Nicoletta's story

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

I've lost 5st 4lbs74lbs33.6kg: I was 14st 3lbs199lbs90.3kg and now I'm 8st 13lbs 125lbs 56.7kg - and I even lost 4lbs 4lbs 1.8kg over Christmas.

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

I was very unfit, very overweight. And then I sadly lost my mum on Mother's Day (2018) and that was a real light bulb moment for me. At 5 foot 2 inches, I felt I was as wide as I was tall. I knew I was storing up long-term health problems, and I had to start focusing on my own health. I've done a lot of fad diets: celeb diets, teas and herbal supplements, Slimming World, Weight Watchers, 5:2 Diet, Rosemary Conley, hypnotherapy, Joe Wicks - I think I've tried them all - and nothing ever worked.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I heard about Nutracheck in a magazine and after just one month on Nutracheck, I realised it was going to work for me - it has everything I need to log every mouthful of food and drink. I've always counted calories; after all weight loss always boils down the amount of calories you eat. I use the App and website and it's just so easy to log what I eat, whether I'm at home, out for the night or on holiday. I lost weight week after week and I knew I had found something that could be part of my everyday routine.

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

No - all my life I've been on a diet. I liked food and I saw no reason to exercise, which I really didn't enjoy. I have always had to manage my weight - poorly most of the time - hence never being able to keep it off. Now I've changed my mindset and my lifestyle. This is not a diet. Diets don't work. I think I was around 16 when I went on my first 'diet'. Looking back, I would have had one Weetabix in the morning, an apple during the day and a small corned beef salad my mum recommended in the evening. Yes I lost weight - but then piled it back on again. I've done that a few times.

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

It has been quite easy. Nutracheck has everything I need to log every mouthful of food and drink. I work full time but I have still found time to walk more, walking 15-20,000 steps a day! I have also taken up strength and conditioning training. which I do twice a week.

What was the most difficult thing?

Portion size has probably always my biggest downfall - I'm of Italian origin, and I just love food - everything, just too much of it. Food was a real pleasure for me. I was amazed at how much I would eat as a 'portion', and I had to really cut down and be much more aware about how much of anything I should be eating.

How do you feel now compared to before?

Amazing! I never dreamed I would be able to buy size 6-8 jeans! I originally thought I might get down to a size 12, and I've gone way beyond that. I've had at least 3 clothes clear-outs because I'm never going back to how I was. I'm much more confident, more bubbly and I don't hold back socially now; I used to decline social invitations because I felt so self-conscious.

Any notable milestones to report?

The impact on my legs has been one of the most dramatic - the weight just dropped of them. I've never been able to wear knee high boots because my calves were too big. Not any more! Also, feeling comfortable wearing above the knee skirts is a real confidence boost.

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

Get out of the 'diet mindset', and just think about how much you're eating. Nutracheck isn't a diet because it's not telling you what you can eat.

Weigh your foods - all of them - they all add up.

Don't keep putting it off. If I can do it, anyone can.