Simon's story

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

Over 3st 2lbs43lbs20kg

2. What prompted your decision to lose weight?

This is going to sound really backwards, but I actually 'ran' a full marathon in mid-April. It was a silly attempt to take it on at my weight (18st 3lbs255lbs116kg), and after dragging myself around it took me a long time to recover. Whilst I'd logged the miles running over the winter, I assumed the calories I'd surely burned gave me a license to eat anything I wanted. I didn't track it, I just thought 1-hour running meant I could polish off as many takeaways and biscuits as I'd like.

I wasn't too chuffed with my time, felt like I'd let myself down and my joints and breathing did not feel as a healthy person should for a couple of weeks after. I put this all down to my weight and I wanted to change that.

3. How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I was looking on the App store for anything to help me track what I was eating, as I'd read how important this was. I'm a busy professional that works long hours, so I don't have time for health groups or sessions.

Nutracheck had a free trial and good reviews, so I downloaded it.

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

I would say it had slowly grown over a long period. The weight I am now is about what I was 7 years ago. In that period I'd gone through a number of job changes, house moves and become a dad. I'd put the weight on without really realising it to cope!

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

To begin with, it was tricky. When you go from 4000 calories a day (and marathon training) to 2500 and being pretty sedentary, you can be a little grouchy without your normal comfort foods - but I'd say this passed after a couple of weeks. Especially when you see a difference on the scales so soon, you can track that and it really keeps you motivated!

6. What was the most difficult thing?

Facing the reality of just how many calories are in cheese and butter.

7. How do you feel now compared to before?

Absolutely magic. I love the compliments; I love feeling like I've earned that beer or treat at the weekend as opposed to being guilty about it. After 5/6 weeks I was back out running again and felt so much lighter on my feet it's really spurred me on, and now exercise is once again back in my routine - but this time it's easier!

8. Any notable milestones to report?

I've never worn skinny jeans before, and I'm a lot more comfortable on public transport!

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

1. Make subtle changes that you can live with - sandwiches without butter, tea without milk or switch to herbal, vegetarian pizza - it all adds up!
2. Be truthful when you track, you'll only be lying to yourself come weigh day.
3. Save one day a week where you can go nuts (but still track it) - you will have earned it.