For many, the pressure of a January health overhaul can feel overwhelming. However, a growing trend is seeing people move away from extreme diets towards building sustainable, long-term habits. This approach is at the heart of one popular wellness app, which has helped a US mother lose an impressive five stone and rediscover her vitality.
From Struggle to Success: A Mother's Journey
Rebecca Littles, from New York, has lost 76 pounds (approximately five stone) using the Simple app. Her primary motivation was her children. "My goals totally were to lose weight and be healthier for my children," Rebecca explained. "Being able to be outside and play games with them or play sports with them is something that's very important to me."
She recalled a pivotal moment before her weight loss: "At my top weight, I was trying to play volleyball with my daughter, and I couldn't do it. Five minutes, maybe, into it, I had to stop." Starting at 286 pounds, her transformation has brought her down to 210 pounds, with a goal of reaching 180 pounds.
How the App Fosters Lasting Change
Unlike restrictive diets, Simple is a clinically backed app that creates a personalised plan based on a user's quiz results. It focuses on behaviour change rather than rigid rules, helping people understand their eating, movement, and food mindset. The app promotes small, sustainable adjustments that accumulate over time.
Rebecca found the app easy to use, despite previous issues with tracking tools. "I'm losing an average of three pounds a week. Fasting has been helping," she said. Crucially, she didn't have to completely eliminate her favourite treats. "Some of the things that I did give up while using the Simple app is my sweets and soda," she noted. "I didn't have to completely give it all up, I have just limited it to one or two sodas a week instead of 14."
A New Lease on Life and Energy
The benefits of Rebecca's weight loss extend far beyond the number on the scales. Her daily life and energy levels have been revolutionised. "I have a higher energy level now, I don't have to take naps in the middle of the day," she shared. "I feel like I'm more focused on the things that I need to get done, and I sleep like a baby."
Her activity levels have also skyrocketed. "I go to the gym three to five times a week. I do lift weights and I do cardio... either doing stairs, treadmill, elliptical, rowing," she said.
The Simple app offers flexible food logging via typing, voice, or photos, and includes a NutriScanner to analyse meals. It also features an intermittent fasting tracker designed for safety and sustainability. Users receive personalised workout plans, from walking and yoga to HIIT, and have access to 'Avo', an in-app AI wellness coach that provides tailored advice and support.
Currently, Simple is offering 60% off its weight loss plans with the code REACH60. User reviews on Trustpilot are largely positive, with one person stating, "I started very sceptical, however within the first week I learned enough that I was willing to try fasting and saw amazing results."
For those seeking alternatives, other apps like Lifesum and MyFitnessPal offer similar meal tracking, planning, and integration features at various price points. However, Rebecca's story highlights the profound impact a focus on sustainable habit change, rather than deprivation, can have on health and family life.
