Scot dad gets blood pressure warning from doctor but makes change to lose 2 stone

Daily Record

2 days ago

Marcel Botes, 33, from Edinburgh, struggled to resist the urge to snack, particularly after dinner. But after making one simple change, he's shed nearly two stone in weight
Scottish dad Marcel Botes, who has an 11-month-old son, has dropped 12.5kg (nearly two stone) in three months by utilising an innovative AI-powered coaching app named Simple.
Battling concerns over his health such as heightened blood pressure and cholesterol levels, Marcel grappled with late-night cravings. He shared: "Initially my biggest challenge was avoiding snacks, especially after dinner, but the app helped me make informed food choices."
Reflecting on his weight loss journey, Marcel remarked: "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."
Proudly sharing news of his recent health assessment, Marcel continued: "After a health assessment, my doctor noted my BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol were in healthy ranges, and asked me to keep going."
Simple offers users a highly personalised weight-loss experience, tailor-made to suit individual lifestyles and aims. The process kicks off with a unique quiz that adjusts fasting advice based on several aspects like exercise habits, health objectives and desired timeline, reports Cornwall Live.
By using an intermittent fasting tracker, the Simple method doesn't involve calorie counting, eliminating essential food groups, or weighing every bite. Based on individual input, the app assists users in selecting a fasting schedule that best suits them- whether it's a balanced 12:12 split, a moderate 14:10 or the 16:8 routine.
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 keep track 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 keen to start shedding pounds can emulate Marcel's success and grab 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 ready 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."
For those looking for something outside the Simple app, there are numerous other healthy lifestyle apps to explore. The Lifesum App, for instance, helps users log their diet and physical activity, encouraging healthier choices.
Myfitnesspal is another popular app, renowned for its food diary that offers meal planning, calorie tracking, and exercise routines. While both apps are free, they offer premium versions for those seeking extra support and resources.
Mother-of-two Laci Gilbert has also achieved significant success with the Simple app, dropping from 275lbs to 116lbs by utilising Avo's workouts and meal planning.
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," Laci said, promoting her regular wall pilates workouts done from the comfort of home.
The Simple app has garnered a commendable 4.3-star rating on Trustpilot, accumulating opinions from 29,591 users. A well-pleased user remarked: "It is an encouraging way to lose weight."
Another app user praised: "This app is amazing. It's so easy to use and I love all of the interactions.
"It's easy to follow," another client notes. "I'm actually losing weight I've been stuck with forever."
However, the app hasn't been universally straightforward, as one individual disclosed: "I am finding the program a little difficult to use."
The Mirror also shared its perspective, highlighting: "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 continued: "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 went on to say: "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."
The Simple app is currently available at a 60% discount with the code REACH60. This is not medical advice but a personal experience.
Results may vary, and you should consult your healthcare professional for any medical conditions.