Thanks to the On this day app I have on my phone I know that I’m now a year in to the Zoe journey. My subscription runs until March, and I’m still logging my meals and working toward a well-scoring week. Over time, I’ve become less focused on hitting a perfect 75+ score for every meal or day and more focused on maintaining a strong weekly average—and that feels sustainable.

I didn’t start Zoe to lose weight, but it’s been a side effect—likely a mix of the program and my new routine of weight training at the gym.

That said, the experience hasn’t been without its frustrations, mainly around the app itself. It can be buggy, slow, and the troubleshooting advice is always the same: check your Wi-Fi, log out and back in, reinstall the app. I think there may be some caching issues at play. Another gap is the lack of activity-based adjustments. A truly personalized plan would take into account whether I’ve had a more active day or a sedentary one, nudging me to eat more protein when my muscles need it.

The biggest change has been breakfast. I’ve swapped out my old routine of cereal, fruit, and milk for more varied options: porridge with mixed berries and seeds, omelettes, home-cooked beans on toast, and overnight oats. Snacks tend to be fruit and nuts—or treats like the recharge bars.

Overall, it’s been a positive experience. My diet feels more diverse, and I’ve enjoyed trying new recipes. Last month, we picked up a copy of the Food for life cookbook which features many recipes previously only available through the app. It’s a fantastic resource, offering insight into the Zoe plan without needing a subscription. I can see the book having a place in my kitchen long after my subscription ends.