A 55-year-old former teacher has shed 24 pounds without cutting out any foods, thanks to the Simple app. Sam Matthews, from the West Country, discovered the app after seeing it on social media during a difficult period with illness.
Finding a Sustainable Approach
Sam was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in her mid-forties, which forced her to give up running. She described herself as an all-or-nothing person, saying, 'Because I couldn't exercise, what was the point of eating healthily? The weight piled on, and suddenly I was huffing and puffing around, feeling really self-conscious, embarrassed, and in pain.'
After returning to the app, she found a sustainable strategy that worked for her body. She ultimately lost about 30 pounds, establishing a realistic regime that suited her changing needs. 'Things that had worked in the past don't necessarily work now,' she noted.
How the Simple App Works
Rather than relying on rigorous calorie counting or eliminating entire food groups, the app focuses on small, achievable habits. It starts with a short questionnaire to customise a plan based on individual objectives and daily schedules. Features include intermittent fasting trackers, workout guides, and convenient food logging via text, voice, or photo.
A key highlight is Avo, the app's integrated AI coach, which provides instant meal suggestions, advice, and motivation. Sam said Avo made a 'massive difference' by keeping her on track without feeling constrained.
Sam's Progress and Experience
Using the app consistently from mid-January, Sam lost 24 pounds and returned to a healthy weight range. She dropped from a UK size 14 to a size 10, a milestone she is delighted about. 'I use the app every day. I find it really beneficial,' she said. 'There were other benefits too - I was still sleeping well, feeling better for moving around more.'
She values that she hasn't 'had to give up anything' but has made more 'conscious choices.' The app helped her analyse her eating habits, allowing her to enjoy meals out with a glass of wine while focusing on adding more protein.
Intermittent Fasting as a Flexible Tool
The app also features an intermittent fasting tracker that prioritises safe, sustainable habits. Sam typically does 14–16 hour fasts, sometimes extending to 18 or 20–21 hours once a week. She admitted that going 12 or 14 hours without food initially sounded impossible but now finds it manageable and enjoyable. 'It feels great,' she said.
User Reviews and Feedback
Simple users have shared positive feedback on Trustpilot. One reviewer commented, 'The clue is in the name. Simple. Simple but a seriously good app that doesn't take itself too seriously. Dare I say it is good fun. Packed with features and information. Keeps me on track and mindful. Definitely recommend.'
Another wrote, 'It really is Simple to use and provides a lot of support by giving me feedback on everything I eat, encouragement and ideas. This is educational and informs my next meals. It's only been a few weeks and I've lost 10 lb.'
A third remarked, 'It makes it easy to try to keep track of what we eat, and our fluid intake. It makes one want to stay on track with the diet.'
However, some users noted drawbacks. One said, 'The app is fairly intuitive, and it is nice to be able to ask the AI assistant when I have questions about really anything at all. The only drawbacks I've seen are that it was really hard for me to figure out how to edit something I had logged, as well as the Avo assistant sometimes loses track of our conversation and diverts from the mission midstream.'
Despite this, most reviews are positive, with one user simply stating, 'Great app. Really keeps me on track.'
Current Offer
New users can secure up to 80% off plans using the code REACH. This offer is available for a limited time, allowing users to try the Simple app at a reduced cost.
