Though calorie counting should not be the only method to guide health, its use certainly allows for some sort of direction. It also heightens awareness of foods not only chosen to eat but just how much comprise the diet.
And with handheld technology continuing on the up and up, nutrition apps have taken the guesswork out of calorie counting. What’s more, they have made the task much easier.
So if ready to take matters in the palm of your hands, utilize and experience the best calorie counter apps!
The 6 Best Calorie Counter Apps
1. MyFitnessPal
Powered by Under Armour, it is not surprising the MyFitnessPal app is one of the most popular apps for calorie counting. Besides, it has been named the #1 Health and Fitness app for four years straight.
Behind its easy navigation surface, lies an extensive nutrition database featuring over six million foods. The easy calorie counter app simplifies logging food by offering a barcode scanner and the option to save meals and recipes.
MyFitnessPal connects users to friends and the World's Largest Fitness Community. There, find advice, tips, and around-the-clock support to help reach goals.
Even going beyond a food calorie calculator app, MyFitnessPal allows users to choose from over 350 exercises or log customized workouts. Workouts can correspondingly be synced with other favorite apps and devices.
One suggested downfall, though, is the app some of the food data is entered by other users. This poses the risk of under or over estimating total calories.
2. Lose It!
The simple calorie and food tracker is praised for its detailed food information. The full food database and barcode scanner also make it simple to log into a personal food diary.
The app also prides itself a regimen that is easy to start. "Enter your profile details and goal weight, and we'll calculate your daily calorie budget. Next, just track your food, weight, and activity and get ready to rock your goals!"
Users also have the ability to dial in on nutrients needs by setting custom goals for macronutrients, water, and body measurements. The appl makes losing weight fun by challenging friendly competition amongst friends and an online community.
For those interested, LoseIt! has recently introduced embodyDNA. The program identifies genetic data and coordinates traits with personalized, DNA-based insights and weight loss recommendations.
3. MyPlate Calorie Tracker
Built by LIVESTRONG.COM, the simple design of counting calories with MyPlate Calorie Tracker is valued and easy to use. Others appreciate the easiness of adding foods, whether it be from a lengthy database or via food barcode.
One of the newest features is its free library of recipes, serving up healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner options. Each recipe was created by a Registered Dietitian and are recommended based on personal calorie expenditure and dietary preferences.
The app also offers nutrient breakdowns, 30-minute high-intensity workouts, meal plans, support. Also, embrace the ability to export and print data reports.
4. Argus by Azumio™
Argus is a creation of Azumio™, a leader in health and fitness apps and dedicated improving health. Their aim is to influence healthy behavior through the use of innovative mobile applications.
The Argus platform provides activity and diet tracking along with a social network focused on health and fitness. It ultimately allows users to track all activities (calories, weight, steps, walks, runs, sleep, heart rate) within one seamless application.
The Calorie Mama Instant Food Recognition app is able to calculate nutrition facts in the absence of a barcode. Instead, snap a quick food photo.
One noted downfall is the need to keep the phone handy to track activity level. This can run down battery life fairly quickly.
5. CRON-O-Meter
Users of CRON-O-Meter consistently value the whole-food database that tracks over 60+ micronutrients. The app supports specialized diets, including ketogenic, paleo, and vegan options.
CRON-O-Meter also makes it easy to log food thanks to its built-in barcode reader. Users can quickly edit and tweak recipes within the calories counter app.
The app is useful for tracking weight, blood pressure, body fat percentage, and other health parameters and. It can also sync nutrition data and activity with the Apple Health App.
6. SpeakPeople Calorie Counter
SparkPeople offers a huge nutrition list and calorie database online and via mobile app. The food diary is suggested to be simple and swift, with easy-to-add recipes. Not to mention, it is a calorie counter with barcode scanner for added convenience.
SparkPeople is equipped to customize meal plans and track fitness. Users can also obtain exercise demos performed by licensed trainers. A vast library of health and fitness articles is readily available, too.
Whereas SparkPeople offers calorie counting, the app mostly touts itself as a community. What's more, those who use SparkPeople are connected to others with shared goals and values.
How to Choose an App for Calorie Counting
Though the apps are all calorie trackers, each uses their own unique twists, perks, and limitations.
So when choosing an app, think about what features you desire: Do you wish for exercise regimens? If so, downloading the MyPlate Calorie Tracker may be your golden ticket to intense workouts. Do you own a fitness tracker? Syncing it to MyFitnessPal helps people track activity right at their fingertips.
Unless desiring a premium subscription with advanced features, the apps are generally free or low in price. So literally, feel free to download and play around with the apps!
But prospective users may fork out extra for premium features. For instance, MyFitnessPal costs $9.99 monthly for macro-counting sported on a custom nutrient dashboard. They also have access recipes approved by a dietitian.
But most importantly, do not let tracking calories totally take over. Calories do play a role in weight loss, yet there are additional factors to consider. Place the overall focus on embracing a total lifestyle filled with good nutrition choices. Also include regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.
