Sticking to a diet is hard enough in the best of times, but when you're busy and constantly on the go, like so many of us these days, counting calories tends to fall by the wayside. Luckily, there are a handful of smartphone apps out there that make keeping the weight off a cinch. Here's a quick guide to some of our favorites.
Fitocracy
Think exercise is a chore? Fitocracy is a great app/social network that awards you points for completing fitness "quests." Sure, the points don't really mean anything, but they create a powerful motivating tool for getting in shape. The app's social components lets you follow your friends' progress, share your workout success stories, even challenge people in your network. More than one million users on iOS and Droid devices are “gamifying” their workout everyday!
Fooducate
Of course, exercising regularly is only one component of losing weight. Fooducate helps you make informed eating choices on the go with a large database of nutritional information. The app even grades foods based on the input of dieticians and nutritionists, so you can be sure you're only putting quality ingredients into your body.
Lose It!
Lose It! for iPhone and Droid devices is a great all-in-one app that lets you count calories, log exercise hours and set personal weight loss goals you can actually stick to. With daily summaries and other advanced reporting features, you get an intimate look at your overall wellness in real time.
Endomondo
Ideal for cyclists, runners and power-walkers, Endomondo uses Google Maps GPS data to track your workouts and analyze your training over time — no shortcuts or cutting corners! An optional live newsfeed shares your workout data with other users, letting you gain extra motivation by challenging your friends.
Locavore
Studies have shown several benefits of eating locally grown produce instead of processed foods. Locavore is a simple app that connects you with nearby markets and farms offering fresh, in-season fruits, veggies and more. Free and easy-to-use, Locavore is available for iOS and Droid devices.
Finding What’s Right for You
There's no shortage of great apps out there that can help you keep the weight off permanently. Many of these programs are used by hospitals and top rehab centers and clinics to help patients stick to their fitness and diet regimes. But no pill or product will make you lose weight instantly — committing to eating right and exercising is ultimately a lifestyle choice. Here are five quick extra tips for eating healthy:
1. Eat less meat.
2. Plan meals ahead of time.
3. Eat slower and take smaller portions.
4. Swap out soda for juice or mineral water.
5. Chew sugarless gum when you get a craving for junk food.
And here are five more for sticking to your exercise routine:
1. Wake up early and exercise in the morning.
2. Find a workout buddy.
3. Commit to running a race.
4. Make a workout playlist.
5. Whenever possible, walk instead of driving.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, more than one third of American adults are overweight. While our connected lifestyle is partly to blame for that, technology can be a powerful tool in the quest to lose weight. Check out some of these apps and start shedding the pounds now.
About the Author:
Alicia Lawrence is a content coordinator for a tech company and blogs in her free time at MarComLand.com. Her articles have been published by Her Fitness Hut, Examiner.com, and Ask Miss A.
Fitocracy
Think exercise is a chore? Fitocracy is a great app/social network that awards you points for completing fitness "quests." Sure, the points don't really mean anything, but they create a powerful motivating tool for getting in shape. The app's social components lets you follow your friends' progress, share your workout success stories, even challenge people in your network. More than one million users on iOS and Droid devices are “gamifying” their workout everyday!
Fooducate
Of course, exercising regularly is only one component of losing weight. Fooducate helps you make informed eating choices on the go with a large database of nutritional information. The app even grades foods based on the input of dieticians and nutritionists, so you can be sure you're only putting quality ingredients into your body.
Lose It!
Lose It! for iPhone and Droid devices is a great all-in-one app that lets you count calories, log exercise hours and set personal weight loss goals you can actually stick to. With daily summaries and other advanced reporting features, you get an intimate look at your overall wellness in real time.
Endomondo
Ideal for cyclists, runners and power-walkers, Endomondo uses Google Maps GPS data to track your workouts and analyze your training over time — no shortcuts or cutting corners! An optional live newsfeed shares your workout data with other users, letting you gain extra motivation by challenging your friends.
Locavore
Studies have shown several benefits of eating locally grown produce instead of processed foods. Locavore is a simple app that connects you with nearby markets and farms offering fresh, in-season fruits, veggies and more. Free and easy-to-use, Locavore is available for iOS and Droid devices.
Finding What’s Right for You
There's no shortage of great apps out there that can help you keep the weight off permanently. Many of these programs are used by hospitals and top rehab centers and clinics to help patients stick to their fitness and diet regimes. But no pill or product will make you lose weight instantly — committing to eating right and exercising is ultimately a lifestyle choice. Here are five quick extra tips for eating healthy:
1. Eat less meat.
2. Plan meals ahead of time.
3. Eat slower and take smaller portions.
4. Swap out soda for juice or mineral water.
5. Chew sugarless gum when you get a craving for junk food.
And here are five more for sticking to your exercise routine:
1. Wake up early and exercise in the morning.
2. Find a workout buddy.
3. Commit to running a race.
4. Make a workout playlist.
5. Whenever possible, walk instead of driving.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, more than one third of American adults are overweight. While our connected lifestyle is partly to blame for that, technology can be a powerful tool in the quest to lose weight. Check out some of these apps and start shedding the pounds now.
About the Author:
Alicia Lawrence is a content coordinator for a tech company and blogs in her free time at MarComLand.com. Her articles have been published by Her Fitness Hut, Examiner.com, and Ask Miss A.
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