It is hard to believe this Australian mum was once overweight as she steps on stage in a slinky bikini showcasing her ripped physique.
Jodie Marquardt, 46, was on the brink of Type 2 diabetes weighing 16st 8lb at her heaviest which prompted her to start exercising and ditch takeaways.
Starting off with daily walks the financial advisor continued to step out of her comfort zone and even stepped on stage in September 2021.
Jodie, from Townsville, Aus, now looks ‘ten years younger’ and weighs a healthy 8st 8lbs.
She said: “I never thought I would enter a bodybuilding competition in my life.
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“But after reaching my goal weight which was 11 stone in nine months by eating fresh wholesome foods, daily walks and gym workouts – I decided to push myself even further.
“People say the transformation has taken ten years off my appearance, but more importantly, I feel 10 years younger too.
“I have so much more energy and I’m keen to get out of my comfort zone.”
Prior to losing weight, Jodie would often find herself eating a large pepperoni pizza and snacking on a family size block of chocolate.
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She adds: “I used to try and fool people by eating a salad in public and then stuffing my face with junk in private.
“I had tried many fad diets before but this time I was serious because my health was on the line.
“I decided to take a different approach by changing one habit at a time then moving onto the next area rather than changing everything at once and giving up when it got too hard.
“So rather than junk food daily, I cut back to two days per week and it slowly led to zero.
“I began walking every day, initially only 2km, which would leave me a sweaty mess.
“I knew the road to better health would be difficult but I was determined to do it.”
In November 2019, Jodie had a breast reduction and lift along with skin removal on her stomach.
Jodie then came across a bodybuilding competition on social media that motivated her to ‘refine’ her physique.
In January 2020, Jodie began preparing for the competition and within months she had chiselled abs.
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She said: “I was curvy and busty before and I wore a J cup bra at my heaviest.
“It is amazing how much more mobile I am without the bigger bust and stomach – little things, like being able to tie my laces.
“It’s a constant delight to be able to move freely and feel comfortable in my own skin.
FOOD DIARY
Breakfast – skip or bacon and egg McMuffin with coffee
Lunch – Hamburger and chips or roast pork gravy roll
Dinner – Large Pepperoni pizza with garlic bread or fried rice from Chinese
Snacks – Cakes, chocolate, cookies
NOW
Breakfast – Lean savoury mince with poached eggs or overnight oats
Lunch – Chicken salad
Dinner – Steak and vegetables
Snacks – Yogurt and fruit, oats with mixed berries or tuna and crackers
“The training for the competition was intense consisting of an hour of cardio early every morning, followed by two hours of weight training after work for five days a week.”
Jodie remains positive despite not placing at the ICN Tropix competition, and plans to compete again.
She said: “I am very proud of what I have achieved; the best part is the change in mindset.
“I tackle things with positivity by stopping and dealing with set backs rather than opening a bag of crisps.
“Even on cheat days, I choose healthier dishes such as steak and salad rather than a KFC takeaway.
“I hope my story highlights the fact anything is possible.
“I am woman in my forties – with a career, family and house to run.
“It is not impossible, it just takes consistency.
“From 42 to 46, I have transformed my life for the better and other women can too.”
For more health stories, check out I’m a size 14 with stretch marks & if people don’t like it they’re out of my life, says EastEnders star Melissa Suffield
Plus, my husband’s put on so much weight it’s disgusting, I’m embarrassed to be seen with him
Or see how people said I had let myself go after having two kids, now I have three and look better than ever
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