As we move through January, those New Year’s resolutions of fitness and healthy eating may be waning in the face of that tempting packet of Digestives. But before jeopardising hard-earned progress, it’s possible to take some inspiration from two women who’ve lost a staggering 241lbs between them, thanks to a single change in their lifestyle.

They attribute their success to an app named Simple, which boasts over 17 million downloads and is supported by numerous positive testimonials. Karen Haffernan dropped an astonishing 181lbs with the help of the app while Brianna Alexander has seen a 60lb decrease.

Karen spoke candidly about her experience with Simple and the huge impact it has made to her life. She explains: “Mentally, and physically, I’m the fittest and the strongest I can be, and this is a permanent lifestyle change for me. I can’t believe it’s actually been so simple. I’ve not felt deprived along the way.”

She added: “This isn’t through surgery, it’s not through medication, any of that. Some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep, and motivation to keep you going along the way.”

Simple is an AI coaching app for adults who want to live a healthier lifestyle.
(Image: Simple)

Brianna Alexander, who achieved a 60lb loss over three years, commented: “I’m really grateful that I’m tracking it [her nutrition] and staying consistent, and the app makes it really easy,” reports the Manchester Evening News. It should be mentioned that both women are actual users of the Simple app who have been remunerated for sharing their genuine testimonials, and individual results may vary.

The Simple app, an innovative AI-powered tool backed by a team of nutritional, behavioural, and medical experts, is designed to establish healthy habits tailored to fitness enthusiasts’ specific goals. As part of the brand’s massive January sale, customers can currently use the code REACH60 to get a 60% discount on Simple’s weight loss plans, with prices varying depending on the type of membership chosen.

Upon initial load, fitness enthusiasts are asked to fill out a questionnaire about their goals, past dieting and exercise experiences, and preferences. The app then generates a fully customised exercise and eating plan to achieve those goals within a realistic and achievable timeframe.

The app offers a variety of tools aimed at keeping users motivated and accountable. There’s a straightforward food logging tool similar to LoseIt or MyFitnessPal that can be used with text, voice command, or by taking a photo, which works in conjunction with Simple’s NutriScanner tool. NutriScanner analyses the nutritional value of meals, helping track protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake while explaining their respective effects on the body.

Before and after of Brianna Alexander from using the Simple app
(Image: Simple)

The Simple app also boasts custom workout plans spanning strength, cardio, and mobility exercises, all while offering the support of its AI-powered assistant, Avo. Karen and Brianna’s remarkable weight loss journeys showcase the potential effectiveness of the app’s tools although obviously individual results may vary.

The app has earned high praise, with a stellar 4.1 out of 5-star rating from over 25,000 Trustpilot reviews. A pleased customer commented: “Honestly it’s a guilt-free way of tracking food because, although the app teaches you what would have made your meal better, it doesn’t ‘punish’ you for your choices,” as well as flagging the power of the built-in coaching, adding: “The Avo coach is amazing and very encouraging.”

Describing the impact the app had on them, another user said: “My journey has been very transformative. The teaching technique goes beyond the basics. I have learned from the nutritional experts what to expect and to trust the process to help reach my goals. The coach is always there and always responds to my questions. I’m learning skills that will help me for a lifetime and this includes mindfulness and managing my expectations.”

Despite the overall positive feedback, some users have found aspects to critique. One such individual left a three-star review, explaining their dissatisfaction with certain features: “I dislike most of the preloaded recipes and I wish there was a meal plan feature to put together and plan meals ahead.”

Another reviewer praised the affordability and effectiveness of the app, stating: “This is a reasonably-priced app that is super helpful. The AI, Avo, is amazing and encouraging. It helps me stay motivated but isn’t restrictive. It’s really a guide that helps you be successful.”

For those on the hunt for different apps to track their progress and meet health goals, Lifesum comes highly recommended for making food tracking easy and providing in-depth insights into eating habits. Elsewhere, if you want to take things offline, Slimming World offers a community-centric approach that has worked wonders for many of its members.

However, if you’re curious about what Simple can do for you, the 60% discount on a Simple plan is running now in the January sale when you use the code REACH60.