NOOM - Weight Loss For Life
I’d like to preface this post by clearly stating that this has not been paid for or sponsored in any way. I’ve never been in touch with Noom and they haven’t reached out since my original review.
You can watch my initial YouTube review here, for my first thoughts after losing 22lbs and how I think the app worked for me.
I asked on instagram for follow up questions since I stopped using Noom in October and my paid period ended. Here are my answers:
HOW LONG DID YOU USE NOOM FOR?
I think I actively used the app for around 4 months
HAVE YOU GAINED ANY WEIGHT BACK SINCE YOU STOPPED USING IT?
I haven’t. I fluctuate a few pounds, as it normal but I haven’t noticed anything significant, in spite of my lack of exercise over the winter months.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU’VE LEARNED ON THIS JOURNEY?
There’s nothing you can’t eat and sustainable weight loss can’t rely on movement.
HOW MUCH DID IT COST?
I paid £88 for 4 months up front. There’s a 2 week trial period beforehand and I think that’s enough time to get an idea of whether it’s worth paying for.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Given that this was my first paid diet plan, I really wasn’t sure how I’d like it but within the first month I had learned so much about food and my eating habits. You can measure value in so many different ways. I did lose weight but I probably could have done that another way without paying a fee. What made it ‘worth it’ for me was the same thing that makes Hello Fresh worth the subscription. It taught me basic things I didn’t know and that have (consciously or otherwise) changed the way I see food.
IS THE APP NECCESSARY WHEN CALORIE COUNTING?
Calorie counting is just part of the app. You can calorie count for free but the value of Noom is the lesson plan. I’ve used calorie counting in the past after having kids and I always felt so hungry. Noom taught me how to make better choices without restricting tasty foods. You might already be a pro at this but as a total noob it was a really good element for me.
DO YOU STILL COUNT CALORIES?
I don’t
DID YOU GO BACK TO YOUR OLD EATING HABITS?
Hard to say. I haven’t regained any weight but I never think about what I’m eating. I was always an ‘eat whatever and don’t gain weight person’ until I suddenly realised I’d gained 2 stone. I don’t know the exact habits that led me there and so I can’t be sure I haven’t subconciously broken them.
WOULD YOU USE IT AGAIN FOR ANOTHER OCCASION?
I fell short of my target last year but I stopped once we went on Holiday. Since I’ve maintained the loss, I’ve been considering picking it up again this year. By the end, it was second nature and I barely needed the app so I feel like it will be relatively easy if I decide to reduce my calories again.
DID YOU KEEP ANY OF THE HABITS?
I try to eat breakfast every day. I’m on medication now that needs to be taken with food so that’s kept that habit going but I wasn’t a breakfast girl before. I am also more aware when I’m full now. I don’yt always stop but I’m slightly more mindful that I’m eating and do less (of what Noom call) ‘fog eating’ these days. I still eat in front of the TV or at my desk while I’m working, though.
COULD YOU LEARN ANY OF THE BRAIN TRAINING ELEMENT ELSEWHERE?
I’m certain there are books on the subject but what makes Noom special is that it’s bite size portions of information each day. I, personally would read or listen to that book in a day or two at the start and weeks in, I'd have forgotten everything I read. The in app ‘teaching’ means it’s fresh in your mind and serves as a daily reminder to keep you on track. Especially helpfully in the first month.
if you have any other questions, leave me a comment and I’ll respond - or you can always reach out on instagram, if you’d rather to ask publicly.