You simply cannot escape the world of the ‘app’ - it is a vast and ever-expanding world. The problem we all face is that we are time poor and don't have a lot of time to pour over the extensive list of ‘healthy lifestyle’ apps and determine which one is for us. That is why we have pulled together four simple, fun and effective healthy lifestyle apps that can assist you in monitoring your exercise and food intake.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to check your calories and do not have your handy Fat and Calorie Counter with you now, you can get the Australian CalorieKing food database on your phone! It contains over 22,000 Australian foods, including popular eating out venues. CalorieKing Australia works by searching for a specific food, which gives you a quick comparison of kilojoules/calories, carbohydrates and fat. Then by tapping on a specific food, you get access to even more detailed information such as protein, fibre and sodium.
Price: Free Verdict: This is a useful Australian reference you can have on hand at all times. It does not contain a food diary function as of yet, but the online version does.
Makes calorie tracking simple and easy. Scan the barcode or search the foods database. Then track your energy intake (in kilojoules or calories), major nutrients, the energy you burn in exercise, and your weight.
Price: Free Verdict: Produced by Xyris software – the same company that developed food works; program software used and trusted by Australian dietitians and other health professionals.
Foodswitch is an app that aims to take the guesswork out of packaged foods that can be surprisingly high in salt, fat and sugar. Ultimately it can help you make a better food choice and help you make simple product switches to a healthier choice. Foodswitch works by scanning the barcodes of packaged foods with either your smartphone to get nutritional information for over 38,000 products. The app uses a traffic light-style colour coded rating (green = is a healthier choice; amber = is ok; red = is less healthy) focusing on 4 key food components (total fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt). Once you get a list of similar foods that are healthier choices, make the switch! You can even save your favourites on a shopping list for your next shop or share them with your friends via social media.
Price: Free Verdict: In the first instance it is always better to eat fresh, whole foods without the packaging but some packaged foods are inevitable. Be mindful the app rates only fat, sugar and salt. Other ingredients can be important too such as additives and as always watch your portions size!
MyFitnessPal is a popular food and exercise diary that allows users to log details of their daily eating and fitness activities and to then track energy intake and expenditure.
Price: Free Verdict: When it comes to electronic food diaries MyFitnessPal comes up trumps when reading reviews, why not try it for yourself!
On a final note, recent research determined that health apps can be very effective but are more valuable when coupled with health professional advice and support along the way.
So try to couple the use of health apps with solid health professional advice to help keep you motivated, accountable and on track with your health goals.
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