Maria Kang says she was 'always heavy' and struggled with bulimia

FIT mum Maria Kang says she "was always heavier" and that her metabolism "shut down" while struggling with bulimia.

Maria eight months pregnant with her first and third child. Picture: Facebook.

FIT mum Maria Kang says she "was always heavier" and that her metabolism "shut down" while struggling with bulimia.

The 32-year-old, who created controversy earlier this year when she posted a photo of her toned post-baby body to Facebook, captioned "What"s your excuse?", has opened up about her body insecurities to the Mail Online.

Despite appearances, the impeccably-toned mum-of-three says staying in shape has been a constant struggle.

The LA-based mother-of-three sparked a war on Facebook when she posted a photo of herself dressed in fitness gear, showing off her super-toned abs, surrounded by her three little boys. Harmless enough under normal circumstances, but at the top of the photograph, Kang asked 'What's your excuse?'

Body-conscious from a young age, the Los Angeles-based mum says she used to compare herself to taller, leaner sisters or supermodels in magazines.

The Californian says she suffered from bulimia, which saw her weight fluctuate to about 69kg and her metabolism "shut down". At just 163cm, she was considered overweight.

"I was always heavier ... I was chunky," she said.

"I used disordered eating to fill an empty void. It was worse when I was feeling anxious. People often call bulimia the "good girl drug" because we don't do drugs or drink alcohol, we just abuse food."

Maria Kang with husband David Casler. She says no marriage is perfect. Picture: Facebook.

Meeting her husband, US Marine David Casler, in 2007 and giving birth to their first son a couple of years later was a turning point.

Ms Kang says she decided to start loving herself and practising mindful eating.

"I had to let go of being perfect. When I became pregnant with my first child I was like 'Wow this is what my body is really made for'."

Ms Kang, who founded non-profit Fitness without Borders, was 9kg lighter when she gave birth to her second son in 2010. They had their third child in 2011.

Maria eight months pregnant with her first and third child. Picture: Facebook.

She says her body bounced back each time because she'd established the foundations of a "toned figure" before giving birth.

"Be fit before you get pregnant," she said.

Her disciplined fitness regime involves doing up to an hour of "intense" strength training and cardio, usually before her boys wake up, five or six times a week.

She told the Mail Online fitness makes her feel in control of her life.

"It's the ability to be set a goal, take action, remain consistent and create a result. That process takes a lot of discipline."

Maria Kang running three miles at home. Picture: Facebook.

The working mum says her diet's not perfect but she tries to make healthy food choices, especially when on the go with three kids in tow.

"I have eggs and oatmeal or eggs and fruit for breakfast," she says.

"On the go I like to eat nuts - mainly almonds. Lunch I usually have what we had for dinner the night before. Today it will be turkey meatballs and sweet potato fries. I love salads too.

'There are healthier fast food options that are affordable. For example, I like the $1.50 grilled chicken wraps from Taco bell."

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