'I'm a fitness star – you don't need to cut processed food to be toned, here's how'

Fitness guru Lizzy High, known on Instagram as Liz Bites Back, is dedicated to promoting healthier lifestyles without enforcing excessive restrictions

Almost everyone battles with their weight at some point in their lives.

It's important to stay fit for the sake of our health – or potentially face health problems like obesity, high cholesterol or type-2 diabetes.

But contrary to popular belief, this doesn't mean you have to give up all your favourite treats. Instagram's celebrated fitness influencer Lizzy High, also known through her handle Liz Bites Back, is working to bust this myth.

She often shares fitness tips online, and tries to promote healthy living without succumbing to extreme dieting tactics. Lizzy recently took to social media to dispel the idea that you have to sacrifice certain pleasures to maintain a toned physique.

Lizzy admits she's an "ordinary" person herself, and enjoys life as much as she can while working towards her fitness goals. She follows the 80/20 approach to diet – and reassured it's okay to treat yourself 10% or 20% of the time.

She said: "Food isn't just fuel. It's there to be enjoyed and, if you enjoy the process, you'll be 10x more likely to stick to it and therefore see better progress."

The gym bunny still tucks into treats like chocolate - or the odd snack - when she craves one. As well as this, she treats herself to a restaurant meal weekly, emphasising how important it is to make the most of life.

Lizzy doesn't demonise processed food either, or caffeine, as life isn't about being perfect all the time.

When hunger strikes, Lizzy consciously chooses nutrient-rich foods that keep her fuller for longer. She also enjoys transforming her favourite meals into healthier alternatives, ensuring she doesn't feel like she's missing out.

Her post struck a chord online, amassing more than 4,000 likes, and plenty of positive comments. One fan said: "Thank you so much for all the help you give us every day. You are the best, I don't know how to thank you."

Another follower added: "Love this so much. You go girl. Inspiring us all." And third supporter gushed: "Finally, someone who does it the right way. I'm so tired of seeing people promoting disordered habits in pursuit of fat loss. Like, it really does not have to be so abysmal. And the results speak for themselves. You look amazing."

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