Scottish dad sheds nearly 2 stone in three months after making one simple change

Edinburgh Live

3 days ago

Marcel Botes, a Scottish father to an 11-month-old son, has impressively shed 12.5kg (nearly two stone) in just two months by using a cutting-edge AI coaching app called Simple.
Motivated by concerns about his health, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, Marcel found himself struggling to resist the urge to snack, particularly post-dinner. He said: "Initially my biggest challenge was avoiding snacks, especially after dinner, but the app helped me make informed food choices."
Speaking about his impressive weight loss, Marcel added: "So far I've lost 12.5kg. I reached my original goal weight of 87.6kg in two months. I set a new target of 83.5kg, which I achieved a month later. Even after reaching my goal, I still log my meals and activities multiple times a day."
Continuing his path to wellness, Marcel was keen to share: "After a health assessment, my doctor noted my BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol were in healthy ranges, and asked me to keep going."
Simple is an intuitive app that crafts a bespoke weight-loss programme to fit each user's lifestyle and objectives. It begins with a personalized quiz that tailors fasting recommendations to lifestyle, considering factors like activity levels, health goals and timeline.
By using an intermittent fasting tracker, the Simple method doesn't include calorie counting, cutting out essential food groups, or weighing every bite. Based on individual input, the app helps users choose a fasting schedule that suits them best- whether it's a balanced 12:12 split, a moderate 14:10 or the 16:8 routine.
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The 16:8 routine is the most popular intermittent fasting method where users eat during an 8-hour window - such as 10 am to 6 pm - and fast for the remaining 16 hours. During the fasting period, food must be avoided but calorie-free beverages can still be enjoyed.
To help users stay on top of their nutrition, the app has various methods for logging food including typing, voice commands, or photographs with the nutriscanner. It also offers personalised exercise routines, from strength training and cardio to wall pilates.
Now, those eager to start shedding pounds can emulate Marcel's success and snatch a fantastic 60% discount on personalised weight loss programmes via the Simple App by using the code REACH60.
What makes the Simple App so effective is the addition of Avo, the built-in coach powered by artificial intelligence. Avo acts as a personal wellness companion, always on hand to instantly respond to users' questions, ensuring advice on wellbeing and fitness is just a tap away any time they need it.
"I love that I can take a photo of my meal and Avo can track the nutritional value for me," continued Marcel. "I frequently use Avo's recipes. Interacting with it feels more like someone who is invested in my health, rather than an AI."
(Image: Simple)
However, if the Simple App doesn't tick all the boxes, a variety of alternative healthy lifestyle apps are available. Take the Lifesum App, for example, an app that assists users by helping them logging their diet and physical activity habits, promoting the adoption of healthier choices.
Myfitnesspal is another app that has won over many fans with its highly-regarded food diary that offers meal planning, calorie tracking and exercise routines. While both apps are free to use, they feature premium versions for those looking for extra support and resources.
Mum-of-two Laci Gilbert has also enjoyed great success with the Simple app. She dropped from 275lbs to 116lbs, utilising the workouts and meal planning via Avo.
Laci said: "As working moms, wives, mothers, just family members, life takes over and sometimes we don't have time in the evenings to get ourselves to the gym or sometimes we just don't feel like moving. The Simple App gives you a no-excuse reason to get up and move, especially when you can do it at home with no equipment."
'It is great for a busy person who needs something to do at home or somebody who cannot afford a gym membership, equipment. All you need is yourself and a wall and you've got it,' adds Laci, who frequently does at-home wall pilates workouts.
(Image: Simple)
The Simple app has received an impressive 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot based on 29,591 reviews. One satisfied user commented: "It is an encouraging way to lose weight."
One user enthused: "This app is amazing. It's so easy to use and I love all of the interactions.
"It's easy to follow," mentioned another customer. "I'm actually losing weight I've been stuck with forever."
Yet, not everyone found the app straightforward, as one individual expressed: "I am finding the program a little difficult to use."
The Mirror also gave its thoughts on the app, stating: "Simple's range of features are very reminiscent to what you'd get with a personal trainer: someone to hold you accountable, provide you with meal plans and recipes, and to give advice and encouragement."
They added: "There are limitations to it, with the app being a robot, which makes the programme more suited to those who are just getting started or don't know where to start. If you need more advanced help or your weight loss is stalling, that's a good time to pick up the phone to a PT."
The review continued: "However, its food logging and recipe functions makes it worth the price of admission alone. Even though I'm keeping my PT, Simple will help spice things up for me going forward. I highly recommend this app."