Katharine's story

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

I have lost 5st 13lbs83lbs37.6kg. I started with Nutracheck on 17th July 2019 and I reached my goal on 31st July 2020, so it has taken me just over a year.

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

Bad abdominal pain and a trip to A&E led to a diagnosis of gall stones and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver. It was the wake-up call that I needed to address my long-term weight problems and I decided to do it before I was 50.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I searched online for a calorie counting app and Nutracheck seemed easy to use and had a very comprehensive UK database.

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

I have struggled with my weight since my late 20s, though my pregnancies and PCOS certainly haven't helped. I would lose a few pounds and then put them back on again. I think I had given up and resigned myself to being overweight for the rest of my life.

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

I found Nutracheck made it easy to fit calorie counting into my life, especially the 'My Meals' facility as I have a big family and regularly cook family meals. It took a while to get used to measuring and logging everything but it helped me make better food choices.

What was the most difficult thing?

My trigger point was coming home from work in the evening. I found that I needed to be able to eat as soon as I got home or I would snack.

How do you feel now compared to before?

I feel like myself 25 years ago, I have so much more energy and confidence. I don't hide in baggy, black clothes anymore and I've even worn shorts!

Any notable milestones to report?

Losing my first stone, donating my size 20 clothes to charity, going into a clothes shop and buying size 14 clothes, having my engagement ring made 5 sizes smaller, completing the Couch to 5K programme!

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

1. Make small changes. You don't have to change everything immediately, this has to be a lifestyle change for good so you have to be able to live with it.
2. If you change to a generally healthier diet and increase your fruit and vegetables (in my case by quite a lot - I eat a minimum of 5 a day and sometimes it can be double that) you will find your calories will go further, you will have more food to eat and feel more satisfied.
3. I bought smaller plates and bowls - your brain feels that you are eating more because it looks like more in a smaller bowl.
4. Try to include little treats, whatever are your favourites. In my case it was a glass of prosecco on Friday night or a croissant for breakfast. You will feel less deprived and as long as you count the calories it shouldn’t stop you losing weight.
5. I found recording my progress really helpful. Don't just weigh yourself, take measurements (you can record them on NC), take photos - it is such an incentive to keep going when you can see the change happening.
6. Every little bit of extra exercise and activity helps too. I stopped using the lift at work, went for a walk on my lunch break, walked to the shops instead of taking the car. I found a fitness tracker really helpful too. Now I have completed Couch to 5K and I run 5K twice a week. I had never run in my life before Nutracheck!
7. The people on the forum can be really helpful and I found it a great support and source of information.