This weight loss app helped me lose 38 kilos and completely transformed my life.

The possibility that an application, essentially composed of a series of codes, could have the potential to transform lives is something I had never considered, except perhaps in the case of winning the lottery, which has yet to happen. However, in November 2023, I downloaded an app that has significantly changed my life.

This app is Calorie Counter+ from Nutracheck. It may not sound exciting, but installing it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. I have always struggled to maintain a healthy weight. While I have had years of relative stability, nothing worked in the long term. In November 2023, I weighed 247 lbs (112 kg / 17.6 stone) and felt miserable, lacking energy, and generally unwell.

I knew I needed to take action, but I didn't want to resort to unsustainable diets like keto or intermittent fasting, which I had tried before, with only temporary effects. Tired of this weight rollercoaster and desiring stability, I decided to count calories to help me lose and, most importantly, maintain my weight.

I started my journey on November 1, 2023, and used the Nutracheck app every day to track what I ate. Eight months later, I had lost 84 lbs (38 kg / six stone) and reached my target weight of 165 lbs (75 kg), all while transforming my relationship with food.

The Importance of Counting Calories

Before delving into the details of the app, it's important to understand how calorie counting works. Our bodies need a basic amount of calories to stay alive, known as the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). In addition, extra calories are burned through daily activity and exercise, referred to as Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).

For example, if someone has a BMR of 2,000 calories, and due to their moderate activity, their TDEE is 2,500 calories, they will need that amount each day to maintain their current weight. Any food consumed, even something as simple as a bowl of cereal without measuring, can be high in calories. This awareness was transformative.

To lose weight, a caloric deficit of about 3,500 calories is needed to lose one pound of fat. This means consuming 500 calories less per day, ultimately leading to predictable weight loss—an aspect that I found very motivating compared to previous diets.

While exercise also burns calories, counting the calories you consume is more reliable than trying to offset them solely with physical activity. For example, a pizza that takes 10 minutes to eat may take hours of walking or running to burn off.

Advantages of Nutracheck

One aspect that sets Nutracheck apart from other calorie counting apps, like MyFitnessPal, is its focus on the UK market. With a database containing over 350,000 British products, you can easily scan barcodes to find accurate nutritional information about the foods we actually buy.

Using the app is straightforward: after downloading it, you enter your current weight, height, and target weight, which allows you to customize your experience. You can personalize the dashboard to prioritize the data that matters most to you, such as calorie intake or protein consumption.

Even though I weighed my portions and scanned barcodes, it became routine very quickly. The shocking part was discovering the calorie content of my usual portions. The app also includes a recipe calculator, which is invaluable for those who cook most of their meals from scratch.

As I focused on meeting my nutritional needs and also indulging in some treats, I significantly improved my relationship with food. The app also takes exercise into account, automatically adjusting the allowed calorie intake based on my activity level, although I took a more conservative approach regarding that.

Sustainable and Successful Approach

After reaching my target weight in July 2024, I continue to use Calorie Counter+ and have increased my daily calorie intake to around 2,750. The app has helped me find a balance to maintain my weight while eating more, and although I still log my intakes, it is now more about maintaining awareness than strict control.

At $29.99 or £27.99 annually, I can honestly say that Nutracheck has been the best investment I've made in my health. While counting calories may not be for everyone, I've learned that it is a long-term process and that substantial changes take time. For me, Nutracheck has been the necessary tool for a more balanced approach on my journey towards a healthier life.