So you've finally made up your mind and decided to start eating healthier. Good for you; keeping a good diet offers more perks diet than just staying in shape. Eating healthy can improve your mood, eliminate risks of certain deceases, and even save you money.
As a sampler, we offer you to try this delicious selection of mobile apps that do everything from counting calories to helping you avoid foods you're allergic to.
1. Fitbit
Our first pick is perhaps the most well-known of all. You're familiar with Fitbit as a tool to use for tracking your day-to-day activity. However, it's actually great for tracking other parts of your daily routine.
If you want to start logging the food you eat, you can use Fitbit mobile app to do just that. Keeping a record of your meal history is made simple thanks to the barcode scanner. It won't let you forget about other parts of an effective diet, as it tracks your water intake and sleeping patterns as well.
To stay on top of your weight gain/loss even better, you can use the app together with the Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale from Fitbit.
Download: Fitbit for iOS | Android (Free)
2. YAZIO
At first glance, YAZIO looks like a simple calorie counter. But before you get to tracking the nutritional elements of your meals, the app offers you an opportunity to create a personal plan for losing weight.
You can also use it if you just want to get back in shape and build muscle. On the app, you can create meal plans and track your daily calorie intake as well as steps taken. There's even an option to sync it up with other fitness apps you use.
The app is free, with an option of an upgrade. Buying the Pro version unlocks a bunch of healthy recipes, as well as body fat and blood sugar tracking.
Download: YAZIO for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
3. MyFitnessPal
If you've tried various apps for losing weight in the past and didn't get the results you were hoping for, MyFitnessPal might be your answer. This app isn't just about telling you what to eat and not eat. There's a lot of community support in it as well.
The best part of this app is that it has its own fitness social network. You can connect with other users, exchange updates, and receive encouragement and support for reaching your goals. They're pretty much the (virtual) gym pals you never had. Of course, you also get a food diary to log your daily meals, and a calorie counter for millions of different food items.
You can download MyFitnessPal for free, but there's a subscription available for those who are looking for more tracking options and exclusive content.
Download: MyFitnessPal for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
4. Substitutions
Substitutions is an app that helps you find---you guessed it---substitutions for different foods and ingredients. This app will come in handy in both the supermarket and the kitchen.
It can help when you're trying to avoid eating certain foods, or if you realize you've run out of an ingredient in the middle of cooking. Speaking of which, are you aware of the great services that deliver fresh meals to your home?
Download: Substitutions for iOS (Free)
5. My Diet Coach
My Diet Coach is aimed at women, and is a good choice for anyone need of motivation. Just like an actual coach, the app is all about making sure you stay committed to reaching your goals.
The app lets you create an avatar that represents you. With time, you'll watch your avatar lose weight and get in shape together with you, as you complete your goals in both the virtual and real world.
You can set personalized reminders for yourself to help stay on track. My Diet Coach is less about the calorie counting approach and more about a virtual friend trying to help you along the way.The app has a set of motivational posts and photos as well.
Download: My Diet Coach for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
6. FoodPrint
While some nutrition apps start by asking you for your parameters and let you set your goals yourself, FoodPrint starts by asking you about what you eat. Once you've finished entering your taste preferences and health/fitness goals, the app will help you create a personalized menu.
Based on this, it also tells you how many calories you should eat each day to reach your goals. You'll also learn what types of fitness activities are best for you and your needs. To keep you accountable, FoodPrint allows you to share your progress on social media.
Download: FoodPrint for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
7. Find Me Gluten Free
When you're in a new neighborhood or traveling, finding a place that serves gluten-free meals can be difficult. Thankfully, Find Me Gluten Free will be your personal Yelp for gluten-free dining. You can look up restaurants near your current location, search for a place by address, or use an interactive map to see what's available around you.
User reviews let you check if the place is any good before you arrive.
Download: Find Me Gluten Free for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
8. Fooducate
If you're looking to get some food education, Fooducate is here to help you. If you struggle to make sense of nutrition information on food labels, you'll love this app. Using it, you can scan the barcode of a product (or type its name in) to find out its total calories, fat, and related information.
Fooducate can also help you track the calories you consume on daily basis. Plus, it will assess your sleep patterns, mood, and hunger levels to determine where your habits might need improvement. You can also log your health conditions and allergies into the app, and it'll help you avoid certain foods in the future.
Download: Fooducate for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Ready to Change Your Lifestyle?
Lifestyle changes never come easy. Bu sometimes all you need is one extra push to keep going. These apps can help you get motivated and stay committed to your goals.
Want to improve more than just your diet? Consider installing one of some eco-friendly apps that help you go green and live a more mindful life.