Food, rather than exercise, played the most significant role in helping Judy Ann Santos achieve her current weight of 128 pounds.
At the Gabi ng Parangal for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, she stunned in a figure-hugging, off-shoulder dress that highlighted her slimmer figure.
During her acceptance speech for the Best Actress award, she humorously quipped, "May beywang ako ngayon, pagbigyan niyo na ako."
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Her transformation, nearly eight years in the making, began after giving birth to her youngest daughter, Luna, in January 2016, when she was at her heaviest—approximately 190 pounds.
"Umabot ako sa kanya ng mga 190 pounds. Caesarean ako kay Luna, e, then siyempre, nasa 40s na ako noong time na yun, mahirap na talaga [pumayat]. Ang hirap nang bumalik."
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JUDY ANN SANTOS'S LOSE-WEIGHT JOURNEY: HOW IT BEGAN
Judy Ann only began seeing real results three years ago.
Her journey started with a change in mindset.
At one point, she confessed feeling down about her weight but ultimately decided to let go of obsessing over losing pounds.
"Maganda naman ako. Tatanggapin naman ako ng mga tao kahit mataba ako.
"Nun lang, parang noong nag-decide akong mag-fasting, hindi naman ako nag-detox. Hindi ako nag-decide noon na ang goal ko is pumayat.
"Ang goal ko lang talaga is mag-cleansing. Gusto ko lang magtanggal ng toxins sa katawan kasi wala akong energy."
Toxins, as Harvard Health explains, can affect serotonin production—a chemical that regulates mood.
"Low serotonin levels can lead to anxiety, depression, and irritability. What you eat directly impacts brain function and, ultimately, your mood."
Judy Ann reflected, "Malungkot ako, mainitin ang ulo ko, mabilis akong mapikon. E, kilala ko yung sarili ko, hindi ako ganon, e. Mahaba ang pasensiya ko...
"Hindi talaga, pero may times ako na naranasan na kahit ako, naiinis na ako sa sarili ko. Kasi parang hindi naman ako ito. 'Ba't ang sungit ko today, Juday? Ano ba nangyayari sa akin?'
"Then I realized, baka masyado ng maraming toxins yung katawan ko."
"So that was the first time, that was two years ago na nag-start akong mag-[cleansing], during pandemic pa, e.
"Towards the end of pandemic, doon ako nag-decide na baka I need to cleanse.
"So I did all the thorough cleansing needed. Naka-focus ako sa wellness. I really want to feel better.
"Kasi ayoko na ibubunton yung init ng ulo ko sa ibang tao. Kasi nakakasama ng pakiramdam.
"Ayoko yung feeling na may na-upset akong tao. Lalo na yung mga anak ko, asawa ko na parang nadadamay sila sa kung ano man yung state of mind ko noong time na yun.
"Doon na lang siya nagsimula. Yung katawan sumunod na lang.”
Read: Here's how Judy Ann Santos becomes slim, fit, and healthy
Judy Ann SANTOS’s Diet Plan
Currently, Judy Ann follows a "clean eating" regimen.
She detailed her approach:
"Basically, magiging vegetarian muna ako or vegan for three days. Tapos mag-juicing ako for four days. Tapos ayurvedic food na siya."
According to Healthline.com, the Ayurvedic diet is based on balancing different types of energy within the body.
Judy Ann explained, "Ayurvedic, basically parang siya based sa dosha ng katawan mo. Kung mataas ang kapha mo o pitta mo."
Doshas, as defined by Healthline, are energy types:
- Pitta Dosha: Regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature
- Vata Dosha: Maintains electrolyte balance and movement
- Kapha Dosha: Promotes joint function.
Her meals are delivered by Chechel Joson.
"Siya ang nag-supply ng pagkain ko everyday hanggang ngayon. May drinks, may juices, may smoothies. May program ako sa kanya.
"So kahit sa set, pag nagde-detox ako sa set, may pagkain akong bitbit."
Judy Ann’s Eating Schedule
Detoxing requires discipline, and Judy Ann ensures she sticks to her schedule.
"Kailangan lang sagrado yung time na yun."
As a chef, this poses challenges, hence, "Tinitikman ko, pero hindi ko nilulunok."
She also sacrifices dinners.
"Hindi na ako nag-dinner, nag-smoothie na lang ako. So parang medyo nagkaroon na ako ng rhythm na kailangan may two hours kasi akong pahinga bago ako makatulog after dinner. So pagkaganon, alanganin na yung oras, smoothie na lang…"
Does she give in to cravings?
Judy Ann said yes.
"Hindi siya masyadong binge, magki-crave. Mas craving pala yung tamang term. Magki-crave ako ng burger, ng pizza...Mahilig talaga akong kumain."
But detoxing is needed “para ma-achieve ko yung goal na mas maganda ang energy ko at nagla-last yung energy ko throughout the months na magtatrabaho ako.”
This interview took place on December 22, 2024, during her get-together lunch with the press, including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
Her MMFF 2024 entry Espantaho is still showing in cinemas.