Claire's story

How much weight have you lost and how long did it take?

I originally joined just after my 40th birthday in November 2021 and had lost 2st by February 2022. However, I had some struggles with depression and unforeseen life events and stopped trying. This led me to gain all the weight back I'd lost. I then decided to try again on 3rd August 2022. Now I've lost 6st altogether.

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

I was so fed up of feeling lethargic. I work long days as a nurse and would be in agony after 12.5 hours with my knees. I knew it was due to extra weight. I was binge eating and my mental health was getting worse. I had been asked to be a bridesmaid in the April of 2023 so I thought I'd just try and eat healthier and move more. I wanted to feel better in myself and not feel 80 when I was in my 40s. I wanted to set a good example for my two children.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I have done WW before (3 or 4 times), but it was so expensive,and I didn't like the points system and that food was zero points. I googled calorie counting apps and Nutracheck came up. I started with the free trial and loved it. It was so easy to use and I loved the sensible approach. I didn't feel like it was a diet where I would have to count points or syns. I could eat normally.

Has your weight stayed fairly consistent over the years, or have you always had to manage it?

I've always struggled with my weight. I was an overweight child. Always the big girl. Friends that hadn't seen me for a long time didn't know who would turn up. Thin Claire or the fat one. I'd lose and gain all the time. Constantly yo-yo dieting.

Have you experienced any health improvements?

The biggest health improvement has been my mental health. I used to sit on my days off playing Candy Crush or another game all day and feel rubbish about myself. I am so much fitter physically. I started the couch to 5k and although it was a struggle at first, I now run regularly and have just signed up to do a half marathon. I no longer get knee pain. Work is so much easier. I feel energetic and I can keep up with my kids (they now can't keep up with me).

How easy was it to fit the changes you made into your lifestyle?

I started off slowly and I found it easy to plan and prep my meals for the day. It made it easier to shop and budget. I knew if life got in the way I could switch to Easier Days feature etc. I could eat the same as the kids as I wasn't looking for all the "diet" options.

What was the most difficult thing?

The most difficult thing was to not feel guilty if I'd gone over my calories. I'd spent years on and off a diet and had labelled food "good" and "bad". So, once I got out of this mindset it became easier.

How do you feel now compared to before?

I feel 20 years younger. I'm fitter now than I was at 21. I have so much more energy whereas before I'd be breathless going up the stairs. I'm more confident in myself and I appreciate my body.

Any notable milestones to report?

Most notable milestones for me were having the confidence to participate in my first parkrun and to finally wear shorts and a bikini on holiday. It's not always about the numbers on the scales it's the non-scale victories that matter.

What 3 tips would you give to anyone who has weight to lose?

1. Start off slowly, especially if you have a lot to lose. There's no need to restrict yourself. I was only set at 1lb per week loss giving me 1900 calories for my weight. Eat them if you are hungry. So many times we are too restrictive. Our bodies are not used to it. Better to lose slow and steady than to restrict too much only for it to not be sustainable.
2. Plan, prepare and track. Use your Easier Days and have a treat. This is a lifestyle,not a diet.
3. If you can, move your body. You don't have to go mad. I started just slow walking 10-15 minutes. There are lots of things on YouTube like chair workouts if you're unable to walk etc. Find something you enjoy.