A woman has revealed how she lost 196lbs, saving over £5,000 by cutting takeaways from her diet.
Judith Magill has battled with weight issues for over 30 years, growing to 23.5 stone by the age of 43.
After the loss of her dad, the college lecturer decided that she needed to make some drastic changes to her health, cutting out takeaways and joining gym classes.
Now the mum-of-three is a fitness model and bodybuilder, claiming two titles in recent competitions for her impressive physique.
“I have battled with my weight for over 30 years and after three kids, I was the largest I had ever been,” the 46-year-old, from Northern Ireland, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
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“My diet consisted of lots of fast food.“I spent £100 a week on takeaways.
“I did exercise but thought I could eat whatever I wanted if I trained.
“I also gave up if I didn’t see a result right away.
“So it was a constant yoyo and I was out of breath getting up the stairs.
“Aches and pains were starting.
“I knew this would get worse as I was getting older and it would also be harder to lose it the older I got.
“I am also a twin and I was very conscious of being the ‘big one’ – I was over double my twin sister’s weight.”
Twin to Lorna Gilliand, Judith became very conscious of their weight difference.
In 2021, Judith tragically lost her dad, who was her best friend.
This caused the mum, who has three kids – Ruby (20), Toby (11) and Lydia (nine) – to reevaluate her life choices.
She said: “I realised I had to get healthy once and for all to be around for my own kids.
“I found gym classes that I enjoyed and like-minded people became my friends at the classes.
“I cut out takeaways, not least as they are so expensive now and I save nearly £100 a week not buying takeaways.
“I tried cooking healthier meals for the whole family.
“I did sometimes feel like giving up but I wanted to make my dad proud and set a good example for my own kids.”
Despite having always gone to the gym, she decided to take her fitness journey more seriously, focusing on weights as well as attending lots of fitness classes to stay motivated.
Shedding the pounds, Judith went from 23.5 stone to just 9.5 stone in three years.
She’s since become a fitness model, taking part in bodybuilding competitions, and donning bikinis to show off her impressive physique.
She said: “I had seen it advertised and thought ‘wow I would love to do that’.
“I put it off for a while but it was back in my mind so I thought, ‘Sure, it will be a good experience’.
“I didn’t expect to win at all but was absolutely delighted.
“It was the Northern Ireland Fitness Association competition – I won both the transformation and the biggest weight loss categories.
“The whole event was great – getting a tan and hair and makeup done was icing on the cake to reaching my goal weight.”
She now shares advice to those looking to transform their body on her Instagram, becoming a fitness model.
The mum added: “Just take it one day at a time.
“Remember your ‘why’, we all have a reason to push through and link with like-minded people who will keep you motivated.
“It’s a cliche, but if I can do it, anyone can!”
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