Duchess thanks Kiwi mum

A mum suffering from depression who turned her life around after transforming her body has received the royal seal of approval – after she was personally thanked by the Duchess of Cambridge.

In 2004 mum-of-two, Kelly Rennie, originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, was 70kg, wore a size 14-16 and was crippled by daily panic attacks and reliant on antidepressants.

Kellie lost 20kg and went from a size 14-16 to a 10. Photo / CATERS

Incredibly, the Duchess used Kelly's postnatal guide after giving birth to Prince George in 2012 and even sent Kelly and business partner Katie Bulmer-Cooke a letter expressing her thanks.

Kate Middleton was quick to retain her pre-pregnancy body after she had Prince George. Photo / Getty Images

Now fitness model Kelly has signed and delivered Kate a signed copy of her latest book, hoping it will help her after the Duchess gives birth to her third child, due in April.

Kelly, who lives on Australia's Gold Coast, said: "To get the letter back from Kate showed us the programme could work for any mum.

"It meant so much at the time. That routine was a postnatal programme, whereas this one is a sustainable fitness routine for the months that follow.

"If Kate can do it with the first two, she can do it with the third.

"She just needs to keep the same principles she applied after her first two kids as she obviously has managed to look after herself well!"

Former finance worker Kelly was driven to turn her life around after the birth of her second child saw her fall into dark days plagued by panic attacks, antidepressants and weight gain.

At her heaviest, the mum-of-two tipped the scales at 70kg. She decided to battle her demons with fitness, taking up at-home exercise.

Within 18 months, Kelly had shed 20kg and whipped herself into good enough shape to become a star in the world of fitness modelling.

Kelly said she boosted her metabolism by replacing her fast food and sweets habits with a diet of wholesome, nutrient-dense foods like chicken, vegetables and power shakes.

These days, Kelly cuts an inspiring figure – and it's no surprise she has encouraged legions of mothers to get fit from home, in their own time.

Kelly, who now weighs 50kg and wears a size 10, said: "I had a stage of jumping from diet to diet, relying on dieting pills and antidepressants, and suffering from chronic panic attacks.

"I decided to get I had to beat that by myself, so I weened myself off medication and I decided to get out of that spot and dive into training.

"After I had my second child, I unfortunately became a single mum. That's when I got my passion for helping mums.

"I think the most important thing is being realistic and sustainable. It's a lifestyle approach they can do every day for the rest of their lives.

"Most mums are emotional eaters, so part of it is letting go of emotional eating. Having some chocolate or a glass of wine is fine, but not every day and not for the wrong reasons."

Weight loss tips for busy mums

1. Be aware of stresses in your life
   2. Let go of emotional eating and keep wholesome food in the house
   3. Keep hydrated and cut coffee in favour of green tea
   4. Start training by doing short sessions from home
   5. Build a strong support network including family and friends

Kelly's diet before

BREAKFAST: Cereal or toast.
LUNCH: Sandwich, crisps and a chocolate bar.
DINNER: Fast food takeaway such as McDonalds with an unhealthy dessert.

Kelly's diet now

BREAKFAST: A 'powershake' made from almond milk, natural protein, berries, avocado and half a banana.
LUNCH: Salad with chicken, peppers, broccoli, carrots.
DINNER: Chicken stir fry with rice and lots of vegetables.

This article was first published at nzherald.co.nz and was republished here with permission.