiselled abs. The scene then skips to a video of Brown sitting down overlooking her town—showcasing her body which now has a softer, more natural appearance.
Instagram/@fitwithjalyssa
Brown, who lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, explained that she used to consume 1,400 calories a day and work out six times per week.
“I am 5 ft 7 in, so that is very, very low for me (and for the majority of women),” she told Newsweek via email. “I felt tired, out of control, and dependent on fitness to feel good about myself.”
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to calorie consumption, as factors like sex, height, weight, age, activity level, and others all play a role. However, as a general rule of thumb, the Cleveland Clinic states that women aged 26 to 30 should consume between 1,800 to 2,200 calories, depending on their activity level.
An extract from the video’s caption states: “I was exhausted from the constant pressure I placed on myself to look my best and also felt like I was playing a role instead of being authentic.
“I was changing but my content stayed the same and I didn’t feel like it aligned with me or what I was currently doing.”
She explains that her page will no longer focus solely on fitness, but instead promote acceptance and self-love. But getting to this place didn’t happen overnight. Brown told Newsweek that she made the brave decision to seek therapy.
She said: “I decided to face my fears of gaining weight and eating.”
Listen to Your Body and Enjoy Food Without Guilt
Newsweek discussed eating the bare minimum while training hard with James Cunningham, a health and fitness coach from London, England.
“Your body requires a certain amount of calories just to maintain basic functions like breathing, circulating blood, and repairing cells. When you don’t get enough calories, you’re also likely missing out on essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which can affect everything from your immune system to your bone health,” he explained.
Cunningham, who works for Total Shape—a Wellness and Fitness Services company—points out that over time, eating very few calories can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakened bones, and a compromised immune system.
“Furthermore, there’s the mental and emotional toll. Constantly worrying about calorie intake and pushing yourself to the limit can lead to burnout and a negative relationship with food and exercise. This is the reason why it’s important to find a balance that allows you to enjoy your workouts and meals without feeling deprived or stressed. You see, fitness should be about feeling good and improving your overall health, not just about changing your appearance.
“Developing a healthy relationship with food and exercise is crucial for long-term success. This means listening to your body, allowing yourself to rest when needed, and enjoying a variety of foods without guilt. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and finding joy in your fitness journey is key to maintaining it.”
‘A Freeing Feeling’
Provided by Jajalyssa Brown
Brown now strength trains twice a week and attends a yoga class two days per week.
“I also walk to the beach which is about 3 miles round trip but that’s more mental health and swim focused!” she said, adding: “I feel so in control, if I don’t feel like working out I simply won’t but I always remember to eat my five meals daily! It’s such a freeing feeling.”
Brown who has over 45,000 followers explained that everything she posts is to help others feel “less alone”.
“I wanted to talk about how I’ve transitioned from this typical fitness influencer who only posts about how to become skinny to someone real. I show my real issues, my real story, so people can not feel so alone. My Instagram is a safe space for everyone of all shapes and sizes!” she added.
Indeed, Brown’s message has been received loud and clear as many followers have flocked to the comments section to give their support.
“That’s exactly why I follow you!! You show fitness and healthy living while still promoting balance and self love,” said @isabellajolii.
“I love that sustainability and happiness are more important now. Way to make it through that!!” wrote @itsmaddfitness.
Is there a health issue that’s worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
