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'I was a chubby kid!' Jessica Alba reveals how her 'painful' childhood pushed her to be a better mom, business woman and star

Published: 12:04 EST, 23 September 2015 | Updated: 15:47 EST, 23 September 2015

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When most men list their dream girl, they say her name, and when most women describe their perfect body, once again she is the go-to.

But Jessica Alba says she was not always the trim and toned celebrity you see today, but rather a little girl who was determined to get better.

The 34-year-old star has told Self magazine that she struggled with her health and weight in her younger years but her parents gave her the tough love she needed to beat it.

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Hard work: Jessica Alba has described herself as a 'chubby' child who learnt how determination pays off in a new Self interview

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She may have struggled with weight issues in the past, but you would never guess by Jessica Alba's trim and toned figure on the cover of Self magazine.

The mother-of-two sported a Narciso Rodriguez sleeveless top and a pair of bikini bottoms by Cali Dreaming Swimwear.

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Reflecting on her success in the business world with the Honest Company, she told the magazine that growing up she was a 'sickly kid,' with asthma and regularly had pneumonia but her mother, Catherine, and father, Mark, would not let her be defined by that.

She said: 'I was on a swim team, and I was chubby and slow and dead last - a full two laps last. I was crying and couldn't breathe.

'My mom and dad were like, ''You started this, you're going to finish it!'' My parents made me stick to stuff, pick myself up.

Struggled: While the star does not look like it in this undated picture with her mother Catherine, she says she was 'chubby' and was often very sick

'It's painful to go through, but I appreciate that tough love.'

The pain is something she used to push herself forward and also to ensure her daughters Honor, 7, and Haven, 4, did not have to experience the same thing.

The result, of course, is her $1.7 billion eco-friendly beauty, baby and home business which at one time she was not sure was even going to be a possibility.

Her inspiration: The desire to ensure her daughters Honor, 7, and Haven, 4, (pictured July)were given the best chance to be healthy encouraged her to look outside of acting

Became a boss: The actress (pictured 2014) said at one time she doubted herself when she started her business, The Honest Company, but she once again was determined to succeed

She told the October issue: 'For a long time, I didn’t think I was smart. I felt like an impostor. It’s not until you feel whole in yourself that you fit in anywhere. And it took me becoming a mom to actually feel that way.'

But why she had doubts, deep down she was determined to try - and she also once again felt she had something to prove.

'I’ve always been business-minded. I approached Hollywood like a business. I was very calculated. I wanted to be treated like a guy; I wanted to put asses in seats. I saved my money, invested wisely and marketed myself. I’ve been building my own personal brand over time.'

Tough love: The star's mom (pictured this week) and her father, Mark, would not let a young Jessica give up

And while the decision to add business mogul to her resume along with actress paid off, even if it didn't, she was determined to try.

'I don’t want to regret not going after something. You’ll only be better, even if you make mistakes.'

Business aside, from a 'chubby' child to dream girl, Jessica has certainly put in hard work also.

On the cover of the magazine the star wows in a sporty bikini look featuring a yellow mesh tank top with bandeau and a pair of maroon and white strap side bottoms.

Fighting fit: Business aside, from a 'chubby' child to dream girl, Jessica has certainly put in hard work also

Inside the magazine, the star really turned up the heat in a rose twist bandeau top and matching ruched skirt by Australian fashion designer Dion Lee.

Explaining how she keeps in shape in a Self video, the star said she too finds it a struggle sometimes but exercise combined with mediation and healthy eating are key.

She said in the clip: 'I’m going to be straight with you guys, I don’t like working out. But I feel really good after. It gives me energy. It just sets a good foundation for the day. Being strong helps me feel confident and beautiful.'

The star often gets up early for a spin class or hit yoga before her children wake: 'There’s something nice about me-time. My most productive thinking often happens during or after a workout.'

Balancing act: Explaining how she keeps in shape in a Self video, the star said she too finds it a struggle sometimes but exercise combined with mediation and healthy eating are key