A 55-year-old woman from the West Country has transformed her health and confidence after losing 24 pounds with the help of a weight loss app. Sam Matthews, a former teacher, says she now feels 'better in herself' and has more energy, all without giving up the foods she loves.
From embarrassment to empowerment
Sam was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in her mid-forties, which forced her to give up running. 'I'm very much an all-or-nothing person,' she explained. '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 spotting the Simple app on social media, she decided to give it a try. The app focuses on small, achievable habits rather than rigid calorie counting or cutting out food groups. Sam initially lost around 30 pounds but later returned to the app for a more sustainable approach.
How the Simple app works
The Simple app uses a brief questionnaire to create a personalised plan based on the user's objectives and daily schedule. It includes features such as an intermittent fasting tracker, workout guides, and food logging via text, voice, or photo. A key feature is Avo, an integrated AI coach that offers meal suggestions, advice, and motivation.
Sam has been using the app consistently since mid-January and has lost 24 pounds, dropping from a UK size 14 to a size 10. 'I use the app every day. I find it really beneficial,' she said. 'I haven't had to give up anything, but I've made more conscious choices.'
Mindful eating and intermittent fasting
The app helped Sam become more mindful about nutrition, particularly increasing her protein intake. 'I've been a lifelong vegetarian, and I really enjoy vegan food, so my diet is already fairly healthy, but the app has made me more mindful about nutrition and how to improve it,' she explained.
Sam also embraces intermittent fasting, typically fasting for 14–16 hours, sometimes extending to 20–21 hours once a week. 'Going 12 hours or 14 hours without food sounded really quite not possible,' she admitted, but now she finds it entirely achievable and even enjoyable.
User reviews
Users on Trustpilot have praised the Simple app for its simplicity and effectiveness. One reviewer said: '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 added: '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 commented: '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, not all feedback was glowing. One user noted: '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.'
Alternatives to Simple app
For those seeking other options, Noom offers a science-based platform focused on mindful eating, while MyFitnessPal provides a thorough nutrition and exercise tracker. Both apps aim to help users develop sustainable habits without restrictive dieting.
Sam's journey with the Simple app has not only helped her lose weight but also improved her overall well-being. 'I've definitely got more energy since starting with Simple, and I think movement and exercise are important, but it's about finding what works for you. I've also found I'm much more consistent now, and I feel better in myself overall,' she said.
