Jo's story

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

I have lost 3st 4lbs46lbs21kg and it took me 9 months.

What prompted your decision to lose weight?

I am an older mum, having been fortunate to have my son in my early 40s after IVF treatment. At the age of 4, my son came home from school one day and said "Mummy, you're one of the fat mummies", and I said to myself "there's nothing I can do about being an older mummy, but there is something I can do about being a fat mummy!" It was the nudge I needed to take control of my weight and exercise and to show him a positive role model as well as hopefully being around a bit longer for him.

How did you hear about Nutracheck?

I came across Nutracheck by accident whilst I was looking up calories. After using the Nutracheck App for one day, I knew it was going to be the right thing for me - I'm not the kind of person who would enjoy going to a club weigh-in. Initially I signed up for App-Only but very soon realised that Web plus App would be best for me. It was easier to adjust my own recipes and to give myself easier days if I needed to.

I feel fabulous. I weigh (slightly) less than I did at 25 and I'm going to be 50 soon!

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

My weight has been gradually creeping up over the last 15 years, since I got married really! Before I had my son, it wasn't as noticeable because I was running a lot. After I had him I didn't have as much time to run and then started to pick up injuries which left me at 12st 6lbs174lbs79kg and unable to run this time last year.

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

Incredibly easy. I do a lot of cooking from scratch so the recipe section was invaluable - I don't think I would have succeeded without it. Things became even easier once my husband decided he'd like to lose some weight too.

What was the most difficult thing?

If I'm honest, losing the weight wasn't difficult, I've been maintaining since February and that is so much harder which is why I have no plans to leave Nutracheck (ever!) I think maintaining is harder because I'm desperate not to put weight back on again (because I feel fantastic and look amazing, and I'm not one of the fat mummies). You also don't get the same reward of the weight loss each week to spur you on.

How do you feel now compared to before?

I feel fabulous. I weigh (slightly) less than I did at 25 and I'm going to be 50 soon! I'm running faster than ever and my blood pressure is lower than ever.

Any notable milestones to report?

I've had to buy virtually a whole new wardrobe of clothes in sizes ranging from 8-10, and in different styles to before - no more loose baggy clothing. I actually like fitted clothes for the first time in my life. I've had to have my wedding and engagement rings made smaller by 2 sizes.

I've developed cheekbones for the first time in my life too, which I'm showing off with a new very short hairstyle. Many people have said that it makes me look 10 years younger! Our diet has changed completely - from struggling to eat 5-a-day, we now eat 10-15 per day. That's got to be good for us!

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

1. Drink the 8 glasses of water a day. I definitely used to confuse thirst with hunger.
2. Log everything, even if it means you lose your green tick. You're only fooling yourself if you don't.
3. Don't expect to maintain your new weight unless you maintain your new eating habits. This is for life, and probably a much longer and healthier one.