Shaun's story

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

My original start weight was 16st 11.5lbs235.5lbs106.8kg. I lost a couple of stone and then the weight loss slowed down so I joined Nutracheck. This helped me to remain focussed and I managed to get to just over 13st182lbs82.5kg for my wedding last year. Since then I have lost over another stone and am now 11st 11st 11.5lbs 165.5lbs 75kg. In total I have now lost 5st (and still counting!). I've gone from a 38" waist at my heaviest to a comfortable 32".

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

I had put on a lot of lockdown weight, so I wanted to shift that and to look great on my wedding day.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

A friend of mine had lost weight counting calories and suggested a few apps to try. Nutracheck just clicked and was much more intuitive than the others I tried.

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

My weight goes up and down a lot so I constantly have to manage it. I have learnt a lot from calorie counting though, so I am hoping the maintenance will be much easier this time around.

Have you experienced any health improvements?

My fitness has improved dramatically and I have shaved minutes off my 5km time. My resting heart rate is lower now and I have much more energy. I can even see some muscles starting to make an appearance!

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

It was hard to remain consistent at first. I found if I fell off the wagon I wasn't in a rush to get back on! So I made a habit tracker and started sending photos of it at the end of the month to my family. The habits were easier to form once I was accountable. Now things like exercising in the morning come second nature and I don't have to think about it, I just do it!

What was the most difficult thing?

Making healthy choices at the weekend was the most difficult! The number of calories in alcohol is unbelievable! This is something I hadn't considered much before I started using Nutracheck. Then there were all the food choices associated with alcohol... like takeaways and comfort food the day after. I would be really healthy during the week and then undo all my hard work at the weekend – so I stopped drinking and haven't looked back! I no longer consume liquid calories from alcohol, or binge on unhealthy food when I am hungover. Plus, I am never too rough to exercise and I am saving money. It's a win, win, win!

How do you feel now compared to before?

The difference is crazy! I am more confident, full of energy and enjoy exercising. I was active before and still did rock climbing and mountain biking. Now I have less weight to fight against gravity, I enjoy it even more!

Any notable milestones to report?

My milestones probably aren't significant to anyone else, but I bought 4 pairs of work trousers online about 7 years ago. They came and were far too tight. Rather than send them back, I stored them away and made some vague promise that I would fit into them at some point. I kept coming across them every time I sorted the shed, and each time they got stored away again with another vague promise that I'll wear them for work one day... until I found them again a month ago. I have finally taken the labels off them and have been wearing them for work since! Every time I put a pair on, I feel amazing!

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

1. Set clear goals with a timescale. 'I will lose weight' isn't as good as 'I will stick to my diet and lose 2lb per week until I reach 80kg'.
2. Exercise! Diet is without doubt the most effective way to shift weight. But exercising goes hand in hand with a healthy diet and makes you feel great. Exercise each day, even if it's only for a short time, and you'll soon find yourself wanting to do more and eat healthier.
3. Be accountable and consistent. Tell a family member or friend about your goals and set daily habits to achieve them. Small habits done each day add up to big results.