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Man who struggled to lose weight sheds 7 stone and gets abs after spotting Instagram ad

Brian Presley lost more than 100 pounds after spotting an ad for an app on Instagram

[Brian Presley lost over 100 pounds using the Simple app]

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Brian Presley lost over 100 pounds using the Simple app(Image: Simple app)

For countless people, January signals the time to get fit, with gym sign-ups soaring, workout kit flying off the shelves, and endless scrolling through nutrition programmes online. However, for Houston-based fitness instructor Brian Presley, it wasn't about chasing the latest fads or jumping on the newest dietary bandwagon.

He had been training for years, but around 20192020, he encountered a maddening sticking point. Regardless of how intensely he exercised, he said he couldn't seem to break through a particular barrier, and his development ground to a halt.

"I started using the Simple app probably around roughly 2019-2020, that's when I had really started to hit a plateau, and I needed to actually get past that plateau," Presley explains. "I needed something to help me. Then I actually saw an ad on Instagram for the app, and after I did that, I took off," he added.

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Prior to finding Simple, Brian frequently shed a bit of weight only to become trapped. Employing a personal trainer wasn't feasible, so he had to discover an alternative approach, reports the Daily Star.

He merged intermittent fasting with more nutritious meals, eliminating fried dishes and other options that didn't work for his physique. "I decided to not only fast for my journey, but also implement the right kind of healthy foods so that I wasn't struggling after a fast," he says.

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The Simple app helps people track their food, exercise, and overall wellness in one place

This strategy, combined with regular exercise sessions, enabled Brian to drop more than 100 pounds and enhance his muscle definition. He credits the blend of fasting, portion management, and physical activity as having "done wonders", explaining he was "able to lose more than 100 pounds, get back into better shape, feel better (and) have more confidence."

The Simple app became a crucial element of Brian's daily regime. He utilised it to monitor fasting periods, record meals, and access tailored workout routines.

He also appreciated interactive elements such as Blinky, the app's accountability mascot, and Avo, an AI wellness coach offering guidance and advice. "I roughly use it two or three times a week, just to keep my value straight. It is good for tracking, and it helps keep things tangible. If I can see it, then I know I can actually get the results and follow what the app is telling me to do," Brian explains.

[Brian Presley before and after using the Simple app]

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Brian Presley before and after using the Simple app(Image: Simple)

He continued: "When I was heavier and had more weight on me, it was harder to be more energized. I was tired, I was sluggish. I wasn't very attuned to how my energy flowed through my body. So now that I've lost fat, I'm in better shape, and I am healthier. I'm actually able to feel better, look better, I'm more energized. I can get up earlier, I don't feel as tired as like midday or throughout the day. Coupled with the fasting, my energy levels are through the roof, through the roof. So I have no complaints."

For those interested, the Simple app offers tailored plans covering fasting, workouts, and nutrition. British users can save 60% using the code REACH60, and purchasers can even gift their Simple Premium subscription to someone at no extra charge.

The Simple app allows users to monitor their food intake, exercise, and general wellbeing all in one location. They can record meals through typing, voice commands, or photography, whilst utilising the NutriScanner feature to analyse nutritional content.

The platform also features an intermittent fasting tracker that emphasises safe, healthy practices rather than rigid calorie counting. The app generates bespoke workout programmes, encompassing Yoga, Pilates, HIIT, walking, and Tai Chi.

[Brian incorporated fasting, meal control and exercise with the app]

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Brian incorporated fasting, meal control and exercise with the app(Image: Simple)

Consistency proved crucial for another user, called Presley, who credits the app's guidance for helping him stick to his fasting, exercise, and nutrition routine, which boosted his energy levels and improved his overall health. "It's been an awesome journey with the app. It's actually taken me from here to here. I recommend anybody on a weight loss journey, if you can't hire a personal coach or go to the gym, you can use this app. It will actually get you from point A to point B."

If this app does not suit everyone's needs, alternative options are available. MyFitnessPal, for instance, functions as a calorie tracker and BMR calculator. The application offers both free features and a premium subscription, costing 19.99 per month, which includes a bespoke meal planner, access to over 1,500 recipes, and automated shopping lists.

There's also Noom, a weight loss application that blends nutritional monitoring, coaching assistance and meal plans. This provides a calorie calculator, macros calculator and assists users in better understanding their dietary patterns.

[The Simple app has been rated highly by users]

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The Simple app has been rated highly by users(Image: The Simple App)

The Simple app has earned an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 34,000 reviews on Trustpilot, though. One user remarked: "I love this approach. Always you are active and focused on healthy meals. I feel energized and motivated. Thank you."

Another user noted: "Helps me keep track of everything and keeps me motivated."

Naturally, not every application will suit everyone, and a few users had minor criticisms, with one stating: "The app is fairly intuitive, and it is nice to be able to ask the AI assistant when I have questions about really anything at all. The only drawbacks I've seen are that it was really hard for me to figure out how to edit something I had logged, as well as the Avo assistant sometimes loses track of our conversation and diverts from the mission midstream."

Nevertheless, the majority of users were satisfied, with another declaring: "Great app. Really keeps me on track."

A further user praised: "Simple is far and away the best program I have found for weight loss and monitoring your activities and exercises. The AI coach is amazing and very encouraging. I've been on for almost 2 weeks and am already down almost 12 pounds. At 71, I appreciate the positive reinforcement and suggestions. Give it a try."

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