If you’re an individual interested in losing weight to become healthier, you now have access to endless tools that can help you along your weight-loss journey.
In addition to workout videos and the Internet, you can now download weight-loss and fitness apps to your smartphone that enhance your weight-loss experience by making the process more fun and by providing you with the data you need to stay on track with diet and exercise.
However, a handful of new studies are showing that weight-loss apps may not help you slim down. Why is this? Researchers are finding that users are forgetting to record their food intake, and eventually stop using weight-loss apps after just one month.
How can you stop forgetting to use fitness and weight-loss apps, and start using these programs to their full potential? Here are three tips on how to use weight-loss apps more effectively to help you achieve your weight-loss goals.
1. Download a weight-loss or fitness app you love
If you’re being forced to do an exercise or workout you strongly dislike, chances are you’re not going to stick with your routine and lose weight. The same concept applies to apps. If you don’t like using a certain app, or an app is far too complicated to use on a consistent basis, uninstall that app and look for others that are more aligned with your fitness and weight-loss goals. Is running your favorite type of exercise? Download an app designed specifically for runners. Do you enjoy doing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) programs such as those offered by Shaun T? Download apps that feature workout calendars for these programs so you can stay on track. Whatever it is you enjoy doing, download apps that best correspond with your daily weight-loss activities.
2. Look for apps that provide feedback
Search for weight-loss apps that analyze the data you input into the app and provide you with feedback on how many calories you’ve already consumed and how many are left before you meet your daily limit. Apps such as these can help you stay on track and prevent you from consuming extra treats and portions that you don’t really need. Apps such as My Diet Diary and Noom Coach will provide you with tips and feedback regarding your progress for that particular day.
3. Choose apps that focus on good nutrition
Calorie-tracking apps aren’t too helpful if they allow you to get by with tracking calories of sweets and junk food without providing you with recommendations on the foods you should be eating. Consuming 300 calories of cookies isn’t the same as consuming 300 calories of fruits and vegetables. Download apps such as Fooducate and LoseIt — both of which will track your nutrient intake and grade your diet based on ingredients and nutritional value.
