There are so many apps out there for your smart phone that allow you to track your appointments, keep track of your finances, and even keep up with friends. I love all of these features, but wondered if I could use my phone to lose weight. I decided to try out a bunch of free apps and found success by using three different types of apps, check out here.
Fitness apps
I enjoy running so I searched for an app that would map out runs for me and keep track of my distance. My favorite is “mapmyrun.” You can go online and map out your run which will then transfer to your phone. It will show your elevation gains and total calories burned also. You can also use the app for hiking, biking, walking, or any other exercise. You can create goals for yourself and even compete with your friends. If you want something more along the lines of a gym workout, there are also apps to show you good moves to tone up. I use “daily ab workout” to get my core in shape, but there are also apps for all other parts of the body including total body workouts. There are even personal trainer apps to give you routines to use. This has kept me motivated and prevented boredom.
Calorie counter apps
In order to lose weight, you need to know how many calories you can have in a day and keep track of them. You usually carry your smart phone with you everywhere you go so it is the perfect way to help you keep track of calories. There are many apps that have a calorie counter that shows what your daily intake should be such as “Calorie counter.” You then enter in foods every time you eat and it will deduct those calories from your total. They even have fast food restaurants listed if you are eating out. Some apps like “Mapmyfitness” even add more calories in if you exercise so you can eat more. The trick is to make sure you are burning more calories than you are taking in, so you don’t want to reach your total calories for the day.
Apps for recipes and local healthy restaurants
There are a ton of apps for all smart phones out there to help you find healthy recipes to cook at home or places to eat and stay within your budgeted calories. “Recipe search” is a great app that has thousands of different recipes that are quick and healthy. If you don’t like to cook or feel like you don’t have time, there are apps for restaurants also. I use “Foodspotting” or “Locavore” to find local healthy restaurants that I haven’t tried. They give you reviews and show you what type of food they serve.
I have lost 6 pounds in the last month and increased my running by 3 miles. I feel healthier and more motivated to lose more. These apps are easy to use and really help you see what you need to do to get in shape.