Embarking on a journey to improve one’s health can be daunting, especially as we age, since what works for one individual might not be effective for another. Given that each person’s path to visible results is unique, the most successful approach is often one that’s tailored to their specific needs and can be adapted as necessary to suit their lifestyle and preferences. Mark and Sherrill Fraff, a married couple of 40 years, discovered the benefits of using a mobile app to support their quest for better health, ultimately losing a combined 117lbs.
They downloaded the Simple app, which provides customised plans for healthy eating and exercise, and is currently available at a 60% discount for new users who sign up with the code REACH60 at checkout. The couple began their weight loss journey by incorporating intermittent fasting into their routine with the app’s guidance. This approach involves alternating between periods of eating and fasting throughout the day, and can be implemented in various forms, such as Dr Michael Mosley’s 5:2 diet, which involves normal eating for five days and calorie restriction for two non-consecutive days, or the 16/8 Method, where individuals eat within an 8-hour window each day.
Mark and Sherrill opted for the 16/8 Method, albeit with slightly different schedules. As reported by Yorkshire Live, Sherrill explained: “We have different eating schedules. I like to fast until 11.30am, so I open my eating window at 11.30 and I end it somewhere between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.”
“I usually begin my meals at nine in the morning and at two o’clock in the afternoon,” adds Mark. “That way I’m not so hungry when dinner time comes. I work at least 10 hour days at my job, sitting at a desk. It’s pretty stagnant work, not a lot of exercise. So I gained a lot of weight over the years.”
The duo attribute their impressive weight loss to the Simple app, which leverages AI to offer tailored nutritional guidance and suggest changes to daily habits. Unique to this app is the ability to snap pictures of meals for Simple to assess their nutritional value, unlike other apps such as MyFitnessPal that require barcode scanning for food information.
The Simple method, crafted by an elite group of experts in nutrition, behavioural science, digital health, and medicine, has helped countless individuals revamp their lifestyles, shed pounds, and enhance their overall health. “Since using the Simple app, I’ve lost about 62 pounds, and (Mark has) lost 55,” Sherrill revealed. This equates to Sherrill dropping 28kg and Mark 24kg.
“We do it a little bit differently. I consume a lot of protein and vegetables during my eating window, but Mark is a little more disciplined in what he eats.”
Mark adds: “I consume less than 1200 calories a day. I ensure that I stay below that, but if I exceed it, it’s no big deal, because I view this as a lifestyle change for me.”
As demonstrated by Mark and Sherrill’s personalised usage, the Simple app caters to every user’s unique needs. It starts with a detailed questionnaire about health goals, taste preferences and past dieting attempts.
From there, users get tools such as a food diary, an intermittent fasting monitor, the innovative NutriScanner for meal nutrition analysis both in and out of home, customisable daily exercise plans, and round-the-clock support from Avo, the AI coach ready to dispense advice, tips, and motivation on nutrition and fitness. The strategy is about gradual change, avoiding extreme diets or labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, and instead embracing balanced, guilt-free eating.
Another Simple user, Matt, attributes his impressive 57lb (25.8kg) weight loss journey to the app, calling it a life-altering ‘game-changer’. He credits Simple for delivering consistency in his lifestyle adjustments. Danielle, who shed 48lbs (27.8kg) with help from the app, praises its impact: “I give all credit to Simple. Having an AI coach right there, any time I needed, whatever time of day, helped me more than anything else.”
It should be noted that the individuals discussed are genuine users whose testimonials reflect their experiences; they have received compensation for sharing their thoughts. Individual results may differ.
The Simple app boasts a solid 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot, echoing the achievements of many who’ve shared their stories. “Best app I’ve tried so far for weight loss,” praised one contented user, awarding a five-star rating. “I really enjoy this app for its recipes, exercises which takes into account any injuries you may have and gives you alternatives, and, of course, the fasting tracking and help through it.
Another user shared their success story: “I’ve lost 19lbs since starting and it’s helped me adjust my thoughts on food and what I am putting in my body. Plus, it’s still easy eating out – with the app’s AI assistance, I can pick the best option. Definitely worth it.
“The AI support is nice. It feels like I have a personal coach helping me through the process,” remarked another reviewer, while acknowledging the limitations: “Although there are obviously limits, it’s nice to vent frustration or worry about the journey.”
However, it’s important to note that intermittent fasting isn’t suitable for everyone, and individual results will vary. For example, one user expressed their disappointment: “For me, fasting did not work. It has been one month since I started Simple life. I have not lost any weight at all. I have been eating three healthy meals a day, no unhealthy snacks, and no eating after fasting starts. At this rate, I might as well enjoy life and have my popcorn in the evening and my Cheetos with lunch.”
Yet another user was more optimistic, saying: “Exceeding my expectations for a nutrition app. I love the AI component. Intermittent fasting is a new approach for me and this app has been very helpful in educating me on a workable plan.”
In the spirit of well-being, it’s crucial to get professional medical advice before starting any fresh diet or fitness routine to ensure it’s tailored to your needs. If you find that the Simple app isn’t the perfect match for your health journey, there’s an array of other nutritional and exercise applications accessible at various price brackets.
Lifesum also welcomes AI into its fold, offering features like meal tracking, dietary suggestions, intermittent fasting timers, and macro counting, all free with optional in-app purchases up for grabs. For the gym-goers, Hevy stands out as a dependable fitness tracker, providing a gratis platform to fashion and follow personal workout agendas while comparing progress with peers.