With over 14,000 smart phone/tablet applications and counting, it can be difficult to sort through them for the best ones to aide you in your fitness efforts. There are 1,046 just on Amazon.com alone under a Health & Fitness listing. Here are a few that I have found to be helpful. Some are free; some have a charge; and some are just for fun. I have no interest in the companies or the developers other than, like you, I want useful tools. Always consult your physician before beginning any diet or exercise plan. I am not endorsing any particular site or program. This is for informational purposes only.
My Fitness Pal- Available on the iPhone, Android and Blackberry this app is free and has several components. You can use it as a food journal or an exercise journal or both. There is an online community to share your story and learn from others. There is a purported database of 1 million foods. You take it with you on your phone so there are no excuses for not being able to make an entry.
Fitness Builder- Available for Android, web and IOS this is free for the first month then $10 thereafter depending on which program is chosen. You can make a customized workout for yourself based on your age, gender and fitness level. It’s like having a personal trainer with you any time day or night 7 days a week. You can choose workouts with or without equipment. It will track your progress for you. There are versions available for the general public, athletes and fitness/health professionals.
Fat Secret- An online journal and community for all things diet related. There is a calorie counting app for Android and a web-based diet and food journal, weight history graph and community. It is free. You can use it anonymously or allow others to see your entries and journal for feedback and support. It doesn’t endorse any particular program or diet.
Candle Free- This is a virtual lit candle that will flicker when you move your device. I found it on the Amazon.com app store. Dining should be an event and what better way to make it special then by candle light.
Studies consistently show that we forget 40% of what we eat in a day. Keeping a journal will help with the food “amnesia” and keep you on track. A food journal will also serve as a reminder of what you consume; if your diet is balanced; and where you need to make changes. An exercise journal will serve as a tool for you to track your progress and keep you motivated.
Be sure you are visiting reliable websites for answers to your medical and health questions. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet. There is a better chance of accurate information from the Mayo Clinic than anonymous168 on a community board. Many people will try to “sell” their particular diet or health theories so be careful and do your homework.
Dr. Kenneth Luckay DO is the Medical Director at the Center for Medical Weight Loss located at 4515 Brambleton Ave in Roanoke. He can be reached at 398-1547 or Email: [email protected].
