Perimenopausal woman loses nearly 3 stone in 5 months even though she 'loves food'

Financial aid officer and Portland based musical theatre performer Rochelle came across the Simple app one night after getting to a "point of desperation" with her body image.

"Being perimenopausal, knowing that I was gaining a bunch of weight and not being able to take it off and knowing that I needed to get at a certain point of taking off weight" is what lead Rochelle to this stage, she says.

"I'd heard everybody talking about intermittent fasting and I'm just going to say this flat out: I love food. So starting to not have food at certain times, I was thinking: 'This is never going to work for me'. However, after about two weeks in, I got used to not having to eat at night."

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With an increase of people such as Rochelle focusing on their health and wellbeing, customers can join similar journeys and use the code REACH60 to get a 60% discount on tailored weight loss plans from the Simple app, which includes intermittent fasting options.

The user-friendly app helps customers begin their journey by first completing a survey covering their health goals, concerns, preferences and past experiences with weight loss.

Once this is completed, they will gain access to a range of features such as food logging through typing, voice or photo and a Nutriscanner. When it comes to intermittent fasting, the Simple method doesn't include calorie counting, cutting out essential food groups or weighing every bite.

Instead, it prioritises safety and sustainability, which is what Rochelle also experienced. "I still go out and have my fish and chips at my pub. I have my hamburger but instead of getting french fries, I'm getting a salad next to it. I've found the love of avocados again and actually using mushrooms," she says.

"I break my fast with a really good Greek yogurt and granola with nuts in it - either almonds, walnuts or just some sort of nut going into it. I haven't changed a lot of what I'm eating, just when I'm eating."

The app also offers daily workout plans that are tailored into seven-day plans, which can include strength training, cardio and even wall pilates. A huge feature that sets the Simple appapart is in the in-app coach, Avo. Powered by AI, Avo is a personal wellness assistant that can answer user queries instantly, meaning users have round-the-clock access to wellbeing and fitness advice whenever required.

Rochelle, who has lost 40 pounds within the first five months of being on the programme, says she still uses the scanning feature every day on Avo, using the app to be able to see all her food and how health it is. "I do the daily check ins using the Simple app and using Avo and I can figure out if I'm still on track. I am still on track and I'm still losing," she says. "I still have about 35 pounds to go where I want to be at this point, and I'm just doing it in little chunks and not a big: 'I have to lose 150 pounds'."

"I'm taking it in small bits and pieces so that it is manageable and that I don't get discouraged because I'm not losing fast enough or anything like that. But it's been easy. It's been a lot easier than I thought it would... If I can do it because I love my food... anybody can do it," she says.

If this app isn't for everyone, there are a range of others on the market such as MyFitnessPal which is a health and fitness tracking smartphone app and website that is available for Android and iOS devices. Customers are able to login and track their calorie intake, exercise and weight loss goals in aims to help them. Another option could be Lifesum which is a global platform that tracks food intake and exercise, offers personalised feedback, recipes and meal plans.

However, with 17 million downloads, shoppers have shared their opinions on the Simple app. One said: “This app has been absolutely life changing for me... it just made everything so simple... I can actually do things I love to do... like a long walk with my kids."

Matt, who has lost 57 lbs with Simple, said it has been a 'game changer' in his life, after he struggled with being consistent but thanks to the app he was able to change this.

Chris, who lost 45 pounds with Simple said he 'loves the recipes' the AI coach Avo recommends him, and also uses the food feedback tool to help him learn.

Some others shared different opinions on Trustpilot, however, as one person said: "I found it overwhelming. Suddenly I had registered for trainers, advisors, and other things that would occupy my whole day. I was simply interested in a few exercise ideas and different easy meal plans."

However, Rochelle says that: "People at work were like: 'Wait a second, you're disappearing,' which was a great thing. Of course now I've had to go out and buy all new clothes because nothings fitting at this point. That's a lovely thing and it was actually very easy once I got used to it and got everything up and running."

Tailored plans are available from The Simple app.

Real simple users are featured who have been compensated for their honest testimonials. Results may vary.