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App-plying Technology to Your Resolutions

It's that time of year when New Year’s resolutions are made. Often those resolutions are to live a healthier lifestyle. We have every intention to make changes in diet and exercise but tend to fall short a few months later, sometimes from burn out or simply not having someone to help hold you accountable. I wanted to share a few Apps that I and my fellow colleagues have used to help keep us on track to reach our healthy lifestyle goals.

For anyone who has an Apple or a Samsung smart phone, there is an App already downloaded to your phone that helps track your steps. These Apps provides basic step counting and can also track your running.

If you’re looking for an App or a device that is more interactive, you might consider investing in a Fitbit or an Apple watch. There are a variety of different Fitbits available and different series of Apple watches, so it's best that you do some research and choose the one the will accommodate your needs. I myself have a Fitbit Charge HR and I like that fact that it tracks my steps, my heart rate, miles walked and even lets me know how many flights of stairs I have taken. The Fitbit also has an App that can be download on your phone to help you see your daily progress. You can also set your own step goal or use the goal they provide. The Apple watch it similar to the Fitbit but has its own features that make it unique. My colleagues have had success with the Apple watch because periodically throughout the day, the watch will let you know you should get up and move because you have been sedentary for too long. The Apple watch also provides similar tracking as the Fitbit but has GPS and provides more workout options.

As far as tracking your diet, I like MyfitnessPal. I recommend this App also to patients because it easy to use and easy to track your meals. You can add all your personal information such as weight and weight loss goals. The App will then provide a target calorie goal that will help you reach your weight loss goals. The App will also track protein, fat and other nutrients such as sodium. You have the options to scan in items or input your own recipes to help track your calories. I also like that you have the option to adjust where your calories are coming from. For example, if you wanted to lower your carbohydrate intake and increase your protein intake, you can adjust those settings. The App also sends notifications when you are close to meeting your goals for carbohydrates, protein, and fat or when you are about to reach your sodium limit for the day. The Lose it Calorie Counting App is also similar to MyfitnessPal but again also has its own special features. They have an extensive list of foods that can be tracked. You can also scan items or add your own recipes. This App will give suggestions of workouts and will adjust your daily calories to give you additional calorie allowances when you’ve completed a workout. Both Apple watch and Fitbit devices can be linked to Lose it or MyfitnessPal Apps. For those that follow a plant based diet, Apps such as the Daily Dozen, Forks over Knives, and VNutrition are just a few Apps to help track your intake and show you how balanced your diet is. The VNutrition App was also developed by a Registered Dietitian.

I only spoke of a few Apps that I have tried or heard great reviews about. There are many other Apps that are available that were not mentioned that could be used. It’s important to research each one and decide which will better accommodate your lifestyle. Just remember to choose what works BEST for you!